Bird House, what, where and how.

I've eyed this particular bird house which is being displayed at a local friendly Nursery. I love, love to get one but I'd like to learn more about what I'm getting into? First reason, I'd like to provide a safe place for the birds in the garden to nest, and not only for decorative purpose.

My questions:

1. What kind of birds would likely be attracted to such setting?
2. Does the color scheme of the 'houses' matter in influencing certain type of birds? (Yippie! I can have it taylor-made to my desire). I'm secretly wishing to attract Eastern Blue Birds. lol

2.a. For Eastern Blues -- how high off of the ground should I have the lovely house installed?

3. I understand the bird houses need to be cleaned out periodically, should I plan on making it portable, or can we just bring a watering hose to it every so often, say after the nesting season is done.


Your input is greatly appreciated.
Signed; Love my birds.

Hi Lily, This type of "multiple apartment" house would not be good for Bluebirds . They like A LOT of distance between them and the next bird house.

I'll skip to question # 2a- 5-6 feet off the ground with a baffle.

#3- Should be cleaned out after chicks fledge with a mild Bleach solution. You should be able to detach it so it will be easier to clean out debris and then clean with the bleach solution.

More info here at Sialis- http://www.sialis.org/eablbio.htm

Stovepipe Baffle- http://www.sialis.org/baffle.htm

Cleaning Nestbox- http://www.sialis.org/clean.htm

Hello Lily,

OMG! That birdhouse is AWESOME! I wish I could help you with info. I'm very new to birds nesting in houses. We added 3 to our backyard...2 wren houses and one to accommodate any med-sized bird...House Finch, Wrens if they want...hopefully not a HOSP, but since no house was occupied last year, we'd be happy with any takers at this point...LOL

Last September we did have a female HOSP check out the one I handpainted (odd time of year to view a nesting home though...scratching head). I attached a pic...

Please keep us updated when you have resident nesters!!!! :D

This message was edited Jan 28, 2011 10:46 AM

That is a beautiful house.

You should as the nursery what size diameter the wholes are. That will determine what size might be able to live in it. If they are large then I would be afraid it is a house sparrow haven. That is why if it were in my yard, I'd probably only plug it up and use it decoratively, or plug some holes and use a hole restrictor on one other.

I've never read anything about color, I think location is more key.

Thank you Pelle, for those helpful links. I'm going to have lot reading to do on learning more about BB. Mrs.Ed. according to the above sialis' recommendation; no painted houses for BBs. Also no perch, and yes the size of the entrance is important too.

Susan, I sure will keep you posted should I get that house. Thank all for your comments.

Also, for any birds, I can't imagine how you'd clean that, unless there is some sort of cleanout on the bottom or somewhere that I can't see.

I don't know anything about purple martins, they use apartment style houses too.

That looks like it should be used for decorative puposes to me...so like Mrs. Ed said I would plug it up. A lot of bird houses sold on at stores are really not designed to really house birds.

Be sure you are really ready to commit to hosting BB's and the problems that must be addressed if you do.

the house I have almost like yours it is mostly decorative, But I have had tree swallows and last year house sparrows nested in the house. My house was made so the whole back came off with 4 screws and i could just dump out the old nest. location is important also, the best areas is on the egde of your lawn. some birds like to have bush or small tree near by to fly to and watch especially the bluebirds. Its nice if it is in a location where you can watch.
I like to drink my morning coffee outsde watching the birds in the spring and summer. a perfect stress reduction..:)