Here’s why birds aren’t flocking to nest in your birdhouse.
So, why arent birds using your birdhouse?
A few factors might be at play, according to American Bird Conservancys Senior Conservation Scientist David Wiedenfeld.
Credit:Getty Images / catnap72
First, not all birds do use birdhouses, Wiedenfeld tellsSouthern Living.
In fact, a relatively small proportion of species will use birdhouses.
Some are mixed, though.
Two introduced species, House Sparrow and European Starling, will also use houses, he says.
Some species require specialty birdhouses, such as Purple Martins.
Purple Martins like houses designed and placed for them.
But Wiedenfeld cautions that even the nicest birdhouses with the best intentions will not attract some birds.
Woodpeckers dont use birdhouses, because, of course, they make their own.
Why Do Birds Use Birdhouses?
Birdhouses often provide a lot of protection for birds nests and can help keep out predators.
If thats so, then why dont all birds use birdhouses?
Cavities, that is, natural birdhouses, are relatively scarce in nature, Wiedenfeld explains.
Can You Encourage Birds To Use Your Birdhouse?
What Turns Birds Away From Using A Birdhouse?
Birds wont use just any box placed just anywhere.
In addition, the bird house should be the right size for the bird youre hoping will use it.
Wren houses for wrens, bluebird houses for bluebirds, martin houses for Purple Martins, etc.
Wrens wont use a Wood duck house."
Does Location Play A Role In Birds Using Birdhouses?
Bluebirds, on the other hand, like edges.
White-breasted Nuthatches like boxes that are placed high in trees.
They also really like areas near a pond or lake.
How Big Should The Birdhouse Hole Be?
you might also buy birdhouses at a lot of gardening centers and hardware stores.
All lawn is usually not good forattracting birds.
And reduce your use of pesticides to as little as possiblebaby birds need bugs.
Clean It Out
Birdhouses should be cleaned out after every use, or once a year.
Be sure the birds are done nesting, Wiedenfeld says.
Take out all old nest material and clean the box with water, and let it dry.
This helps prevent build-up of parasites and germs.
