How to Help Birds Build Nests

Different varieties of birds build different types of nests. You should research the type of nests or nest boxes the birds require. Nesting season generally runs from early spring to late summer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Onion Mesh Bags
• Glues
• Yarns
• Scissors
• String
• Saws
• Common Nails
• Hammers
• Wood

Nests

1. Obtain a mesh bag, such as an onion bag.
2. Stuff bag with a mixture of any or all of the following: hair, dryer lint, short strands of string or yarn, dried grasses or rootlets, feathers, spiders' silk, snake skins.
3. Mount bag on a fence or post where birds can come and remove materials for nest making.

Nest Box

4. Determine the species of bird you wish to make a nest box for.
5. Research proper box dimensions for that bird's nest box.
6. Purchase wood and cut to specifications.
7. Assemble box as directed.
8. Mount box as directed.
9. Remove box after nesting season, thoroughly clean and store.
10. Remount box for the next nesting season.

Tips & Warnings

• Dryer lint must be free of fabric softener.
• Both human hair and pet hair are used by birds.
• Avoid string longer than 6 inches. Long strands may entangle adult birds and nestlings and cause them to be strangled.
• Do not offer plastic or nylon in any form, including fishing line.
• Each species has special conditions for the type of box preferred and where box should be mounted.
• If you mount more than one box, research the appropriate distance between boxes depending on the bird species.
• Birds may not use boxes the first time you put them up - try again next season.
• Avoid outside perches on nest boxes. They may provide a place for predators to stand while raiding the nest box.
• Mount nest boxes out of reach of predators such as cats.