Hi, quickie question re handmade birdboxes/houses (1 Viewer)

[sianjs]

I am currently designing a birdhouse - I would like it to attract as many species as possible (am talking about birds in North America primarily), who nest happily together..?

My first question is what would be the optimum entrance hole size - currently planning 1.1/2 inches? Second question, if I decorate with small wind vane on top will this movement put birds off - I am hoping not and frankly branches/trees move ....? Third question - could I have three entrance holes (same size obviously) in one nesting/birdhouse space - really grateful for any thoughts/expertise on this subject.... regards and thanks in advance

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum! I am sure that you will find lots to interest you here and I hope you enjoy your visits.

1. The entrance hole size will depend on what species you hope to attract.
2. The movement of a weather vane on the house may put birds off.
3. I am pretty sure that different species will not want to share a nest box.

 

[sianjs]

Welcome to Birdforum! I am sure that you will find lots to interest you here and I hope you enjoy your visits.

1. The entrance hole size will depend on what species you hope to attract.
2. The movement of a weather vane on the house may put birds off.
3. I am pretty sure that different species will not want to share a nest box.

Many thanks for your very clear response - hugely grateful! I understand everything but if I have quite a large birdhouse can there be more than one entrance hole but not separate compartments inside - or will several entrances (of same size of course) put birds off?

 

[Kits]

There doesn't seem to be any need for more than one entrance. I don't think you need to make a large birdhouse either. If you google, there are suggested sizes for different species. As I said, it is highly unlikely that different species will share a nest box. You would be better off making different boxes according to the species you would like to attract and positioning them at different points in your garden.

 

[KC Foggin]

Hi there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum

We're glad you found us and thanks for taking a moment to say hello. Please join in wherever you like

 

[delia todd]

Hi sianjs and a warm welcome from me too.

I really don't think this will work. Most birds don't like nesting in close proximity to each other (there are a few exceptions, such as Storks, Rooks, House Sparrows and House Martins). Others will be under so much stress with having intruders, competitors and possibly predators so near to them that they will abandon the nest, if they ever got started.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[Lisa W]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Nice of you to join us.

 

[Fritz73]

Welcome to Birdforum

 

[sianjs]

There doesn't seem to be any need for more than one entrance. I don't think you need to make a large birdhouse either. If you google, there are suggested sizes for different species. As I said, it is highly unlikely that different species will share a nest box. You would be better off making different boxes according to the species you would like to attract and positioning them at different points in your garden.

Many thanks Kits

 

[sianjs]

Hi there and a warm welcome to you from those of us on staff here at BirdForum

We're glad you found us and thanks for taking a moment to say hello. Please join in wherever you like

Thank you for the welcome!

 

[Janar]

I am currently designing a birdhouse - I would like it to attract as many species as possible (am talking about birds in North America primarily), who nest happily together..?

My first question is what would be the optimum entrance hole size - currently planning 1.1/2 inches? Second question, if I decorate with small wind vane on top will this movement put birds off - I am hoping not and frankly branches/trees move ....? Third question - could I have three entrance holes (same size obviously) in one nesting/birdhouse space - really grateful for any thoughts/expertise on this subject.... regards and thanks in advance

You can get interesting ideas in here. Birdhouseplan.com Lots of different birdhouse plans, birdhouse plan books and much more.

 

[Chris G6 UXU]

Hello and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.