Bird House Tips

• 1. Choose the Right Hole Guard Size Based on Local Bird Species
• 2. Adjust the Mesh Floor Height Based on Bird Species
• 3. Mount the Birdhouse on a Pole to Deter Predators
• 4. Put Up Your Birdhouse in Early Spring (If Possible)
• 5. Where to Place Your Birdhouse
• 6. How Long Does It Take for Fledglings to Leave the Nest, and What Should You Do Afterward?

1. Choose the Right Hole Guard Size Based on Local Bird Species

Selecting the appropriate hole guard size helps attract the right birds while keeping unwanted species out. Use the guide below based on common birds in your area:

• 25mm / 0.98"": Brown-headed Nuthatch, Blue Tit, Coal Tit
• 28mm / 1.10"": Black-capped Chickadee, House Wren, Bewick's Wren, Great Tit, House Sparrow, Eurasian Tree Sparrow
• 38mm / 1.50"": Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Downy Woodpecker
• 50mm / 1.97"": House Finch

2. Adjust the Mesh Floor Height Based on Bird Species

The Birdfy Nest Duo allows you to adjust the mesh floor height to set the distance between the floor and the entrance. There are three adjustable levels:

• 5.5 inches (14cm)
• 6.4 inches (16.3cm)
• 7.3 inches (18.5cm)

Below are examples of North American bird species and their preferred entrance height:

• Eastern Bluebird: 6-10 inches (15-25cm)
• Tufted Titmouse: 6-10 inches (15-25cm)
• House Finch: 6-8 inches (15-20cm)
• Black-capped Chickadee: 4-8 inches (10-20cm)
• Bewick's Wren: 4-6 inches (10-15cm)

3. Mount the Birdhouse on a Pole to Deter Predators

To protect nesting birds, it's strongly recommended to mount your birdhouse on a pole and install a predator guard. Avoid mounting the birdhouse on trees or walls unless predators like raccoons or snakes are not a concern in your area. A stovepipe baffle, like the one shown in the picture, is highly effective at stopping climbing predators.

4. Put Up Your Birdhouse in Early Spring (If Possible)

Installing your birdhouse just before the nesting season increases the chances of it being used. In the Northern Hemisphere, nesting typically begins in March, though in warmer regions it may start as early as February. Missed the start of the season? Don't worry — many birds raise a second brood later in the summer, so it’s still worth putting your birdhouse up.

5. Where to Place Your Birdhouse

Follow these general guidelines for a safer and more attractive nesting site:

1. Avoid areas treated with pesticides or herbicides.
2. Mount the birdhouse at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) off the ground.
3. Avoid west-facing orientations to reduce afternoon heat exposure.
4. Position the entrance away from prevailing winds.
5. Keep birdhouses away from bird feeders, which can attract predators and competitors.
6. Offer a nearby source of fresh water (e.g., a birdbath), but ensure it’s not too close to the nest to avoid attracting predators.

Since different bird species prefer different habitats, it's best to consult local authority recommendations. For example:

• US: NestWatch by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology
• UK: RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) or BTO (British Trust for Ornithology)

6. How Long Does It Take for Fledglings to Leave the Nest, and What Should You Do Afterward?

A typical nesting cycle, from nest building to fledglings leaving, usually spans about one to one and a half months. It is recommended to clean the birdhouse at least once a year to eliminate old nesting materials and any parasites. Ensure your safety by wearing gloves and masks during this maintenance.

Questions? Join the Birdfy community and engage with fellow bird enthusiasts to get the answers you need!