Is it time to buy a new nest box?
It’s getting close to that time of year when we should be considering a general tidy up, and, perhaps in some instances, the installation of new nest boxes in our gardens. With the breeding season far behind us now, many birds have completed their main task for the year. It is imperative to do this each year, as often nest boxes become home to various parasites which may infest young birds throughout the following breeding season.
Don’t worry, it is completely within the law to clean and remove any old nesting material, including dead eggs, from your nest boxes, as long as it is done between September 1st and January 31st. This ensures no damage is done to any birds or young currently resident in the box(es). However, be aware that some species of hole-nesting birds may have second or third broods, which can last into the autumn months, so while September 1st is a general rule of thumb, always use caution when handling your nest boxes.
Top tips for cleaning and positioning your nest boxes:
- Be completely sure there are no resident young in the nest boxes
- Wear gloves and a dust mask. Older nest boxes that have not been used for some time may harbour fungi on damp nesting material, which can cause or aggravate respiratory conditions. Nest boxes can also be home to fleas and parasites; please place any old material straight into a sealable plastic bag and dispose of it immediately
- Should you find any dead eggs, destroy them as soon as possible
- Use a quality enzyme solution specific for cleaning nests and feeders. These are available in concentrate or spray form, like our Ark-Klens range; and you can use boiling water to kill any remaining parasites, leaving the box to dry
- Finally, consider carefully the position of your nest boxes for next year’s breeding season. The number one rule is not to place the nest box in direct sunlight. Placing the next box in September will also allow your garden birds to accommodate themselves to the boxes; your chances of a successful garden brood will be greatly enhanced
GardenBird have one of the largest selections of nest boxes available, which can be viewed on our website at www.gardenbird.co.uk/accessories. We have stock of nest boxes with varying hole sizes suitable for most garden birds.
Alternatively, you could build your own birdhouse. Find out how here.
Take a look at some of our most popular nest boxes
Birch Log Open Nest Box
Ideal for Robins, this hand crafted open fronted nest box is made from FSC friendly silver birch wood and has a heavy duty wooden roof.
Natural Log Nesting Box
This FSC friendly, natural log nesting box is a hollowed out log complete with bark intacts. A beautiful addition to your garden, it is suitable nest box for a wide range of birds in your area.
Roosting Pocket
This natural fibre roosting pocket is designed to provide a cosy overnight retreat for birds, particularly during the dangerous colder weather.
Dark Wood Nest Box
This solid and sturdy nest box is constructed from FSC pine, thick cut parts provide improved insulation. Well made and finished in a dark stain, at attractive piece for your garden.
Dovecote Nest Box
Designed in the style of a traditional dovecote this bird house features a handmade timber shingle roof topped with a gorgeous white finial, making it suitable for an array of small hole-nesting species.
I am reading this in France so I cannot order your products but it is lovely to read about British wild birds, some of which we do have here, including a lot of blue tits and
great tits. My French farming neighbours think I am strange to feed the wild birds but in general the French are beginning to see the benefits and of course we have enormous supplies of sunflower seeds here.
I am very popular with the general wild life …