Places on house walls and garden sheds, on the balcony or in the shed are suitable places for a bird nest box. The prerequisite is that this position is protected. Both wind and weather as well as predators can pose a potential threat to the young birds.
Nest boxes should be sheltered and hung out of the reach of cats
what birds want
To avoid not accepting the nesting box (49.85€), you must pay attention to the location. Equally important are the height and location of the dwelling. Songbirds will accept an artificial nesting aid if it offers optimal protection from predators, weather conditions and disturbances. You should hang the boxes, because putting them up does not meet the requirements.
These heights make sense:
- small songbirds: like nesting boxes at eye level at 150 to 180 centimeters
- larger songbirds: love a distance of 2.8 to 3.5 meters from the ground
- birds of prey: feel comfortable at dizzy heights between four and ten meters
Neighborhood not always welcome
If you want to install several nesting aids in your garden, you must ensure that there is a generous distance between the boxes. Not every bird turns out to be sociable. Starlings and swallows are colony breeders who have no problem with breeding pairs in their area. Many songbirds drive conspecifics and strange neighbors out of their territory so that they can find enough food for their offspring themselves. Therefore, keep a distance of ten meters.
Correct suspension
Face the entrance hole to the east or south-east. If the dwelling faces south, the interior heats up considerably during the summer, putting the brood at risk. It is not uncommon for young birds to jump out of the nest due to excessively high temperatures. A western suspension is equally unsuitable, since the risk of penetrating rain is higher here. For better protection against wind and weather, it is advisable to attach the wooden box at an angle to the front.
When should I hang a nest box?
The ideal season for hanging is autumn, because birds or small mammals and insects can use the dwelling to hibernate and rest. A stable wire bracket, which is placed around the trunk, offers a gentle attachment option.