Home Sweet Home

Bird house, bird box, nestbox, nest box, cavity - no matter what you call it, a properly built nestbox installed in the right location is home sweet home to our bluebird friends during nesting season. Pairs of bluebirds are breaking away into family groups and seeking a safe cavity to raise a family, so clean out the old nestboxes or install a new one. There are a few "best practices" when providing safe and sound nesting domain for a bluebird.

Selecting nestbox

• Use a 1 1/2" nestbox entrance hole for Eastern Bluebirds and a 1 9/16" hole for Mountain/Western Bluebirds.
• To combat Texas heat, consider using a box that is somewhat larger, thicker and more ventilated than standard bluebird nestboxes (for a heat-resistant nestbox, go to www.texasbluebirdsociety.org and click Building Plans).
• Not a “do-it-yourselfer?” Check out the Sales section of our website.

Selecting a nestbox location

• Place in an open area overlooking short grass so birds can see insects on ground.
• If possible, the location should have shade from late afternoon sun.
• If possible, a small tree or shrub should be within 100 feet or so.
• In Texas, space nestboxes by at least 50 yards if you want each nestbox occupied by bluebirds.

Mounting and installing nestbox

• Do not mount on trees or wood posts (too easily accessible to predators).
• Consider mounting the nestbox on 3/4" EMT conduit using mounting brackets or screws through drilled holes. Pound a 4' segment of 5/8" rebar into the ground and place the conduit (with box attached) over the rebar.
• If feral or roaming cats are a concern, mount the box at least 7' high (top of box to ground).
• Register nestbox location at www.nestwatch.org.

Preventing predators

• Apply a wide ribbon of grease to deter fire ants and other predators (a ribbon of tree Tanglefoot is an option). This must periodically be refreshed to remain effective.
• Add a Kingston Predator Baffle (plans located on www.texasbluebirdsociety.org, under Building Plans) to deter predators that climb with claws.
• If snakes are a problem, add a 5' tube of 3" or 4" PVC and paint it with thin grease to deter them. Alternatively, add nursery netting above a Kingston Predator Baffle to snare them.
• If sparrows persist after their nest and eggs are removed, trap House Sparrows with a Van Ert Trap
• Discourage wasps by rubbing the interior of the roof with a bar of Ivory soap.

Need more information on how to attract bluebirds to your backyard? Click on the Resources menu tab.