Table of contents
- nesting box
- Location
- direction
- time
- hanging
- Distance
- cleaning
Whether it's tits, robins or starlings, birds need a safe nesting site to lay eggs, incubate and raise their young. In our modern cultural landscape, however, these are becoming increasingly rare. Man-made and hung nesting boxes are therefore of great importance for the survival of the animals. In order for this to work, however, a few points must be observed when hanging up.
nesting box
A nest box is an artificial construction that provides birds with a secure cavity in which to build a nest and raise their offspring. However, a nest box is not just a nest box.
That means: Not every shape is suitable for every bird species. However, with a shape that follows the classic starling box, a safe breeding room can be built for most of the bird species that occur here. The size and above all the diameter of the entry hole is of course of importance that should not be underestimated. After all, the animals must have enough space for a nest and be able to get into the box in the first place.
A rule of thumb: The larger the bird species, the larger the nesting box and entrance hole must be.
Tip:
Before you start building or buying a nest box, it is best to observe which bird species are common in the garden and only then make a decision.
Location
The ideal location for a nesting box must meet two main requirements: It should definitely offer security from predators and be protected from the adversities of the weather. The most dangerous predators for birds are cats and martens. Cats kill hundreds of thousands of birds every year. It is therefore crucial to place a nest box out of the reach of these animals.
The problem with this: Cats are excellent climbers who can easily scale a tree. Nevertheless, a nest box that hangs at a height of two to five meters is usually sufficiently protected against access by a cat. It is very similar with martens. Basically, the following objects are suitable for attaching nest boxes to them:
- trees
- free-standing poles and masts
- Exterior walls of houses, garages and sheds
- eaves
In addition to protection from predators, weather protection also plays a major role in the choice of location. Under no circumstances should it be able to rain through the entry hole into the box. It should also be protected from strong winds.
direction
The central aspect to create a nesting or Reliably protecting the star box from the imponderables of the weather is the direction in which it is aimed. If possible, it should be installed in a wind-protected place - in such a way that the entry opening faces north, north-east or east. Under no circumstances should it face south, as this can lead to strong heating of the inside of the box by the sun. The compass direction the orientation of the entrance hole applies to all bird species from tits to robins to starlings.
time
It is best to put up a new nesting box in autumn or late autumn of the previous year. Although no bird will use it at this time, it will get rid of any inherent smells that could irritate the animals by spring. Nest boxes should definitely be in place by February at the latest.
hanging
There are basically two methods of hanging up nest boxes securely. On the one hand there is the classic hanging, where the box is hung on a nail, a hook or just a branch.
Tip:
If you want to hang a nest box on a tree using a nail, you should definitely use an aluminum nail. This can prevent serious damage to the tree.
The second method of hanging nest boxes is based on hinges or slings. Hinges are often used when the box is to be attached to a wall. Wire loops, on the other hand, are perfect for mounting on trees and other round objects. For trees, however, the sling should be sheathed to prevent the wire from cutting into the delicate bark and damaging the tree. For example, an old garden hose can be used as a cover. It is also important that the sling or really tighten the slings to ensure the nest box stays in place and doesn't slip off.
Distance
If you want to hang up several nesting boxes at the same time, it is a good idea to keep a sufficient distance between them. Even if birds appear to us to be very peace-loving creatures, there are sometimes conflicts among them. Especially when the animals breed, they sometimes react hostile to conspecifics and especially other bird species. They defend their territory, the center of which is the nest. The distance between two nesting boxes should therefore be at least three meters. However, a distance of ten meters is better.
cleaning
Although birds are easily able to build a nest in a nest box. However, they cannot remove the nest after the young have fledged. But that is exactly what is necessary to free the box from faeces and leftover food. After it has been ensured that it is no longer used, a nesting or starling box must be completely cleared out and cleaned. The cleaning is carried out exclusively with warm water and a brush. Detergents should not be used. Without this cleaning, there is a risk that germs will form. On the other hand, it can also be that the animals simply do not want to accept a dirty box in the coming year.
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