Barnboard Nest Boxes

Rustic Homes for Xeric Garden Birds

Many birds require certain sized holes in their nest box to prevent other birds such as starlings from predating the eggs or hatchlings, so plan according to which species you want to attract.

Barnboard nest boxes are a great alternative to natures nesting box, the wildlife tree.

Many migratory birds such as swallows will faithfully use the same nest boxes when they return from Mexico or California every year. They do well in a multiple family dwelling, as they're very gregarious.

In recent years, sadly, many swallow colonies are falling into disuse, due to a dramatic drop in the numbers of returning birds. Where once there were thousands, now only a few mated pairs will nest. It's unknown what has caused this serious drop in numbers, but it's thought that, as usual, human activities (mosquito control in their overwintering place, perhaps?) has something to do with it.

It's a delicate balancing act - human safety, or bird survival.

It’s a mystery how long birds live, but it’s evident to anyone who has provided nest boxes that you get the same adult swallows each year, and then their progeny come back to raise their young in a community of nesting boxes.

Some birds such as red breasted nuthatches smear pitch around the entry way, presumably to prevent predation.

Planting berry bearing shrubs in your hedgerow and nectar rich plants will encourage insects, which are the preferred food source for many birds raising their hungry nestlings.

Many fast growing shrubs in your garden will encourage the birds to nest.

A protein rich source of larvae and insects provides the rapid growth necessary for the youngsters to get out of the nest quickly and foraging for themselves.

It's very important to not feed the birds with seeds during the time that they are feeding their young, as these are not as rich in nutrients as the wild food the adult birds will bring them. Both parents contribute to child rearing in many cases, as they are so fast growing.

Adult birds and their offspring eat many times their own weight in pests so encouraging them will provide a much needed service to your gardens health.

Even those birds that are seed eaters for much of the year such as pine siskins will feed their hatchlings a diet of insects for the first few weeks.

Most young birds fledge and leave the nest at about two to three weeks old; time is short to get them as big as possible to ensure their survival.

Plans for making wooden nest boxes are all over, and can be adapted for making out of barnboards.

Accent them with twigs and found objects or just allow them to weather to a subtle grey with age.

You can roof them with tin, recycled ashphalt tiles, rubber roofing or even moss or a green roof made with Sedum or Sempervivum.

Barnboard nest boxes and other rustic crafts add a country flavor to your garden with your imagination the only limit.

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