Roost Collection

Want to shelter wild birds from cold winter winds?

Man-made roosts are special boxes, wicker baskets, or other shelters used by wild birds seeking protection from elements and predators.

The Basics

With roosts, you may want to consider

• The different types
• The characteristics of the best roosts
• Care and placement of your roosts
• Building vs. buying a roost
• Whether to keep roosts available only for winter months

Types

Convertible Bird House and Roost

Roost houses look like large nest boxes, some with multiple entrances. In severe weather several birds may huddle together for warmth.

Roost pockets are smaller and often come in wicker-basket styles.

Characteristics

A good roosting box will have several of the following characteristics:

• Keeps warmth well; for example, no ventilation holes or entry hole placed to discourage drafts
• Has perches staggered at different levels or roughened, scored sides or hardware mesh sides (woodpeckers, etc, will cling to sides)
• Designed to minimize the chance of water inside the box

Thatched Round Roost

Winter Only?

Some believe that roost boxes or pockets can be dangerous in the summertime. Others want to prevent birds from nesting in the roosts. In either case, you can take down or block the entrances to roosts during non-winter months.

I first published this article, now updated, back on November 21st, 2007.