The information below will help you select the best type for the bird or birds you want nesting in your backyard. In fact, have at least four that are within 100 ft of each other but out of sight by being behind a barn or brush from each other. House sparrows were a severe problem in recent years and caused bluebird nesting failures in numerous boxes, cutting drastically into our bluebird population. If sparrows want to nest in an occupied bluebird nesting box they will destroy the bluebird eggs or kill the bluebird fledglings and even kill the female bluebird on the nest. During nesting season a bluebird will defend its territory so you would only have your nesting pair eating out of the feeder. Attracting Bluebirds: Tips and FAQs It’s easy to see why so many people are interested in attracting bluebirds to their yard. I am going to put a trail of bluebird houses along a new walking trail. I'm not sure how far apart to put them. Choosing bird houses whether for Bluebirds, Wrens, or Nesting Shelves for Robins shouldn't be done without thought.. Not all birds nest in man-made boxes and not all are built the same. Drill 5/8" vent holes 1" down from the top and 2" in from each side. There is such a thing as the concept of territory so proper distancing between birdhouses should … What are you recommendations for distance apart? having houses for years has gotten us lots of them. I am going to put a trail of bluebird houses along a new walking trail. Home Improvement. As far as attracting the bluebirds to the feeder, they need to be able to see the movement of the worms to be interested in … The North American Bluebird Society's general guideline for the distance between western bluebird houses is about 150 yards, 125 to 150 yards for eastern bluebirds, and 200 to 300 yards for mountain bluebirds. Toward the top of the front edge, and 3/8" in, drill a 1/8" hole for a nail or a screw. When bluebird boxes are spaced far apart the way they should be, a pair of bluebirds usually contends with just one pair of Tree Swallows, and in these contests the larger, stronger bluebirds normally win. Boxes can be mounted in … Although bluebird houses can be spaced an equal distance apart, the better option is to set up your bluebird houses in pairs. What are you recommendations for distance apart? You can use any type of wood, but it should be 3/4-inch thick and unpainted/unfinished. Where to Place Bluebird Houses ... Bluebird houses should be spaced at least 100 yards apart so that mating pairs can maintain their territories without stress. A. They should be 6 1/2" across; the rear edge should be 12 1/4" top to bottom, and the front edge, 10 3/4". works for me and we see at least 20 bluebirds daily. I understand that bluebirds are territorial to an extent. Placing two houses close to each other gives bluebirds a good chance of claiming a house and raising a brood without another species taking it first or even puncturing the bluebirds' eggs and demolishing their nest. Attracting Bluebirds to Your Yard with Nesting Boxes. Refer to the habitat … Bluebird houses should be mounted 4 to 6 feet above the ground. Each species prefers certain locations and habitats in which to nest and rear its young. Warren H. Lauder, who spent 38 years analyzing bluebird boxes, created the design for this bluebird box. We’ve got seven easy tips and answers to your questions. Clean out old nests as soon as a brood fledges so that the nest box can be used for a second nest attempt. Bluebird houses should be mounted at a height of from 5 LOCATION to 7 feet, measured from the ground to the floor of the Selecting a suitable location for the bluebird house is of house. Tree Swallows, who also need nest boxes desperately, may take up residence in one box and bluebirds in the other — they make good neighbors for each other. As we've stated, it's a myth that bluebirds are sweet, gentle and less aggressive than Tree Swallows. The sides of the houses and fence rails are also suitable sites depending on the species to be attracted. Today's Homeowner. Thanks They wouldn't let other bluebirds around their nest box. Expert Advice on Improving Your Home. Eastern bluebird houses should be 100-150 yards apart, and Mountain and Western bluebirds should be over 200 yards apart. Q. I understand that bluebirds are territorial to an extent. To decrease competition from Tree Swallows, you can pair nest boxes about 15–20' apart, with pairs of houses about 300' from each other. BLUEBIRDS, TREE SWALLOWS, WRENS AND CHICKADEE HOUSES Wrens, bluebirds and tree swallows are the birds most commonly attracted to single-unit, enclosed bird houses. Unfortunately, bluebirds rarely nest in … I have had bluebird boxes for 20= years and find that sight of each other is as important as distance. How far apart should bluebird houses be?