Can birdhouses be too close together?

Try to space birdhouses at least 25′ apart, because some species are territorial and will not allow other birds to nest too close by. Of equal importance is the height of the birdhouse.

How far apart do birdhouses need to be?

Birdhouses should be from 5 to 30 feet above the ground and placed where it will be inaccessible to enemies. The sides of the houses and fence rails are also suitable sites depending on the species to be attracted. Regardless of where they are located, birdhouses should be placed at least 25 feet apart.

How close should bluebird houses be to each other?

When paired, boxes should be mounted 5 to 15 feet apart. This provides nesting sites for both species and helps to prevent competition between them. Different species of native birds usually do not mind nesting close to each other.

Will birds nest next to each other?

Birds such as Tree Swallows and bluebirds will nest closely to one another, although they will drive away others of their own species. Pairing boxes has the advantage of allowing more birds of both species to coexist peacefully within the same habitat.

Will birds nest in a hanging birdhouse?

Birds may not seem picky about where they nest each year, but taking care to hang birdhouses in the best possible way will make them even more attractive to all the cavity-nesting birds that need a place to call home.

How close can I put bird boxes?

Species of all wild birds can be extremely territorial so therefore it could turn nasty if setting up your bird boxes wrong. With that in mind – and making sure boxes always face north/east – keep a distance of about 20 feet or more, a shorter distance may confuse who’s box belongs to whom.

How do I get birds to use my birdhouse?

Attracting Birds to Birdhouses

1. Food: A variety of food sources, including bird feeders as well as natural foods, will ensure that nesting birds have plenty to feed their chicks.
2. Water: All birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, and a clean water source can make a yard even more attractive for nesting birds.

Should you put anything in a birdhouse?

Use the proper materials. Wood is the best material for birdhouses. Other materials (like metal or plastic) may not insulate the nest enough, so eggs or young could become chilled in cold weather or overheated in warm, sunny weather. Use rough-cut wood slabs, tree sections, or 3/4-inch plywood.

Where is the best place to put a bluebird house?

Place nest boxes in the sunniest, most open area possible, away from your house or deep shade. Bluebirds prefer large expanses of short grass with a clear flight path, ideally facing a field. Try not to place the house too close to feeders. Make sure it is mounted 5 to 10 feet off the ground.

Can you put two bird boxes together?

Two boxes close together may be occupied by the same species if they are at the edge of adjoining territories and there is plenty of natural food. While this readily happens in the countryside, it is rare in gardens, where you normally can only expect one nesting pair of any one species.