How to Install Bluebird Boxes

Bluebirds are adorable little creatures that love to eat insects. Urban sprawl has made it necessary to install bluebird boxes to attract these wonderful birds, who will keep your gardens and homes free of pests. Follow these steps to build one.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tape measure
• bluebird boxes
• Poles to mount the bluebird boxes
• Hammer

1. Offer the right home. Bluebirds need to have a specific type of home that isn’t often found naturally anymore. Purchase or build nesting boxes specifically designed for bluebirds.

2. Install the bird boxes in the correct type of location. Bluebirds are country birds and love their homes installed in sprawling, grassy or mowed fields without the tight constraints of tall bushes or trees too close to their nesting boxes.

3. Provide occasional nearby perches with taller shrubs and trees or install manmade perches within 50 feet of the nesting boxes.

4. Erect bluebird boxes between the third week of February first week of March to be sure to attract bluebirds during migration.

5. Install bluebird boxes with the entry hole 4 to 6 feet above ground and be sure to point them away from prevailing winds.

6. Limit the bluebird boxes to one box per acre, or install them at least 100 yards apart to provide ample room for nesting.

Tips & Warnings

• Bluebirds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 making it unlawful to damage nesting boxes, eggs, babies and adult birds. Doing so is punishable by a 2 year prison term and up to a $250,000 fine for felony convictions if caught.