How to Care for Bluebird Houses

Bluebird experts say if you do not monitor and maintain your bluebird house, it would be better to not have one at all. Bluebirds are susceptible to aggressive birds, other predators and insect infestations. Humans can help the bluebird population by properly caring for their bluebird houses to reduce these problems.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dried grass clippings
• Spray bottle
• Bleach
• Water
• Cloth or sponge

1. Monitor your bluebird house at least once a week, until hatchlings are about twelve days old. Then do not disturb until they have flown the nest or they might leave prematurely.

2. Replace nest material that shows infestation or is saturated by rain with dried lawn clippings. Shape it like the original nest as much as possible.

3. Remove the nests of any unwanted (non-native) birds such as starlings or house sparrows as soon as they are discovered.

4. Remove bluebird nests after the young have left.

5. Spray the bluebird house with a solution of 90 percent water and 10 percent bleach and wipe down. Leave door open until interior has dried, then close it.

Tips & Warnings

• Mount bluebird houses 100 yards apart, away from bird feeders. Make sure houses are not occupied by unwanted tenants (squirrels, mice, snakes). Protect nests from predators by mounting house on five-foot metal pole. Face the opening away from the prevailing wind direction.

References

• About nestboxes of many birds, including bluebirds
• Getting started with bluebirds
• How to monitor your bluebird box