My guess would be that the Blues will win out over the Chickadees. Last year I had BCCH and TRES trying to build in the same box. They would each bring in their own preferred type of nesting material, and squabble when they caught each other. The Tree Swallows won out, and had a successful nesting. The Chickadees moved to another box. I think your Blues will win out and end up with the box because they're bigger and more aggressive than the Dees. Let us know how this plays out.

I agree with kendra. If anyone is going to win that battle, my money is on the Blues. Too bad that one of the pairs won't just go and take the other box! Reminds me of my kids a bit!!! Each one wants what the other one has, even when there is a suitable substitute at their fingertips!

There doesn't seem to be any squabbling going on now, but maybe I've missed it. I have been watching and Mama Blue has been perched on top of the box all morning. She goes into the box occasionally but appears to be just standing guard! She has not taken any of her own nesting material in the box yet.

I knew that the dees were pretty much low on the totem pole, but I assumed the battle was for housing, before nestbuilding. If the blues win out, I sure hope the dees will choose the other box and start over.

Thanks,
Donna

Perhaps a Gilbertson PVC box for the dees? My dees have chosen PVC boxes over wooden ones for the past 3 seasons (actually as long as I have been monitoring them). I place the PVC boxes near the forest edge vs the open areas that the blues like.

Actually, even though this is a BB forum, I have a special place in my heart for the dees as I have at least 6 that stay with me year round. They recognize me and don't fly off when I refill the feeders. Even when I monitor their boxes, the mamas fuss at me from a short distance away.

You could try to pair another box with this one.

if it were me...I would put a hole reducer on the box and let the chickadees have it. The blues will use another box. I would LOVE 2 have chickadees nesting in my yard!!!

good luck!!
karen

Agree- chickadees almost always lose. Agree with Gilbertson box - preferred by chickadees in my experience.

I love having chickadees nest. Their numbers are down in many parts of the country.

1.25" hole reducer will work for chickadees - I like to put it on the inside of the hole so it looks the same. It will keep the blues from pestering them.

Here is a link that might be useful: Competition - who trumps whom

I agree with Karen. I've had both nesting at once. The Blues will eventually use the other box once they realize they can't fit in the hole.

Cathy