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New Type Bluebird Box

by Mel Kelly
(Crawfordsville IN)

I have discovered a new and better nest box. I use scrap 6 inch well casing. I have 3 nestings in them now.

The birds passed up wooden boxes for them. I cut the casing about 10 inches long then I slice the front off about 3 to 4 inches wide.

I cut out two round pieces of 1 inch wood for the top and the bottom. I put a 3/4 inch piece at the top to catch the front door with screws into the wood.

I put the bottom in with 3 screws and put the front on with 2 1 inch eye screws.

Put the hole in with a hole saw and put cuts on the inside with a moto tool for the little ones to climb.

I drill some holes in the back for mounting and ventilation. I put a piece of 1/8 inch of white plastic on the top for the roof with 3 3/4 inch screw.

The birds love them and they will last for a long time.

Over the years I have built 829 boxes but the early ones have all rotted away. These work better and will last.

I have tried every design I have heard of and these out do them all. It takes some effort to build but are worth it.

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New Type Bluebird Box

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May 25, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Upload A Picture
by: Administator

Hello Mel, If you would use the contact us form (on the navigational bar at left) we can have you email a photo of your type of Bluebird House.

Our program only lets you upload a photo when you write your story. If it's not done at that time it can only be added by us.

You won't be able to attach a photo from the contact form, you'll have to wait until I reply, then you can send a photo.

I know this is a pain but it's a safeguard against what can happen on the internet regarding photos. Contact me and we'll get that picture up. Lots of folks want to see them.

Gene
May 25, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstar 		New Bluebird Box
by: Mel Kelly

L Carignan - I don't have as much trouble with other birds as I do with the wood boxes, But the wrens did kill 2 babies in one box and build a nest on top of the little dead birds. I cleaned out the box and left the front off for a week or so.
I would have cleaned out the box you moved but you never know what the birds want for sure. You sometimes have to make a guess that seems right at the time and stick with it.
All my boxes are empty right now so I am hoping for some second nestings soon.
I will mail you some pictures of the new boxes and hope you can raise some more Bluebirds in them. I have given boxes to everyone around this area that was interested so if I don't get the second nestings maybe one of my boxes close by will do the trick. We have a lot of Bluebirds in the area any more. About 30 years ago before I started building boxes they were very rare so we are gaining.
Mel
May 24, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks Mel for Info.
by: Lorna C.

Thanks Mel for Info.
HI Mel,

Sorry, I haven't been on so missed this when you first wrote. My address is L Carignan 8079 Nantucket Dr. Mt. Morris, MI 48458
Have you had trouble with the other birds getting into your new type house?

Once a bird house has been invaded and the eggs destroyed should a person move the house a ways away? I did and left the new nest inside but don't know if I should have taken the nest out so they could start from scratch. I thought they might recognize their nest and save them time having to build again. But maybe not since we moved the pole 20 feet away and farther from a pine tree. They still haven't laid any eggs yet. They are still around and keep going in and out. SHOULD I have taken the nest out?

I'm waiting for them to lay and egg or two so we can put up and a sparrow spooker.
Thank you for your offer!
Lorna
May 20, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Plastic bluebird box
by: Mel Kelly

I don't see how to send a picture. Bu6t if I had the info. I would mail you pictures.
May 20, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		New Type bluebird Box
by: Mel Kelly

I am not yery good on a PC but I will try to help. I know your problems because I have been building boxs and careing for them for over 30 years. So far I have build 839 and gave them away.
I use plastic well casing, you can use 6 inch PVC. UI cut the pipe about 10 inches long. I slice the front of the box off leaving about 2/3 of the pipe. I put a round wood plug in the top and bottom with screws. I put a band at the top about 3/4 inch wide to hold the top of the door and 2 eye screws in the botton of the door to hlod and can be removed to open the box, I use a hole saw for the opening and I scratch the inside of the door so the little ones can climb out when they are ready. You could use a 6 inch PVC cap. That would replace the wood plug and band at the top. I drill a series of holes in the back for mounting abd ventilation. I will try to post a picture.
May 19, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Clearer directions on Construction, Please.
by: Lorna C.

Hi Mel,

We are very interested in making any type of bluebird house that will last and attract these precious birds. Which we have enjoyed for the first time this year.

My husband built our first bluebird house and have occupants but the sparrows and wrens want it also and I won't let them have it. I figure I'll take it down before they get it.

Can you make the directions more clear or include a picture or a drawings for steps. We know our house may last a couple years if we take it down for the winter and is that what people do to protect their lasting ability?
Hope you don't mind sharing.

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