Nest boxes resolve the problem many animals face when it comes to finding a protected area to live and raise young. When properly designed, the boxes can attract wildlife to new areas, help increase the species' population and provide endless hours of enjoyment for interested observers.

Below is a list of recommendations to make a nest box successful:

Animal species that are natural "cavity nesters' can be attracted to man made boxes.

• Birds: wrens, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, tree swallows, purple martins, bluebirds, flycatchers, woodpeckers, screech owls, barn owls, kestrels, wood ducks ...

• Mammals: gray, red and flying squirrels, raccoons, bats, mice, chipmunks ...

Building Materials:

Whether you build your own or buy a nest box, you should look for  long lasting,  rough-cut wood. Redwood, white cedar, western cedar and cypress are good. A rough surface is necessary as both birds and mammals will need to climb on the wood. The outside may be painted or stained to camouflage and preserve. (Flat finish green or brown are usually best.) Paint is not needed for the woods listed above since they are durable as is and weathering will camouflage them over time.

Hardware should be rust resistant brass or galvanized materials.

Construction:

Boxes should be built to protect from predators and weather.

The dimensions of the box will depend The entrance hole diameter and depth of the box are especially important in attracting the right species while keeping others out.

A sloping roof that extends over the entrance will keep rain out of the box. A line cut across the underside of the roof overhand will also help by creating a "drip line". Several small holes drilled in the floor will allow drainage of any water that does get inside.

A few 1/4" holes should be drilled on the sides just under the roof to allow ventilation during the hot summer.

One side should be hinged to facilitate cleaning after the birds have finished nesting. This is often done by using nails at the top for the hinge and a couple of screws at the bottom to secure it.

Check plans to see if a perch on the outside is suggested. This will depend on the species. However, it is a good idea to nail a flat piece of wood to the inside below the entrance hole to provide a step up to it.

Avian Wildlife Center

A New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation

146 Neilson Road Wantage, New Jersey 07461
(973) 702-1957