Birds not returning to birdbox..is it dirty? (1 Viewer)

BabySparrow101

Active member

• May 17, 2020

• #1

We've had 2 wooden birdboxes near our fence for the past few years. We've had sparrows nesting in them. I noticed this year that no one is interested in them. I dont know why, perhaps we are supposed to clean them out? We have never cleaned them out..could there be something bad or hazardous inside and the birds know they shouldn't nest there?

Thanks !

 

PYRTLE

Old Berkshire Boy

• May 17, 2020

• #2

Ideally nestboxes should be cleaned at the very end of the breeding season or during the winter months in readiness for Spring foraging. Have they been painted or treated this year? Alternatively try resisting them somewhere quieter or safer.

 

Andy Adcock

Worst person on Birdforum

• May 17, 2020

• #3

PYRTLE said:

Ideally nestboxes should be cleaned at the very end of the breeding season or during the winter months in readiness for Spring foraging. Have they been painted or treated this year? Alternatively try resisting them somewhere quieter or safer.

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Predictive text has undone you Pat, 'resisting' = re-siting is what you intend?

And yes, clean boxes when each season is done, they get filthy, could be full of fleas or similar and maybe why it's not been used. I have also, occasionally found dead chicks which quickly become maggot ridden.

 

PYRTLE

Old Berkshire Boy

• May 17, 2020

• #4

andyadcock said:

Predictive text has undone you Pat, 'resisting' = re-siting is what you intend?

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Yep, thanks Andy. I've a woodcrete nestbox that hasnt been used for the first time in over 10 years ( same location from the start ) but was inspected by both Blue and Great Tits earlier this year.

 

Euan Buchan

The Edinburgh Birdwatcher

Supporter

• May 17, 2020

• #5

Yes always best to clean boxes after use though having said that I've had Great Tits use my Camera Nestbox though past 2 years they've not nested but sometimes use it to sleep in.

 

P

Pmringer

Member

• May 22, 2020

• #6

We have a couple on the side of our barn. The sparrows have started to make nests on several occasions but never finish or stay in there. I am curious if the entry hole is too large or perhaps the abundance of other species interested in the house is driving occupants away. Sorry if I hijack the thread with this comment.