Nest Box Question
Oct 8th, 2008 by Birdy Trish
I’ve been given a nest box, but do not think I will use it. What do you think?
It has a side opening and then a full length plastic partition so that the birds nesting can be seen.
This is what I mean
nest box with side opening
I don’t know if you can see but there is a plastic divider the full length of the side of the nest box.
Surely the temperature inside the nest box would vary as well
It doesn’t seem right to be able to go to a nest box and open a side door to look at the nesting birds, surely it could make them desert the nest
The hook that keeps the side door closed does not seem very secure
bird box
I’ll have to think about it.
Tags: nest-boxes
I think it would be OK to take a peek inside while the parent birds are away collecting food. I think I have seen that done on various nature programmes on TV.
I do like the idea of being able to open the side to clean it out but like you I don’t think I would like to disturb a nest which is in use.
A few ideas:-
Tie some string, baler twine or whatever you have round just above the little catch so it can’t slip down. You could wind a few layers of insulation tape round the box. My favourite fix all is Blu-Tack. A small lump of that over the catch could stop it from jumping up.
John
Hi John, So it maybe OK to peek inside.
The photo I took doesn’t show very well, but when you open the side door there is a clear plastic sheet that does not open. So, thinking about it it will be hard to clean out. The green top is really screwed down well. The circular opening into the nest box is a bit rough (was told ages ago that if the opening has rough wood on it then it can damage birds feathers and young birds get hurt when trying to fly out of the nest).
I like the idea of blue tack or baler twine. Blue tack may be better as I suppose birds could get caught up in the baler twine (how do any of them ever survive!!).
Think I will put up this nest box with blue tack on the catch, but will see if I can sand down the nest hole opening first.
So to put up a nest box I first need blue tack and sand paper! How did I get to this position in my life!
Have decided to get a handy kam (hopefully as a Christmas present) so in the new year will be sorting that out.
Thanks for the advice. It’s good to listen (or read)
Hi Trish
I would agree with John about the ability to take a “peek” into the box, when the parent birds are away. I have used this type of box before but with the bottom half solid and the top half opening. It gives you a wonderful insight into the development of the egg to fledgling to fully feathered bird. it is what “bird watching” is all about, surely.
I would say not to approach the box if you think the parent birds are in residence and to be very limited with your visiting when they are feeding young.
Enjoy the experience, with understanding of the parental needs and all will be fine.
All my best, Andy