Making Nest Boxes (1 Viewer)

[Solway Coaster]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site and just after some info on making bird boxes.

First of all I am a Tree Arborist(surgeon if you like) and looking to incorporate other work into my schedule so I thought about making, erecting, and maintenance of bird boxes and giving some advice.

As I have always got wood readily available I thought I can use the timber in other ways. I thought about using sections of trunk that have rotted up the centre to make a natural hollow(5-6" in diameter). I would then simply bore a hole for the entrance, with a chainsaw cut a 1" thick disc and screw it to the bottom. Then I would cut an angle in the top section and place a hinged sloping lid. This would give the impression of a natural hollow trunk and maybe a bit more appealing for birds and easier on the eye for people rather than just a square box nailed to a tree.

I will construct a rough prototype over the next few days and take some photos and post them later in the week for people to have a look and give comment on.

Also does anyone know of ideal wire and rubber bracing systems to attach bird boxes around trees rather than nailing them to the trunk, it just makes it easier to maintain boxes by removing them to clean out.:t:

 

[etudiant]

Hi Solway Coaster,

Welcome to BF! You'll find many kindred spirits here, hopefully some arborists as well.
Your idea of recycling old timber to make nest boxes sounds wonderful. It will certainly be more organic than a plank box.
Plus lots of birds like nesting in tree hollows, so your design should be immediately popular.
Mounting the houses is a bit tricky. While the idea of a cable to avoid putting a spike in the tree has appeal, there are risks of the cable chafing and also of the tree growing into the cable if it is not restrung periodically. A keyhole slot in the box to hold it on a spike with a head seems equally convenient and maybe more practical.
Please keep us posted on your progress.
I

 

[Zebs]

I think that is a fantastic project, I've seen natural Bird boxes constructed before and they work very well, as for attaching them you can obtain plastic Tie-wraps that you can remove and re use, something to think about

 

[sammyjay]

Hello Solway Coaster and welcome to birdforum from Saskatchewan, Canada. I'm sure you'll like it as everybody on here usually seems quite nice Also, I love the thought of birdboxes and hope someday i'll be able to have natural looking ones.