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Where to hang a finch house?

15 years ago

The OK forum had a get together a few weeks ago. It was a great gathering. For my door prize I received a finch bird house, but I have no idea where to hang it. Do finches prefer their homes a specific height, in the open or protected, etc? I am thinking about either on the privacy fence (but concerned about neighborhood cats) or the phone pole. Also, a neighbor suggested in the veggie garden, just in case my dog decided to play with any fledgings. Any input you have is greatly appreciated!

Andria

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Comments (4)

bandjzmom
15 years ago
Hi Andria,
I would be interested in seeing a pic of your finch house. I have never seen a bird house that is specifically intended for finches, so I don't know what to tell you. I live in GA, and the House Finches here in my yard do not nest inside nest boxes at all. They always seem to choose a hanging potted porch plant here. I have never located one of their nests in the yard. I have never seen one of them land upon or enter a nest box here, and I have lots of options. I have read that they will choose tree cavities for nesting, but I have not seen that either. Gosh, I hope that box is not intended for the Weaver- Finches (HOSP and ETSP). I am interested to see what others who have experience with this will say. Good luck!!~~Angie
lisa11310
15 years ago
My thoughts exactly, Weaver Finch (House Sparrow HOSP)is something you DO NOT WANT! Here is a website that will give you information about all the cavity nesting birds that may like your house. www.sialis.org
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House finches are delightful. I don't blame you for wanting them to stay. They are pretty good at getting used to people. A friend of mine has them build nests on her front porch every year, even on the light fixture that is right next to the front door. We sometimes sit on the porch with our dogs, and it doesn't even bother them anymore. I would try not to slam the door or spook them excessively. But my guess is they will settle down and get used to you coming and going. I have watched them nest up to three times per season, though the last clutch tends to be the smallest.
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dzyg
15 years ago
Finches (except the dreaded HOSP) nest in pots or pine trees, they don't nest in houses. Our neighbors have rows of the short needled pine tree and the finches are nuts over there, so many nests.

Regardless of what kind of house you have, a birdhouse should never be mounted on a fence, tree or wooden post. They should be mounted on slick metal poles with a baffle.

I would also love to see a pic of your "finch" house. I was at a store the other day, privately owned and they had a house that said finch house on it. I told him finches don't nest in houses and he at first said yes they do and I again said no they don't. We then proceeded to look at all his birdhouses he has for sale (these are all houses that local people have made for him to try to sell for them) there wasn't one correctly made house there. I think after we talked so much he realized how much I knew about birdhouses....and I am sure I have more to learn.

Donna
bandjzmom
15 years ago
Andria,
Could it be that it is a Wren house that you have?~~Angie

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