Choosing a Birdhouse / Nesting Box

  • The desired size and depth of the box varies among bird species so choose a house designed for the bird you want to attract.
  • Look for overhanging roofs and drainage holes to keep the nest dry.
  • Ventilation slots prevent overheating and killing nestlings.
  • Opening panels allow for easy cleaning between nestings. Building a new nest on top of an old one places the nest too near the opening as well as spreading parasites and disease.

Keeping Predators from the Nest

  • Use a predator guard around the opening.
  • Houses mounted on metal poles and 10 feet from trees or fences are safest.
  • For the best protection from raccoons, opossums, cats, and snakes, add a Raccoon Baffle to the pole.

Where to Place a Birdhouse

  • Few birds other than wrens like hanging birdhouses.
  • Woodpeckers and chickadees want the box mounted to a tree.
  • For others such as bluebirds and wood ducks, use a pole mounted house.
  • Position the house with the opening facing away from the common wind and storm direction.
  • Don't place the house next to a feeder or birdbath, but do put it fairly near a tree or bush.
  • Don't put houses close together, but extra houses increase the chances of attracting a nesting pair.


For more information on attracting nesting birds, we recommend;


Stokes Birdhouse Book
 Stokes Bluebird Book
 Stokes Purple Martin Book
 Stokes Bird Gardening Book