Birdhouses in the garden increase the birds’ chances of survival and reproduction. A birdhouse gives birds a roof over their heads during the harsh winter months and also ensures that your garden will be full of life and movement.
Choosing a birdhouse size
The size of the birdhouse entry hole will determine which birds move in. For example, if the hole is three centimetres in diameter, birds such as the great tit or European pied flycatcher will thrive in the birdhouse. Birdhouses with five-centimetre holes attract house sparrows and tree sparrows.
Place your birdhouse at the right height
Birds thrive bets in birdhouses placed 1.5-2 metres above the ground on a wall or tree. Choose a shady spot. Remember not to hang the birdhouses too close to each other. The vast majority of birds want space.
Frequently asked questions about birdhouses
When should I set up a birdhouse?
Autumn is the best time to set up birdhouses to give them time to acclimate for the next season.
Where should I place the birdhouse?
A birdhouse should be placed in a shady area with open space in the front so that the birds can fly in. Don’t place to too close to your patio, as the birds may be stressed by your presence.
How big should a birdhouse be?
The size depends on the species of bird you want to use the birdhouse. Three-centimetre holes attract smaller birds such as the blue tit and the marsh tit. Five-centimetre holes, on the other hand, attract larger birds such as starlings.
