When the days are getting shorter and there is no more work to be done outside, you can still add something to your garden. Dark autumn days are ideal for building a nest box. Contrary to many assumptions, you should hang it outside immediately. On this page you can read why it makes sense to put up a nesting box in October.
If the nesting box is hung up too late, it is often no longer accepted
Don't wait until spring
If you hang up your nesting box (€49.85) in autumn, you are definitely on the safe side. If the first rays of sunshine of the year come prematurely, the insects will also crawl out of their hiding places prematurely. The better food supply causes the birds to become active as early as mid-February and to start building their nests.
The nest box as winter quarters
In addition, a nesting box not only serves as a breeding ground, but also offers numerous animal species protection from the cold in winter. Not only birds overwinter in the houses provided. Sometimes meet watch too
- squirrel
- Insects such as bumblebees
- bats
- dormouse
- butterflies
- or dormouse
It is therefore important, especially in winter, to offer a nesting box as a dwelling. Otherwise, many animals are exposed to the freezing cold without any protection.
tips
If your nest box is to serve as winter quarters, it is also important to ensure that there is an adequate supply of food. Hang fat balls (€9.99) in a nearby tree or set up an extra bird feeder. You can leave this support standing all year round. Once the birds have gotten used to the care, they rely on your help even in summer.
Clean nest box
Twice a year you should clean your nest box and remove old nests. However, you must not disturb the animals when they are breeding. The best times are late summer, before the animals move into their winter quarters, and February or March, before they start building their nests.