Best Eastern Bluebird House Dimensions/Plans?

15 years ago

Hi everyone! I'm a new member of GardenWeb and also a new Bluebirder. I have provided nesting, food and water supplies for the common wild birds in my area, but I have not interacted with Bluebirds yet. Over the years I have read and heard many things about Bluebirds and the efforts to keep them thriving, and I am very interested in it. I've seen the Eastern Bluebirds around my neighborhood, and I want to try to attract them to my yard. I'd like to start by providing bird houses for them, and I am interested in making my own houses rather than buying them. If anyone would tell me what is best, I would gladly appreciate it. I'd like to know things like the type and thickness of wood, preferred size of hole, and the different dimensions of the sides/floor/etc... I know that it is not nesting season, and they don't start nesting 'till Spring, but I'd like to be ready before they are.

Thanks everyone,

~David

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Comments (10)

bluebars
15 years ago
David, it is never too soon, or too late. Bluebirds and other cavity nesters might be scouting for homes to roost in winter as well as claiming territory for Spring, depending on where you live. In our area, bluebirds are resident all year. Where are you?
Here is a great web site where you can learn all about bluebirds, housing and safe setup to prevent problems with predators, competitors, etc.
Bluebars

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.sialis.org/index.html
nature_david
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks, I'll be sure to check that website.
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nature_david
Original Author
15 years ago
And by the way I'm in a South-eastern region of Massachusetts, I believe it's zone 6.
griffin_MD
15 years ago
Welcome, David. BlueBars has given you a wonderful link with everything you could possibly want to know about being a responsible bluebird landlord. When I first got started with bluebirding, my handbook was a little booklet called Enjoying Bluebirds More, written by Julie Zickefoose. It's still available at most wild bird stores and sometimes at Lowes or Home Depot and is a quick read--plus has lots troubleshooting information at your fingertips.
As for nestbox types and plans, check out those listed on the North American Bluebird Society web site,
www.nabluebirdsociety.org . The traditional NABS box is what I've used most on my trails and it's a great box.

As for locating your nestbox, you need to remember that bluebirds are territorial during nesting season. If you plan to site more than one box, they boxes should be spaced approximately 100 yards apart.

Also, and most importantly, nestboxes should never be mounted on trees or fenceposts. They should be mounted on slick metal poles and equipped with predator baffles.

Bluebirding is an extremely rewarding experience and we are thrilled to have you join our ranks.
Kathy
nature_david
Original Author
15 years ago
Thank you Kathy,and I'm actually heading to WBU later on today so I'll be sure to look for that booklet.
bet_from_ct
15 years ago
If you ask 10 people which box is best, you'll probably get 10 different answers! If I bought ONE box for Eastern bluebirds, it would be a Gilwood (which they seem to prefer). If I had House Sparrow problems, I would go with a Gilberston. If I bought four boxes, I would get a Gilwood, Gilbertson, Peterson and NABS.

Here is a link that might be useful: nest box pros and cons
nature_david
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Bet, and I think I remember read that on your website too.
rayinri
15 years ago
David Stay away from Peterson houses to small and only use 1 1/2 holes
cowbirds around here can enter and lay eggs in a house with the oval entrance.
One of the country clubs I manage has Peterson houses. I hate them but thats
what they had and they own them but as soon as I can they will be removed
and replaced with 5 by 5 NABS standard box's Those houses are to small for a family of six bluebirds. Plus a parent. All my Martins nest in double size units
and produce two to three extra eggs. And many more chicks. Swallows prefer
large cavity's And will avoid small cavity's four by four is about the smallest
Ray
nature_david
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Ray, I'll keep that in mind as well.
organicgardener
15 years ago
Check out Texas Bluebird Society website at
http://www.texasbluebirdsociety.org/

Best Eastern Bluebird House Dimensions/Plans?

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bluebars

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Best Eastern Bluebird House Dimensions/Plans?

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bluebars

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