Do I Need A Bluebird Box?

Bluebird
Eastern Bluebird (Male)
Sialia sialis

YES.

One of the reasons that bluebirds have been so hard to find is because alot of their natural habit is gone. Bluebirds are cavity nesters. This means they are unable to make the kind of nest cavitites they need. So they must rely on what is already available in the area. So think about it... no nesting cavities...no bluebirds. Bluebird boxes provide them with hard to find shelter, and also gives us the enjoyment of watching them.

There are many places where you can buy a bluebird box.Most hardware or lumber stores and large department stores carry them.

If you would like to make one on your own, here are some guidelines which you may follow.



10 Features of a Successful Bluebird Box


No Perch should be attached to the front of the box, for this may encourage house sparrows, which are undesirable competitors.

Entrance holes should be 1 1/2 inches in diameter for eastern bluebirds and 1 9/16 inches for mountain and western bluebirds. If the hole is oval, it should be 1 3/8 inches wide and 2 1/4 inches long.

Floor dimensionsshould be approximately 4 by 4 inches for eastern bluebirds and 5 by 5 inches for mountain and western bluebirds.

Height from top of floor to bottom of entrance hole should be approximately 5-7 inches.

Opening the box should be easy for monitoring and cleaning. Side or front opening boxes are easiest to monitor.

Ventilation by means of small holes drilled at the top of the sides or back, or gaps left between the roof and sides or front, should be provided.

Drainage holes such as holes drilled in the floor or space between the floor and the sides, should be present.

Attaching the box to a tree or post should be easy. Be sure this has been provided for.

Use 3/4 inch thick wood as the building material to provide adequate insulation from the sun.

The roof should overhang the entrance hole by at least 1-2 inches to keep out rain and shade the entrance.




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