The article below is a summary of several trusted sources and as a scientific reference for all of us
How tall should a bluebird house pole be?
A bluebird house should be mounted on a pole or post roughly 4 to 6 feet above the ground in a relatively open area, with the entrance facing a large tree or shrub 25 to 100 feet away.
How do you build a bluebird house pole?
There are several ways to mount your bluebird house on the pole. One method involves drilling 5/16-inch holes in the pipe and birdhouse, then using 1/4-inch bolts to fasten the house to the pole. You can also use pipe straps or electrical conduit hangers.
Why do bluebird houses face east?
For bluebirds, the question of direction does not always refer to compass bearing, but rather the orientation the house opening faces to afford safety, comfort and convenience after the bluebird pair mates.
What month do bluebirds build nests?
Bluebirds begin scouting out nest boxes as early as late February, or even earlier in the south. If conditions are favorable, they sometimes continue nesting into August or even September.
What is the best wood for bluebird houses?
You can use any type of wood, but it should be 3/4-inch thick and unpainted/unfinished. White pine is a good choice because it is easy to obtain. Do not use particleboard or plywood. Cut the top piece of the nest box, 11 1/4″ x 11″.
Can I hang a bluebird house on a tree?
You SHOULD NOT mount bluebird boxes on the sides of trees, fences, or buildings. These are very difficult if not impossible to protect from climbing predators. Also, do NOT hang bluebird boxes. They seem to prefer fixed boxes that are not swinging randomly in the wind.
What color should a bluebird house be?
Bluebirds prefer earthy tones, such as the colors of grass and dirt. For this reason, shades of brown and green are good choices. Bright colors attract other birds and predators, which is detrimental to bluebirds.
How do I keep sparrows out of my bluebird house?
How to keep house sparrows out of bluebird houses
- Set up your nest box in an open area, away from houses and barns.
- Consider using a PVC-style bluebird house, like the Gilbertson nest box.
- Don’t use cheap bird feed, like cracked corn, at your feeders.
- Monitor your nest boxes regularly to remove house sparrow nests.
How close to my house can I put a bluebird house?
So, if your property is on the edge of the woods, or if you have a brushy patch of land, make sure to place your bluebird house at least 50 feet away, 200 feet away to be safe.
When should you clean out a bluebird house?
Bluebird experts suggest cleaning them out after each brood has fledged. If that isn’t possible, the boxes should be cleaned out after the last brood has left the nest in late summer. That timing won’t disturb them or drive them away. Don’t miss these adorable baby bluebird pictures.
How do I attract bluebirds to my birdhouse?
How to Attract Bluebirds
- Install a Bluebird Nesting Box in your back yard. …
- Place the box in an open area five to six feet off the ground. …
- Provide food such as meal worms, suet balls or seed consisting all or in part of sunflower chips.
- Water in the form of a small pond or bird bath.
How do you protect bluebird houses from predators?
Mounting your box on a smooth round pipe will greatly reduce the chance of a loss to a predator. Any other preventative measures taken will provide added protection. The easiest way to mount a bluebird box would be to nail it to a wooden fence post or to a tree.
Which way should a bluebird house face?
Bluebirds are unable to compete with them for better chance of surviving the first critical hours out of the nesting sites. nest. The house should face south or southeast.
What size hole should a bluebird house have?
Entrance holes to bluebird nesting boxes measure 1½ inches in diameter because this size prevents European starlings from entering. Starlings compete with bluebirds for scarce nesting sites.
Can I put a birdhouse on a telephone pole?
But there’s one place hanging items don’t belong: on utility poles. By attaching items to poles from the tiniest of posters to something as large as a basketball hoop or birdhouse you are not only breaking the law, but risking the lives of others, especially the linemen, whose jobs are already dangerous.
Do bluebird houses need ventilation?
Birdhouses should have ventilation and drainage holes to prevent overheating or drowning of baby birds. A sloped roof with a bit of an overhang can also help keep the nest dry. If you have a house without these you can always drill a few holes in the floor for drainage and high up on the sides to provide ventilation.
Should you paint bluebird houses?
Well Built: A bluebird house should be watertight, yet ventilated and with drainage holes. It should be built of a rot resistant wood, like cedar, or untreated exterior plywood. You can paint the outside a light, neutral color or coat it with linseed oil, but the inside should be untreated wood.
How do you keep snakes out of bluebird boxes?
Ideally, put your bluebird nest box on a pole. Since snakes are great climbers (which we learned the hard way), you will need snake guards. We found a cone baffle system worked best. We have 2 cones on top of each other and Dale greases the pole with vaseline.
Why won’t bluebirds use nest boxes?
Eastern Bluebirds In A Tree Cavity
In natural cavities, birds often must deal with old nesting material that is already present. Nest selection of natural cavities is quite different in comparison to our handy nest boxes. With a finite number of natural cavities to choose from, most birds can’t afford to be too picky.
Can you put 2 bluebird houses together?
Bluebirds are territorial, and two pairs generally won’t nest in boxes that are closer than 125-300 yards. However, you can pair boxes in the hopes that two different species will nest side-by-side.
What Kind Of Pole Should I Hang My Bluebird House On?
How to mount a Bluebird House, Install methods
Mounting a Gilbertson Bluebird House