How far from nest box can should you have feeders (1 Viewer)

[Seamoor]

Someone told me you should not have nest boxes near feeders, as the birds will not use the boxes. But how far from the boxes is it safe to have the feeders. I go to a nature reserve near me and they have boxes on the same trees they hang their feeders from. So not sure what to do. I have a nest box which is used during the winter by a blue tit I have a camera in same, was nested in year before last, but not last year. I don't think the feeders are any closer than they have been for the last 4 years. But now I am wondering if perhaps they are too close can anyone help. The nearest is about 9ft away

 

[hil5]

9 feet sounds okay. However, make sure they have a direct flight to the box and not in the way of birds going to and from the feeders.

 

[nobby]

One of my nest boxes is arond 10ft from my feeders and Blue /Great Tits have been nesting in it for over 5 years.

From what I have seen the Tits are quite tolerant of other species near their nest box. They will however chase other birds from the same species away from the feeder. E.g. Blue Tits and Gt Tits will quite happily share the feeder through the nesting season but if a Blue Tit comes across another Blue Tit it will be chased away.

I presume away from our gardens each pair of birds will have a territory that they will defend from the same species to avoid competition for natural food.

Brett.

 

[Corax67]

The nearest of my 3 nest boxes to a feeding post is around 10 feet - historically I have had success with all boxes annually for at least the past 4 years including multiple broods.

No real problems at the feeders, you just get the usual bully boy tactics from the t*** flocks (nothing new there then).

Good luck with the boxes!