Birds usually gratefully accept a nesting box. However, the animals are also picky when it comes to their own home, especially if they believe their own he alth or that of their offspring is at risk. This article will show you possible causes that cause birds to avoid your nesting box.
Why aren't my nesting box accepted by birds?
Birds avoid nesting boxes for many reasons, such as poor location, inappropriate entry hole size, unclean workmanship, harmful colors, or the presence of predators. To increase acceptance, nesting boxes should be installed early, protected from the weather and away from disturbances.
Common general reasons
- not hung in time
- inappropriate location
- better offers in the surrounding area
- Consistency of the nesting box
Draft
The entry hole should always face east-south-east to avoid westerly winds. With a self-made nesting box, warped boards or improperly processed wooden walls can also lead to drafts.
Late installation
After mild winters, birds often start building nests in February. So hang up your nesting box in the fall.
Concealed entry hole
Birds use the direct route to their nest. If trees or bushes block the flight path, the nesting box will be rejected.
Improper workmanship
Birds quickly become injured on a sharp-edged entrance hole. If you repeatedly observe a tit pecking at the entrance hole, this indicates splintery edges.
Wrong size of entry hole
Each bird species prefers a different size of entry hole. In order to attract as many bird species as possible, you should hang up several nesting boxes with different designs.
Painting that is hazardous to he alth
Only use environmentally friendly paint such as linseed oil to paint your nesting box. Birds can sense toxic substances and avoid them.
Wrong location
When exposed to direct sunlight, the inside of the nesting box heats up considerably. Therefore, never point it towards the south.
Predators nearby
Keep a cat that often hangs out in the garden. She is certainly lying in wait for breeding birds - an understandable reason to avoid the nesting box.
Not enough food
In order to use as little energy as possible during the breeding season, birds prefer a home with a rich supply of food. Put up a bird feeder (€39.00 on Amazon) or hang suet balls in the tree.
Insects
It is not uncommon for bumblebees or bees to make themselves comfortable in a nesting box. But birds are reluctant to share their nest with buzzing guests.
Unquiet surroundings
Busy roads or children playing disturb the birds during breeding and feeding.
Filled nesting box
Birds build their own nests. You don't have to equip your nesting box with materials.
Better Deals
If the nesting box in the neighboring garden meets the requirements, this is of course preferred.
Too little distance
There is also competition among birds. Several nesting boxes should therefore be 10 meters apart.
