Common general reasons
- not hung up in time
- inappropriate location
- better offers in the vicinity
- Texture of the nesting box
Drafts
The entrance hole should always face east-south-east to avoid westerly winds. With a self-made one nesting box(€ 8.99 at Amazon *) warped boards or improperly processed wooden walls can also lead to drafts.
also read
- Why is my insect hotel not being accepted?
- The ideal location for a nest box in the garden
- Correctly attach a nesting box
Late installation
After mild winters, birds often start building nests as early as February. You should therefore hang up your nest box in autumn.
Concealed entrance hole
Birds use the direct route to their nest. If trees or bushes block the flight path, the nest box will be rejected.
Unclean processing
Birds get injured quickly at a sharp-edged entrance hole. If you watch a titmouse repeatedly pecking at the entrance hole, this indicates splintery edges.
Wrong size of the entrance hole
Each species of bird prefers a different size of entry hole. In order to attract as many bird species as possible, you should hang up several nesting boxes with different designs.
Paint that is hazardous to health
Only use environmentally friendly paint, such as linseed oil, to paint your nest box. Birds can perceive toxic substances and avoid them.
Wrong location
The inside of the nesting box becomes very warm in direct sunlight. Therefore, never face it south.
Predators nearby
Have a cat that roams the garden a lot. Certainly it lurks for breeding birds - an understandable reason to avoid the nest box.
Not enough food
In order to use as little energy as possible during the breeding season, birds prefer a home in which the environment has an abundant supply of food. Put up a bird feeder or hang it up Tit dumplings(€ 9.99 at Amazon *) in the tree.
insects
That it is Bumblebees or making bees comfortable in a nesting box is not uncommon. Birds are reluctant to share their nests with the buzzing guests.
Troubled environment
Busy roads or children playing disturb the birds during breeding and feeding.
Filled nest box
Birds build their nests themselves. You don't have to equip your nest box with material already.
Better deals
If the nest box in the neighboring garden meets the requirements, this is of course preferred.
Too little distance
There is also competition among birds. Several nest boxes should therefore be 10 meters apart.