Nest Boxes For Owls Information

Nest Boxes for Owls

Many larger species of birds that nest in cavities in trees or in older, undisturbed, buildings are having difficulty finding suitable nest sites, as trees are felled or blown over and buildings are knocked down or converted.

Well designed and properly sited Owl nest boxes undoubtedly help. About half the UK population of barn owls now nest in boxes provided by man.

Barn Owls and Tawny Owls readily take to nest boxes in areas where they have suitable food to support themselves and their chicks. Little owls will use nest boxes but tend not to have as much difficulty in finding nest sites as they need much smaller cavities than the larger species. Kestrels will take readily to boxes as do stock doves. Jackdaws can be a problem, as they may take over nest boxes intended for other species.

All species require good visibility from the nest and a clear flight path to it. Ideally face the box south-east, but most importantly it needs to face away from prevailing wind direction.

Large Nest boxes  are heavy and great care must be taken when putting them up, especially when using ladders. The owl nest boxes only need to be sited at around 10 to 15 feet (3-5m) high to be successful, though in some circumstances, e.g. if there is a significant risk of vandalism, a higher position may be desirable even though it will make installation, monitoring and maintenance more difficult.

Make sure the owl nest box is firmly and securely fixed to its support. Fixing an owl nest box to a tree with nails may damage the tree or cause problems when it is ultimately felled. Galvanised nails and screws are preferable to wire ones, but nylon bolts are probably even better. 

Alternatively, owl nest boxes can be fitted to trees with a length of wire inside a piece of hose or other protection around the trunk. Trees grow and fixings should be checked from time to time. Angle the nest box so that the floor slopes slightly away from the entrance. Should the eggs roll about, this ensures that they remain in the sheltered end of the box.

Maintenance

Owl Nest Boxes will need to be cleaned out periodically when debris has built up. This is easier if an ‘inspection hatch’ is added when the nest box is built. Hinge the hatch along the top edge, and secure firmly with a catch. Jackdaws and squirrels, which often use nest boxes, will unfortunately fill up a box with debris very quickly. 

Great care should be taken when inspecting owl Nest boxes or removing any material from them. The material may contain sharp objects such as thorns, and a squirrel or even a Tawny Owl may remain in the nest box until the last moment, bolting out only as you put a hand in the box. Do not breathe in the dust from the nesting material and dried droppings. Replace the floor panel if it shows signs of rotting.