skip to main content

no matter what put up the wren guard!

14 years ago

I have had =horrifying= trouble with house wrens in past years. I don't want to go into details now but I'll be back with some links to some of what they've done.

And I was naive and impatient this year. I tried to get Mama used to a nest guard a few weeks ago when she was laying eggs and I was impatient and took it down, thinking that past experience is always the same.

Not so. This morning while my husband and I were outside, a wren went to the BB box where Mama was incubating 5 eggs! I also have an empty box and it went there, too.

Luckily, Daddy Bluebird caught sight of the brown devil and he chased him all over the yard and Mama stood guard at the box.

I am trying to get her used to the wren guard...I just hope it's not too late. In the meantime, when she leaves the box, I am sitting with my water gun to at least chase them away should they come back, which of course they will :(

DON'T MAKE MY MISTAKE...please.

Linda...

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

gibby01
14 years ago
I'm reading about wren guards and notquite sure just what they are, Is it a piece of wood that comes down from the roof and covers the hole, but still room for a BB to go in? and the wrens don't knkow how to go in? does this keep HOSP out?
lcmoore99
Original Author
14 years ago
Check the thread "Wren guard questions...". There are photos and descriptions and such.

Linda...
Related Discussions
What is the best tree guard to put around the trunk for winter?
Q
Comments (7)
Plastic sleeve tree guards are recommended the most. Before winter comes, I buy three hardwood stakes to help it stand. Then at the base of the tree guard, I pierce the stakes through a weed mat as to control water and sediments from entering through. Then, I can comfortably hibernate during winter season without worrying about the young trees getting iced up. Plus, no more voles pester my vegetation. Here is a link that might be useful: Tree Guards
...See More
How long do you let the BBs try to adapt to the wren guard?
Q
Comments (5)
They shouldn't of had a problem with the guard if you had it up like an extended roof, do you have sides on the guard or just the front part? That being said I did one year have a pair of Blues not accept a guard. I couldn't watch but I put it up during egg laying and when there wasn't an egg laid the next day I took it off and she laid her egg in the afternoon instead. Figured I couldn't jepordize the eggs and left it off. Somehow we got through that nesting without the wren bothering them. They both wanted to box at first and I was freaking out! I say try again with it just up, if you see them go in (it may take a bit as they will be very wary of it) then put it down but maybe shorten it at first so it isn't as long as it should be, once they accept that then make it longer. If they won't accept it when you have it on but just up then maybe they won't accept it at all. Once she begins incubation though I wouldn't mess with it anymore as she needs to stay on those eggs. Good luck! Donna
...See More
wren guard during nest building?
Q
Comments (9)
Anita, I have a similar situation in that my bluebirds are back for a second brood. The house wrens didn't bother the box during nest building (and the box had been empty for about a month and there were no sticks). Mama laid her 1st egg this morning and this evening, a house wren took out that egg and smashed it at the base of the box. I think that now I'd say "the rule is that there are NO RULES!" I've had house wrens attack several eggs or several chicks, never just one egg. As far as putting up a wren guard, the problem you have is that the house wren has been in the box. And where there is one house wren, there are usually more near by. The reasoning behind the general rule of putting the wren guard on the box when the 1st egg is laid is that the female is less likely to abandon the nest if she can't figure out the wren guard. It's also hard to say whether your female is 'with egg' and I'd hate to see her not be able to get into the box to lay her 1st egg, if that makes any sense. You could wait till it's afternoon and the bluebird hasn't laid an egg and put it on. If she can't figure it out, I'd take it off till the afternoon of the next day, etc. Good luck, Linda in NW GA...
...See More
Wren guard - do you still put it up??
Q
Comments (4)
Donna I just had new wrens start singing and putting sticks in a box today. There are 2 boxes up the road in the neighbors yards with wrens and 1 across the street that already have nests and I thought I was in the clear and then more showed up today. What time did you put it on? Usually I put it on in the morning so they have all day to get used to it and figure it out. (which they do) If it is just a piece of wood or cardboard in the front only I would leave it. That is easier to figure out that with the sides on like I use. I myself would have put the guard on first b/c the hosp have never gotten around the guard yet. Sometimes I don't even use a spooker until fledging is near if I have a guard up. Gees that is a tough call. I don't think you can ever say you are safe from the wrens. Wish I had better advice. Cathy
...See More
craftylady6
14 years ago
So, everyone should put one up? I started the wren guard question thread, and I tried to do it, but it was windy and they just couldn't get in there. Momma is already incubating and I just hated that she was frantic to get in and couldn't. I gave her a half and hour, daddy didn't get in either. So, should I try again?
bbcathy
14 years ago
I would try again if you have wrens in your area. Some birds just take longer to figure it out than others. I know it is gut wrenching to watch but it is for their own good. I've had to take it off too and try again so don't feel bad. Does it have sides? No sides does help at first but I recommend adding them. I have seen wrens repeatedly crawling all over a box trying to find a way in. I've done this for 6 or 7 years now and the Blues always find a way in eventually. I had a female last year that was not getting it at all. I had to cut a flap in the guard right in front of the hole and tape it back so she could see the hole and when she got used to that I taped it back down. Is there at least 2 1/2" in front. I leave 3" at least until they get used to it.
Good Luck
Cathy
Ann
14 years ago
I have never (SO FAR) had wren problems, though they are definitely here. Are they territorial at all?

My daughter has a playhouse in the back yard near the feeder and my several BB houses and the wrens live under it year round. If they're happy where they are, will they leave the blues alone?

I definitely have HOSP problems, but I've never even seen the wrens go to any of my houses.

Thanks,

Ann

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES How to Choose an Awesome Area Rug No Matter What Your Space

By Apartment 46 for the Home

High use, a low door, kids and pets running amok — whatever your area endures, this insight will help you find the right rug for it

LIFE Simple Pleasures: Put On Your Slippers

By Laura Gaskill

Preserve the peace and protect your floors and carpets by turning your home into a no-shoes zone

HOUSEKEEPING How to Relax and Put Housework in Its Place

If household disarray is making you stressed and unhappy, try approaching it with a different point of view

GREEN BUILDING Let’s Clear Up Some Confusion About Solar Panels

By Mariana Pickering (Emu Building Science)

Different panel types do different things. If you want solar energy for your home, get the basics here first

BATHROOM DESIGN Small-Bathroom Secret: Free Up Space With a Wall-Mounted Sink

By Rachel Grace

Make a tiny bath or powder room feel more spacious by swapping a clunky vanity for a pared-down basin off the floor

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: High Contrast Shakes Up a Townhouse

By Mary Jo Bowling

A tight budget and a run-of-the mill space didn’t stop two designers from whipping up chic interiors

DECORATING GUIDES Design Mystery: Why Do Pineapples Sprout Up in Home Design?

By Mary Jo Bowling

Early Americans were bananas about pineapples — and we’re still reaping the benefits of the sweet fruit’s symbolism today

THE ART OF ARCHITECTURE Design Workshop: The ‘Disappearing’ Guardrail

By Eric Reinholdt, Architect

Putting the focus on the view instead of the rail on a porch or balcony is sometimes clearly the best option

CURB APPEAL 7 Ways to Create a Neighborly Front Yard

By June Scott Design

Foster community spirit by setting up your front porch, paths and yard for social interaction

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: French Country Meets Southern Farmhouse Style in Georgia

By Corynne Pless

Industrious DIYers use antique furniture, collections and warm colors to cozy up their traditional home

Sponsored

More Discussions

Bluebirds never leave North Texas boxes.

0