The Anatomy Of A Good Bluebird Nest Box

Nest boxes come in many shapes and sizes, and choosing which nest box to build or buy can be overwhelming. To help you sort through your choices I would like to share with you some suggestions that I personally recommend that will make a good nest box.

Untreated Wood and Not Less Than 3/4inches Thick. Wooden nest boxes are found to be cooler and better insulating material. Pine, Fir, Cedar and are good choices and the latter is better. Put nothing on your nest boxes, No stain, sealer, or paint, permit your box to the elements of the weather. Allow it to turn gray and rustic looking. Keeping in mind the bluebirds are looking for a natural nesting cavity.

Roof – I recommend a large over hanging roof. It will prevent water from getting into the nest box from severe storms and shades the nest box from direct sunlight. Do not put anything on the roof such as tin and roofing shingles, this will only cause excessive heat. I recommend the roof to extend four inches over the front and three inches over the sides of your nest box. (A 12×12 inch board for the roof will work well with a 4×4 inside floor measurement.

Ventilation – The most important part of a nest box. Never drill holes into the side of your nest box for ventilation. This will not allow enough heat to escape or let enough air to circulate inside of the nest box. I recommend ¼ inch space between the sides and the roof of the nest box as well as the floor corners notched out (4 corners) ¼ inches. this will allow water to escape but more importantly the air to circulate inside the nest box. Entrance hole 1 1/2 inches and 7 inches up from the inside floor.

Easy Access for Monitoring and Cleaning. I recommend side openings, Top openings make it difficult to clean the box and to monitor. Front opening the birds fly into your face when monitoring.

Rough or Grooved Interior Walls – Allows a foot hold for the nestlings to fledged the nest box.

Recessed Floor - Prevents water entering the nest box.

Sturdy Construction - Nothing less than ¾ inch wood. Use 1 ½ inch screws instead of nails. Pre-drill holes.

Front Predator Guard – By placing an additional board on the front of the nest box protects eggs, nestlings, and adult bird from outside intruders such as starlings and other animals. This no way replaces the baffle that is highly recommended to be mounted on the pole.

No Outside Perches at the Entrance Hole – Bluebirds do not require them. This only invites other birds that might harass the bluebirds.

Sparrow Trap – It is through my experience that a good bluebird nest box must be ready to control House Sparrows. I recommend purchasing the Van –Ert Sparrow Trap and install the screws that come with it. Then all you will have to do is slide the trap in place when needed. For more information on this subject click on my Blog topic creating a vindictive House Sparrow.

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