nhbs 254493 Wooden Bird Nest Box User Guide

: May 15, 2024
: nhbs

Table of Contents

nhbs 254493 Wooden Bird Nest Box
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
INTRODUCTION
BIRD BOX DESIGN
BIRD BOX MATERIALS
BIRD BOX LOCATION
MOUNTING AND INSTALLING BIRD BOXES
FURTHER INFORMATION
ACCESSORIES AND SUGGESTED READING
Documents / Resources

nhbs 254493 Wooden Bird Nest Box

nhbs-254493-Wooden-Bird-Nest-Box-PRODUCT

Product Information

Specifications

Material: WoodStone, Wood, Rendered Build-In, Eco materials
Designs: Various designs for different bird species
Entrance Hole Diameter: 25/26mm, 28mm, 32mm, 45/50mm
Specialist Boxes: Swift boxes, Sparrow terraces, Owl boxes, Nest cups, Tunnels, Nest baskets, etc.

Product Usage Instructions

Bird Box Design Selection

Choose a bird box design based on the target bird species. Consider the entrance hole diameter and specific design features for different bird species.

Location and Installation

Place the bird box in a suitable location away from predators and disturbances.
Install the box securely using appropriate mounting methods.

Maintenance

Regularly clean and inspect the bird box to ensure it remains safe and habitable for birds. Replace any damaged parts as needed.

FAQ

Q: How do I choose the right bird box for a specific bird species?

A: Consider the size of the bird species and their nesting habits.
Select a box with an entrance hole diameter suitable for the target species.

Q: Where should I place the bird box for optimal bird attraction?

A: Place the bird box in a quiet and sheltered area, preferably facing away from direct sunlight and prevailing winds.

Q: How often should I clean the bird box?

A: It is recommended to clean the bird box at least once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring before the breeding season begins.

INTRODUCTION

All bird species play an important role in enriching and transforming habitats, from aiding plant pollination and spreading seeds to maintaining a predator-prey balance.
UK bird populations are declining in both number and diversity, and this is closely associated with the decline in suitable habitat.
It is therefore important that we play our part in providing safe spaces for birds to inhabit.
The addition of bird boxes can encourage bird colonization, nesting, and breeding.
Once you have a bird species in mind, there are a few things to consider before purchasing a bird box, including the design and the material of the bird box, as well as the location of the box, and the mounting and installation method.

BIRD BOX DESIGN

Bird species differ in behavioral and physiological characteristics and because of this, one of the simplest ways to categorize bird boxes is by species.
There are some more general bird boxes available and these support a wide number of bird species.
The key difference between their suitability is the entrance hole diameter.
For the smallest of species, including Blue Tits, Coal Tits, and Marsh Tits.
Smallest of bird species, plus slightly larger species such as Great Tits and Tree Sparrows.
Variety of species including Tree and House Sparrows, Nuthatches, flycatchers, as well as smaller bird species.

45/50mm round

Open-fronted

Bird species that nest in open cavities such as Robins, Wrens, wagtails, and flycatchers.
Vivara Pro Barcelona WoodStone
Open Nest Box
Designed for Starlings and Great Spotted Woodpeckers.

Some species require specialist boxes with a specific design:

Swift boxes

These have a large internal cavity and a horizontally elongated entrance hole (often found at the bottom or downward-facing side of the box).
Round holes exclude Swifts, whereas Swift boxes can be used by most small bird species.

Sparrow terraces

Sparrows nest in colonies and benefit from boxes that are close together or preferably terraced boxes with multiple chambers connected.

Swallow and House Martin nest cups

Swallows and House Martins nest in open nest boxes in enclosed areas (under the eaves of a building for example).

Owl boxes

Owl boxes are larger with a bigger entrance hole and often have sturdy front platforms for owlets.
Some owl boxes can be mounted on branches in a horizontal position to simulate a natural nest spot like a decaying branch.
We supply other specialist bird boxes including Kingfisher and Sand Martin tunnels, large bird nest baskets, Kestrel boxes, and Treecreeper boxes. Our item pages include further information on the species and suitability of these boxes.

BIRD BOX MATERIALS

There are several materials that bird boxes are made from. These include wood (often timber); a wood and concrete blend, sometimes known as woodstone or woodcrete; eco-plastic; and concrete.
Each material has different qualities that impact its longevity, durability, and often price. Below is a brief description of each alongside one of our best sellers.

Wooden bird boxes

Lightweight
Externally mounted (suitable for both trees and buildings)
Not as robust and has shorter longevity than other material boxes

Eco-plastic bird boxes

Sustainably sourced recycled plastic
Lighter than woodstone/wood crate and better durability than wooden boxes
Although recycled plastic, it is still plastic

Woodstone and woodcut bird boxes

Very durable and long-lasting
Well insulated
Option to build into buildings or be externally mounted Heavier than wooden and eco-plastic boxes

Concrete bird boxes

Extremely durable
Very heavy
Can only be built into buildings

BIRD BOX LOCATION

There are a couple of factors that should be considered before fixing your bird box. All boxes need to be placed in a safe location and its exposure to the weather and predators needs to be considered.
It is a good idea to put up your box in an area that gets some shade during the day. If this is not possible, the box should be situated in a non-south-facing position.
The box can be slightly tilted forward to make sure the rain rolls off the top of the roof and not into the box. Importantly, there also needs to be a clear flight path for the birds to easily access the entrance hole.
The height at which you should place the bird box is species-dependent. In most cases, the box should be placed at least 2m above ground – this is also a good way to deter predators such as cats.
For smaller birds, a height of 2–5m should be suitable, whereas larger birds and birds of prey require a minimum height of 4–5m.

MOUNTING AND INSTALLING BIRD BOXES

There are two different ways to fix a bird box. They can be externally mounted to a surface, such as a tree, fence, or building, or built into the brickwork of a building – these are known as integrated bird boxes.
Before you externally mount the bird box, you need to consider its weight and the surface you’ll be fixing the box to.
For example, lighter boxes may be better for trees or fences, whereas heavier and/or more durable boxes may better suit being fixed to buildings.
Bird boxes that can be integrated into buildings are popular with new housing developments because they can be built flush with the wall, making them aesthetically pleasing and discrete.
To add to this, some of these boxes are plain for rendering or can be custom-faced with a chosen brick type.
These boxes provide a safe and spacious area for birds to nest, and the entrance hole must be left exposed to allow the birds easy access to the box.

FURTHER INFORMATION

We supply a wide range of bird boxes and we hope this Buyer’s Guide is informative and provides a useful breakdown of the different types available to help you decide which bird box best suits your needs.
For further information, please get in contact with us directly and take a look at our blogs including The NHBS ID Guide to UK Garden Birds, Best Bird Boxes for Different Species, and The NHBS Guide: Where to Hang and How to Maintain Your Nest Box.

ACCESSORIES AND SUGGESTED READING

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Explore the complete range of bird boxes on our website. If you have any questions about our range or would like some advice on the right product for you, then please contact us via email at customer.services@nhbs.com or phone at 01803 865913
www.nhbs.com
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