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Making your box
Any sort of wood will do. Exterior grade plywood is the best but plank wood makes cutting easier. Remember
to adjust the dimensions of the floor to suit the thickness of the wood you use. The dimensions shown are for
15mm thickness.
Galvanised nails will last longer than ordinary nails. Seal the sides with sealant as you build, to make the box
both windproof and waterproof. A small drainage hole in the base is essential to let liquid waste drain away or
in open front boxes to let any rainwater drain away.
Do not be tempted to add a perch as this allows predators to intimidate the nestlings and may force the adult
birds to leave. The hole should be at the top of the box to keep the young out of the reach of cats or
squirrels. Hole size is important as great tits will oust blue tits if they can get in the box. Blue tit and coal tit
25mm hole, great tit 28mm hole, house sparrow 32mm hole.
The birds may be seen pecking at the hole. This does not mean that the hole is too small. If you increase the
hole you may lose the birds.
Painting the box is not necessary. Indeed some
colours have been proved to put birds off. A coat
of linseed oil will keep the wood from drying out,
though is not essential. Some wood preservatives
can be poisonous to animals so they are best
avoided.
Where to fix your nestbox
The nestbox should be shaded from the hot sun
and sheltered from prevailing winds. In the United
Kingdom this means facing north-east, east or
south east. If necessary place the hole in the side
of the box. A little early morning sun will do no
harm. Between 2m and 3m above ground level is
best. Most birds like a clear flight path into the
nestbox so avoid any obvious obstructions.
Boxes too close together or near a bird table will
invite competition, so allow birds a bit of their
own territory.
A little piece of dried moss placed in the bottom
of your nestbox may be just enough to attract a
family.
Clean out the box every year. Rinse with boiling
water to kill parasites or use a short lived
insecticide such as pyrethrum powder.
Good luck!
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