How do you make a bird box NZ?

Steps

1. 1Cut the timber. To get started on your D.I.Y.
2. 2Measure for the entrance to the box.
3. 3Cut the hole for the entrance.
4. 4Mark up the access ladder on the front panel.
5. 5Cut out the ladder.
6. 6Build the back panel.
7. 7Attach the base to a side panel.
8. 8Attach the other panels.

What size hole should a bird box have?

The entrance hole size depends on the species you hope to attract: 25 mm for blue, coal and marsh tits. 28 mm for great tits, tree sparrows and pied flycatchers. 32 mm for house sparrows and nuthatches.

What is the best material for a bird box?

Wood
Wood is the best material for building a nest box, as long as it is at least 15mm thick. This will prevent the wood warping and provide sufficient insulation to protect chicks from heat or cold. Soft woods, such as pine and cedar, are easy to cut and their natural resins ensure a long life.

What trees do Moreporks like?

The birds occur in most habitats with trees, in New Zealand forests dominated by conifers and beeches, and other hardwoods, up to the alpine tree line. On Norfolk Island, they live in the forests of Norfolk Island pine. Moreporks are also common in urban areas, farmlands, and plantations.

Should I put nesting material in a bird box?

Adding nesting material to birdhouses is not usually a good idea, and the birds that want to use the house may simply remove any well-meaning additions before they begin nest construction. In the end, this makes more work for the birds and makes a birdhouse with included nesting material less attractive overall.

How deep should bird boxes be?

28 millimetres for great tits, tree sparrows and pied flycatchers. 32 millimetres for nuthatches, house sparrows and redstarts.

Do moreporks eat rats?

Nocturnal birds of prey Morepork are nocturnal, hunting at night for large invertebrates including beetles, weta, moths and spiders. They will also take small birds, rats and mice.

Can I use treated timber for bird boxes?

Wood is the only practical material for a home-made bird box. Anything else will have poor insulation or will be too fragile. Wood should be around 1.5cm thick to provide adequate strength and insulation. It may be better to use non-treated wood, but modern pressure-treated wood is safe and should be fine.

Should a bird box have a perch?

Placing a bird box close to a bird table – or building it within the roof of the table – is a bad idea, reducing the chances that it will be used. Avoid boxes that have a perch on the front; nesting birds do not need a perch and its presence makes it easier for predators to gain access.

Do bird boxes need drainage?

Basic nest box Small drainage holes in the base are essential to let liquid waste drain away or in open front boxes to let any rainwater drain away. Don’t add a perch – predators may intimidate the nestlings and force the adult birds to leave.