Joe,
I have built Petersons in the past,The common width is 3 3/8" to 3 1/2".I have seen plans with widths up to 4" I like to stay as close to the original as possible,The first one I made,I did use the 2x4 stock,everyone after that I made using 3/4"stock,I used 1x4 for the inner roof,floor,and back. 3 1/8" is kinda small,but I bet Blues would use it without a problem.If you click on the link below ,you will find plans that I use,except as I said I use 1x4 for the back,inner roof,and floor.I used 1x10 for the outer roof.I used 1x12 for the sides.I really like the Peterson's classic look,But if you want to build a very nice nest box,easy to make,and the Blues love them.I would recommend you try the Gilwood.

Matt

Here is a link that might be useful: peterson plans.

Hey Joe,

I have a bluebird trail with several different houses. I really like the looks of the Peterson, but have never used one just because of the small inside demensions. That doesn't mean I won't try one sometime in the future, but I have had good success without one so far. I do have one Gilwood house that I bought and it is probably my favorite house. The blues went to it as soon as I put it up. Most of my houses are the traditional NABS type houses and I have bluebirds nesting in everyone of them this year. But for some reason, the Gilwood house always gets occupied first.

Phil

P.S. Matt, thanks for posting the Gilwood plans. I will use them this year to make my own Gilwod.

Phil,
The Gilwood is the same width as the Peterson,One thing I really don't like with the Peterson is the slanted floor.The Peterson seems small,but as the nest is built higher,the depth increases.I really don't think it is any smaller then the Gilwood,once the nest has been built,There may even have more room.I like the Gilwood because it is easier to build.Like you said,I put one up a few weeks ago,the Blues were on it in less then 5 minutes,started building the following week,there were 4 other Nabs boxes to choose from.I guess the Blues like them too.

Matt

This is exactly why I like this forum. I learn something new every time I log on. It was just my perception that the Peterson was smaller. I may just have to buy or build one and test drive it.

I checked all of my other houses today (except the 3 across the road that I will get to tomorrow). So far 55 fledged and at this time 22 eggs or babies to go.

Phil

Thanks guys. Bigmatt, in the plans for the gilwood, is that a bar or pin in the entrance hole? Is that just used for a hinge to open the door?

Joe

Joe,

Don't give up on the Peterson, several years ago I modified the Peterson and made my own design. I agree the box is to small but the design works great . Ask cathy md. I made one for her 3 years ago. I have fledged 50+ from my design, I have a camera in my box and the extra space in the box is very useful. I'll try posting pictures.

paul

Joe,
The bar is there to keep the hole the correct size,I make mine 1-3/8" from the bottom of the hole to the bottom of the bar.The space above the bar is for ventilation.In these plans the bar is also being used as a hinge,the door(front of the box) would then lift up from the bottom.I myself prefer the door to swing down from the top.I only had the bar on the door,not going through the side of the box as shown in the plans,I then made my hinge on the bottom.I just used a seperate piece of the bar for the pin lock.For the bar and pin,I used a piece of 1/8"brass welding rod,but am sure you could use any 1/8"rod you can find,maybe aluminum.I guess you could have the bar like in the plans and still have your hinge on the bottom,but you would have to fish the bar through all the holes every time you opened the box.

Matt

Joe,
Click the link below to go to Steve Gilbertson's web site,you can see the boxes.

Here is a link that might be useful: Gilwood

cincy_paul nice looking box!

Thanks Joe,

Its a little more difficult to build because of the compound mitre for the roof...however if you are a wood worker not a problem. Its made of 3/4 redwood and the roof is 1/2" plywood with aluminum coil covering to make the wood last longer ...very effective.Notice in the picture that in midday the sides are protected from the sun and inside the box there are 3 holes ..2 covered with screen. I have a disc video about the box and plans if your interested.

Paul

Paul,

I would be interested in seeing the video you have. Also interested in the camera in the box and how it is run to you recorder. Thanks!

Phil

Hello Phil,

Happy to send you a cd video. The camera I have is no longer available ...but at Sams Club they have a color camera with infra red light for about $45 . I have not looked at the cord length on theirs but I'm sure it would work. Mine uses 30' of original cord and 100" of S video extension. It goes to the TV no recorder hooked up although that is possible. If you have a box already its best to have about 9-12" for focal length of camera( floor to ceiling)by the time nest is built its down to 6-7".This gives you nice wide view of nest.

email me @........... pgehring@fuse.net

I have a made video on the features of the house, it does not include the video part but I can probably put something together....just need a few extra days.