How to Protect Bluebirds From Predators

Bluebirds are a beautiful addition to your yard. Unfortunately, there are many predators that want to kill them. Cats, raccoons, snakes and even other birds such as sparrows and wrens will try to make a meal out of them. Here are a few suggestions on how to protect your bluebirds from predators.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Construct or buy a birdhouse that is specially made for bluebirds
• Grease
• A metal or PVC pole

1. Place your bluebird house as far away from barns, buildings and bushes as you can. It is important to place the birdhouse on a metal or PVC pole, which makes it harder for 4-legged creatures to get to. It will also deter snakes. If you grease the pole, it is harder for the predators to get up to the birdhouse. It can be amusing to watch them try to climb the pole.
   
   By placing your bluebird houses away from buildings and bushes you are making them less attractive to sparrows and house wrens. These birds are extremely territorial and will invade the birdhouse, pecking the eggs or killing the baby birds.
2. Clean out the bird houses if sparrows or wrens build nests in them. It is hard to get rid of the eggs, but it is a must if you want your bluebirds to build their nests in your bluebird house.
3. Provide meal worms if you want to encourage bluebirds to build in your birdhouse. They love them, but then so do other birds.