Table of Contents
How high should a bluebird nesting box be?
Height: Bluebirds nest within a wide range of heights, from two to 50 feet. Mounting at eye level provides easy checking; however, if cats or other predators are problems, hang nest boxes at least six to eight feet from the ground.
Where do you put a nesting box for a bluebird?
Place nest boxes in the sunniest, most open area possible, away from your house or deep shade. Bluebirds prefer large expanses of short grass with a clear flight path, ideally facing a field. Try not to place the house too close to feeders. Make sure it is mounted 5 to 10 feet off the ground.
What month do bluebirds build nests?
Scouting: February to Mid-March: Bluebirds start checking out nesting sites. Late arrivals, or previously unpaired birds may nest as late as July or even August, and some pairs have multiple broods.
Which way do you face a bluebird house?
The house should face south or southeast. Selecting a suitable location for the bluebird house is of house. They should be set out by February 15.
What color should a bluebird house be?
Bluebirds prefer earthy tones, such as the colors of grass and dirt. For this reason, shades of brown and green are good choices. Bright colors attract other birds and predators, which is detrimental to bluebirds.
Can you put a bluebird house on a tree?
You SHOULD NOT mount bluebird boxes on the sides of trees, fences, or buildings. These are very difficult if not impossible to protect from climbing predators. Also, do NOT hang bluebird boxes. They seem to prefer fixed boxes that are not swinging randomly in the wind.
When should I put up a bluebird house?
Because bluebirds will use birdhouses as winter roosting spots, there is no best time to put out houses for them—anytime is fine. Bluebirds begin investigating potential nesting sites as early as late February, so houses should be clean, repaired, and available for nesting birds by February 15.
How close to a house can you put a bluebird house?
Mount the house between 4 and 6 feet high to make it harder for predators to get in, but at eye level for you to see in and check on the birds’ progress. If you have multiple houses, place them 100-300 feet apart. Bluebirds are territorial, and don’t like to have their neighbors too close by.
How do I attract bluebirds to my birdhouse?
Seven Tips for Attracting Bluebirds Open it up. Bluebirds prefer open areas with low grass and perches from which they can hunt insects. Leave it alone. Plant native. Just add water. Go chemical-free. Beware of roaming cats. Offer mealworms.
Should you remove old bluebird nest?
Bluebirds will typically raise between 2 and 3 broods each year, and they will often re-use old nests. But because old nesting material can harbor bacteria and parasites, it’s best to remove the nests as soon as the juveniles have left the nest.
Do bluebirds sleep in their nest at night?
She usually stays on the nest at night. While they may sit on eggs occasionally during the egg laying period, “full-time” regular incubation doesn’t start until all eggs are laid. They may wait about a week if weather is still cold.
Why do bluebird houses face east?
Regardless of compass orientation, bluebirds prefer nesting boxes with openings facing away from prevailing winds that might blow rain into the house, as well as away from midday to afternoon sun that overheats the inside. Bluebirds will initially choose a house regardless of the direction it faces.
Do bluebirds eat birdseed?
Bluebirds rarely eat birdseed, although they will occasionally take shelled sunflower, safflower and peanut chips/nut meats. If bluebirds are seen at a bird feeder, they may also be seeking out insects/larvae in the seed, or dried fruits or nut meats mixed with seed.
How close can you put bird boxes together?
Species of all wild birds can be extremely territorial so therefore it could turn nasty if setting up your bird boxes wrong. With that in mind – and making sure boxes always face north/east – keep a distance of about 20 feet or more, a shorter distance may confuse who’s box belongs to whom.
Why are bluebird boxes important?
Bluebirds have a large historical and cultural significance in the Eastern United States. They continue to play an important role in protecting crops from insects, ensuring a reliable food source for people. Farmers plant bluebird boxes around agricultural fields to feed on insects that can otherwise destroy crops.
Can you paint or stain a bluebird house?
Well Built: A bluebird house should be watertight, yet ventilated and with drainage holes. It should be built of a rot resistant wood, like cedar, or untreated exterior plywood. You can paint the outside a light, neutral color or coat it with linseed oil, but the inside should be untreated wood.
Is it OK to paint a birdhouse?
Is it safe to paint a birdhouse? Yes, it is safe to paint a birdhouse as long as you use non-toxic paint. Also, ensure the paint you use is not so dark that it absorbs too much heat. Finally, keep in mind that overly bold and bright colors may attract predators if not carefully placed.
How do you keep house wrens out of bluebird boxes?
So here are five methods to discourage house wrens from using your bluebird houses: Mount bluebird houses at least 50 feet away from heavily wooded areas. Take down or modify any ornamental bird houses in your yard. Keep wrens busy by removing their “dummy nests” Use wren guards on active bluebird houses.
What Bird will take over a bluebird box?
You guess it! House sparrows are native to Europe and were brought over in the early 1850s. They are quite competitive over nesting cavities and in a bluebird vs. house sparrow match-off, the sparrow will win almost every time.
