FAQ - Frequently asked questions about Bird nesting aids
Which direction should the entrance hole face?
An orientation of the entrance hole towards the south-east is ideal (not towards the weather side and not in direct sunlight). However, this is not always necessary in sheltered hanging locations. If the hole is wider (e.g. 45 mm or more) it is important to ensure that the box is placed in a sheltered position.
When should I hang up my bird nesting box?
Ideally, these should be put up in the autumn, to provide night quarters for Birds during the winter months. Such protection against draughts and cold is an even more important factor than food in helping them to survive a hard winter.
Do I have to clean my bird nesting box?
Yes, a bird nest box should be cleaned regularly.
When should the bird nesting aid be cleaned?
Cleaning, i.e. thorough removal of the old nest, can be carried out in gardens from mid-September onwards. Just scrape out the old nest. Use of a spray or something similar is not normally necessary. If the box has become extremely soiled or contains parasites it is advisable to wash it out with cold or hot water, using biodegradable soapsuds if necessary.
Why do the bird nesting boxes have different sized entrance holes?
As a rule two, different entrance hole sizes are available
∅ 32 mm is the "universal size", providing access to almost all species of small Birds.
∅ 26 mm only allows access by Tits (Blue, Marsh, Coal and Crested Tits), while large species such as Great Tits, Nuthatches and Sparrows are kept out.
Special sizes e.g. ∅ 45 mm for particular species such as larger Starlings. Smaller species can, however, also use the nesting boxes if necessary.
How high should the bird nesting box be hung?
In fenced green spaces, woodland plantations, thickets, gardens etc., the boxes can be suspended at eye height (1.2 to 2 m) so that they can be easily checked and cleaned from the ground. In woodlands and cultivated areas it is preferable to hang them higher to minimize interference and disturbance.
As a rule, nest boxes are hung at heights of between 2.8 and 3.5 m in such areas, enabling them to be easily reached from a ladder. The maximum height at which boxes can be hung can be determined by the surrounding trees, and should not exceed the tops of these trees. There can be exceptions, however, especially in towns, where the height limit need not apply to the buildings in which certain species nest (Swifts, Sparrows, Bats), and can far exceed 15 m. Please do not put any nest material or litter in the boxes because small Birds always build new nests.
Are there any special tips for larger nesting boxes for Owls, Stock Doves, Destrels, etc.?
Hang at a recommended height of around 4 to 6 m. They will be more readily adopted if a thick layer of shavings or sawdust is spread in the pre-formed recess in the base (not for jackdaws). For Stock Doves and for Tengmalm’s and Tawny Owls it is advisable to hang up one or two nest boxes over a 50 hectare area. This is the minimum number and there will usually be keen competition for them in the spring. Increasing the density of nest boxes will improve the prospects of preventing the spread of insect pests.
How are SCHWEGLER bird nesting boxes attached?
SCHWEGLER nest boxes which are intended to be attached to trees (mostly recognizable by their colour, brown or black) are supplied with a special forestry-approved Aluminium Nail which, unlike copper or steel, does not harm trees. Neither does it damage saw blades or chainsaws, thus preventing injury. Its smooth shaft and rust resistance mean that it can be removed even after several years, leaving only a slight, round scar in the wood.
Hammer aluminium nails into tree trunks only up to two thirds of the nail length, so that the tree can grow. Pull the nail out a bit roughly every five years. Nest boxes can be removed and re-hung at any time without requiring removal of the nail. As a rule, heavier nest boxes (see D) are supplied with a built-in block so that they can be hung up using several Aluminium Nails, and they can also be re-hung or removed without removing the nails.
Can I also order individual parts?
Of course, you can also order individual parts such as front panels, suspensions, lids etc. individually. If you do not find what you are looking for in the shop, simply send us an enquiry by e-mail or give us a call.
Are there also nesting aids for bird species that occur in other areas of Europe?
We manufacture bird nesting boxes for the entire European region, e.g. for Eurasian Roller, Hoopoe, Common Goldeneye, Goosander, Lesser Kestrel, Alpine Swift, Scops Owl, Black Tern and others. We look forward to receiving your enquiry.