What are the best dimensions for a bluebird house?
Cut the front of the box, 5″ wide and 10 3/4″ long, with an entrance hole (a 1 1/2″ hole for eastern bluebirds or western bluebirds, and 1 9/16″ hole where ranges for the two overlap with mountain bluebirds) whose center is 2″ from the top and 2 1/2″ from each side.
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.
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.
Should a bluebird house have a perch?
No Perches – bluebird boxes do NOT need perches on the exterior of the box. Since bluebirds are cavity nesting birds, their feet are adapted to clinging to wood. Also, the presence of a perch may attract house sparrows which seem to prefer them.
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.
Does a bluebird house need a perch?
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.
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.
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.
How do I attract bluebirds to my bluebird house?
Where should I place the bluebird nest box?
Locate in an open, grassy field edge or lawn area away from trees. Place the box about 5 feet off the ground on a wooden or metal pole. Face the entrance hole AWAY from the west, north, or northwest, as this is the primary direction that spring/summer storms come from. Place away from dense cover (shrubs, thickets) and woods.
How do you build a bluebird box?
How to Build a Simple Bluebird Nest Box How to Build a Simple Bluebird Nest Box: Tools Needed: Mark the Board and Cut Each Length Check Your Cuts and That They Fit Together Assemble the back to one side; the box is the width of the board so screw the back down onto the side. Assemble the swivel side.
How do you mount a bluebird box?
Mount the bluebird nesting box on a free-standing, metal, 6 to 6 1/2 ft tall pole with two pipe clamps; wood poles are not encouraged because predators can easily climb them. Lay the nesting box with the front facing down on a table or bench. Lay the pole over it, the top of the pole flush with the roof of the box.
What is the best placement for a Bluebird house?
Bluebirds like open spaces. These birds prefer the suburbs and rural areas for those reasons. Open yards, meadows, pasture land, orchards and golf courses are excellent locations for bluebird houses.