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Nexting box hole size

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I just made my first nesting box, which I haven't set out yet. I've read that the hole should be 1 1/2" to 1 9/16". I made mine 1 9/16 (as accurately as I could with a 1 1/2" hole saw and some sanding). Given the size of the birds I see around here, that seems small. Here's a picture of one sitting on my squirrel dish. Those are standard 4x8" bricks underneath. Will the birds fit?

Here's the box:

Also, is it OK to set the box out now? I'm in the San Fernando valley in Los Angeles.

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Comments (7)

andy99mich
7 years ago
That bird doesn't seem to be a bluebird. It's too big and the beak is long and pointy... Bluebirds have short and blunt beaks.
jeff_leites
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks kiliandwarrior. Turns out you are right. I just got confirmation that the blue bird, is not a "bluebird". It's a California Scrub Jay, and they don't use nesting boxes. Still a pretty blue bird :-)

I'll put up the box and see if it attracts any real bluebirds.
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andy99mich
7 years ago
Yeah I was stumped as to what it was.... Glad I could help and sorry it's quite late :)
vamonos99
7 years ago
Funny! I stared and stared and couldn't figure out what that was!
parkernicole01
7 years ago
Bluebirds love mealworms. That's a good way to attract them. They like the live ones best, but mine are ok with dried mealworms, too. I would put feeder (above ground) close to box & then, move them further away once they've discovered them. This way, you're attracting them to the nest box, too. Western bluebirds are so pretty! Good luck!
CaWill
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Jeff, is that extra top how you open your box? Don't believe I have seen one like that, but doesn't look like you have a front or side door. I believe everyone is really anxious for nesting season - I know I am. Like Nicole says, bluebirds love mealworms and it is a great way to attract them. However, we must never forget that anything we feed them is to be used as a treat, as they need to hunt and eat natural food. My blues stay around all winter, and during that time I feed them peanutbutter suet, but only as a supplement to the berries, etc. they find themselves. P.S. I didn't think that picture was a bluebird, but was unsure what it was - don't know too much about scrub jays.
jeff_leites
Original Author
7 years ago
CaWill - I made it so that the side swings up. As for the top, I made the box out of a piece of cedar fencing. It wasn't wide enough to cover the entire top, plus have an over hang, so I put the second piece over the first. The roof slants up so the back of the second piece meets the back panel. There's just a little extra ventilation from the gap.

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