Blue tit nestbox entrance length

[nutjob]

My house had an outside loo but it is really just a shed now. I have seen blue tits investigating the hole in the wall where the loo cistern overflow pipe used to go. This has made me wonder whether a blue tit would nest in there if I attached a box on the inside. So that the hole in the wall would act as the entrance. This means that the nesting birds would have to travel around 6 inches through the wall in order to reach the box. Are they likely to do this given that most boxes just have the thickness of a piece of wood (around 12 mm) at the entrance.

I am probably going to try it anyway but, if you understand my description above, does anyone know whether blue tits or any other species would be prepared to do this? I live in the London suburbs so the possibilities are limited.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[jimbeaux]

Sorry, I don't know the answer but I think it's worth a try anyway. I've put up a few boxes attached to holes in wooden sheds with some success. If you make the back of the box out of perspex you can get a great view too. But make sure you can keep it covered for most of the time so it remains in the dark.

Good luck

Jim

[david2004]

I agree with Jim. It's definitely worth a try. I'm sure a wall with that is thick is actually helpful for cold/hot temperatures and to keep the weather out.

[IanF]

I have seen Blue Tits fly through a 3' length of metal pipe sticking out of the ground to nest, so the wall shouldn't be a problem.

Must admit though I'd be inclined to just place a box on the exterior wall and see which they prefer to use.