Explanation:
Birdhouses are a fantastic way to add shelter to a bird-friendly backyard, but if no birds are nesting in the houses, then how do you make them come? There can be a wide range of difficulties with birdhouses, but there are also easy ways to fix each problem to make the houses more attractive to nesting birds. If birds aren’t using your houses, check these common problems and solutions to be a better bird landlord.
01
of 10
No Birds Even Look at My Birdhouses
Killdeer Nest
Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife / Flickr / CC by-SA 2.0
It may be that there are no cavity-nesting birds in your yard. Only certain species of birds will use houses, and if you know which birds those are, you can add feeders, water features, and shelter to make the yard more attractive to those species. As they get more comfortable with your yard, they will start to check out the available nesting sites, including birdhouses.
02
of 10
Birds Build Nests Before My Birdhouses Are Ready
Spring Flowers in Snow
If you’re waiting until spring flowers bloom to put up birdhouses, it may be too late to attract the first nesters. Early-nesting birds, however, may still investigate the house for additional broods later in the season. Putting houses up earlier can help attract the earliest nesting species and ensure the houses are ready for residents. Ideally, have houses ready to go in late winter to be available for every nesting bird.
03
of 10
Birds Ignore the Birdhouse to Nest Elsewhere
Unique Birdhouses
Some bird species can be very particular about their preferred houses, including floor dimensions, house shape, and other details. Finding birdhouses that are specially designed for the species you want nesting nearby is the best option for meeting their needs with an appropriate house. Be sure you use houses of the right dimensions and with the proper entrance hole size to suit the birds in your yard.
04
of 10
Birds Build Nests Lower Than My Birdhouse's Height
Tree Canopy
Where you mount a birdhouse is just as critical as the size and shape of the house itself. Some birds will use higher houses, while others prefer houses closer to the ground. Birds nest at different heights and have different preferences for whether the house is mounted on a pole or tree, or if it can be hung. Understanding birds’ preferences can help you position birdhouses properly.
05
of 10
Birds Never Reuse Old Nests
Old Bird Nest
Most nesting songbirds will not reuse old nests, though they may reuse a small amount of the nesting material to build a fresh nest. The best option is to clean out birdhouses after every brood has fledged so the house is clean and clear for another pair of nesting birds to use. This also reduces the risk of dangerous contamination from old feces, feather mites, or insect infestations in an old nest.
06
of 10
My Birdhouse Is Threatened by Predators and Invaders
Cat on a Birdhouse
Birds always look for a safe place to raise their nestlings. Adding safety features such as baffles or guards to a birdhouse will help protect brooding birds. Perches should be removed, and the house design should include drainage and ventilation for safety and comfort. Keep cats indoors and take steps to discourage feral cats and other unwelcome birdhouse predators from your yard.
07
of 10
Larger Birds Use My Small-Bird Birdhouse
European Starling
An inappropriate entrance hole can admit larger birds such as house sparrows or European starlings to a birdhouse, crowding out more desirable residents. Larger birds may even kill hatchlings or brooding adults, but a properly sized entrance hole will keep out larger species while admitting other birds. If the hole has gotten bigger over the years, there are easy ways to fix it to keep larger birds from entering.
08
of 10
My Beautifully Painted Birdhouse Isn't Being Used
Paint Brushes
Paint can be toxic to birds, and painting a birdhouse should be done carefully so as not to endanger adults or nestlings. Exterior paint should be camouflaged to help protect the house from predators and other invaders, as well as to help control the interior temperature of the house. Avoid paints with glitter or other quirky accents, and opt for simple, understated designs to appeal to more cautious birds.
Continue to 9 of 10 below.
09
of 10
I Want to Take My Birdhouses Down in Winter but Birds Are Still Using Them
