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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. Bluebirds do not tolerate swaying birdhouses, so anchor the nest box firmly to a smooth round pipe.
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 do you put in 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.
When should I put up a bluebird house?
Have your bluebird boxes in place by early spring when the bluebirds are looking for nesting sites. Boxes may also be put up later in the nesting season. In areas where bluebirds are present year round, they may use nestboxes for roosting on cold nights.
Can I mount 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.
How high off the ground should a bluebird house 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.
How close to a house can you put a bluebird house?
How Far Apart to Space Bluebird Houses Bluebird species Distance between nest boxes Eastern Bluebirds 100 yards (125-150 yards preferred) Western Bluebirds 100 yards (200-300 yards preferred) Mountain Bluebirds 200-300 yards.
How do I attract bluebirds to my bluebird house?
7 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 at your feeders.
Where should I put my bluebird house in my backyard?
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 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.
Do you put anything in a birdhouse?
Wood is the best material for birdhouses. Other materials (like metal or plastic) may not insulate the nest enough, so eggs or young could become chilled in cold weather or overheated in warm, sunny weather. Use rough-cut wood slabs, tree sections, or 3/4-inch plywood.
How do you attach a bluebird house to a metal pole?
There are several ways to mount your bluebird house on the pole. One method involves drilling 5/16-inch holes in the pipe and birdhouse, then using 1/4-inch bolts to fasten the house to the pole. You can also use pipe straps or electrical conduit hangers.
How do you keep snakes out of bluebird houses?
A sheet of hardware cloth — plastic-coated wire mesh — also helps deter snakes when it is on the ground beneath a bluebird house. Greasing the pole does little to convince snakes to keep away because many snake species are good climbers.
Do you have to clean out bluebird houses?
You must clean out your Bluebird house or else no others Bluebirds are likely to use it. And while Bluebirds can return to the same bird house every year, it still must be cleared of its nesting material so it can be cleaned thoroughly.
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.
Where do bluebirds sleep at night?
Where do bluebirds sleep at night? Sleeping places include pastures, orchards, parks, and meadows. Eastern Bluebirds will build nests in tree cavities to protect their young, in a behavior similar to that of woodpeckers. Bluebirds will sometimes construct their nests within abandoned woodpecker holes of trees.
Which direction should a bird nesting box face?
Unless there are trees or buildings which shade the box during the day, face the box between north and east, thus avoiding strong sunlight and the wettest winds. Make sure that the birds have a clear flight path to the nest without any clutter directly in front of the entrance.
What does a bluebirds nest look like?
Typical Bluebird Nest Description: Neat, cup shaped, woven nest typically 100% fine grass or pine needles. Cup may be in the back of the box. Occasionally bits of fur or a few feathers, or even some hair (e.g., from a horse). Notice the cup is deep, and more neatly woven than the rest of the nest.
