Birdhouse

stevoman

Hi Folks,

Im building a birdhouse in my garden this weekend and i need some tips. i am hoping to get a robin i have around the place nesting in it for spring. I was just wondering do any of you guys have any links of info that might help me build the best house and also the best tips into coaxing the birds in.

Thanks,

Stevo

gerky

This shelf type one LINK would be the style of giving you the best chance with a robin although several other would use it too including blackbirds.

Site it in a reasonably sheltered area away from activities that may be going on in the garden.
I would leave it facing somewhere around Northeast to Southeast assuming its reasonably sheltered but thats just me.

And you may want it up soon as in my area some birds have started mating and nesting a few weeks ago which would be very early.
You might not have any luck the first year but be patient.

stevoman

Nice one gerky, im really looking forward to doing this. The type i was thinking of building is a square box, with a access hole in the front. i was going to make a nest in it for them and also have hinges on the top of the birdhouse so as in a few months i could climb up the tree and open up and look in and watch the progress. what do you think of that?

gerky

For a robin a hole type opening wont give the best chance.
As regards nesting stuff your better not to as each bird has their own style of nest and will build it themselves.
Its a good idea to be able to open it to clean it out when not in use but its not a good idea to look in when in use as you may frighten them away from the nest.
But don't worry you'll know if its in use as some birds can make 100-300 trips a day feeding and maintaining their young.

Also if you were really in to it you could buy one with a webcam built in to it but their rather expensive.

stevoman

cheers gerky thats some great advice appreciate it