All my boxes have a "hole guard" as we have lots of Woodpeckers. You dont need to paint it but I always file the inside of the hole a little because they can be pretty sharp, less wear and tear on Momas wings.

I believe that incubation begins about 5 days after the first egg is laid and normally runs about 14 days indigo. So then, we can assume that we should see hatchlings around about 19-20 days after we see the first egg. I have been told that a cold snap coming in will sometimes delay the onset of incubation. Candling the eggs will tell you what you need to know. I think that it is always best to err on the side of extreme caution. Our primary goal is to help the birds to have successful nestings.

I don't think it's an issue melrose. I have a fenced yard, and my BB box is inside that yard. I also have 2 little dogs who are often out in the yard. Additionally, between all of the neighbors who border my property, there are 13 more dogs!! The Blues just carry on as if they never notice. :o)

Yes, i hope so too, he did see one earlier in the season, he must have been househunting too and went elsewhere. Anyway, doesn't the female come a few days later and make her decision? seems I read that somewhere, .These houses are probably about 30 ft. apart too. I wish they would both move in! The blues in the new box, properly mounted and the swallows in the old box, mounted on an electric pole, where they lived the prior two years (I don't know if they were the same ones). thanks for your response.