The Wildlife Porch - Latest comments on Provide Roosts To Shelter Wild Birds On Your Wildlife Porch or Deck

Carol [Visitor] in response to: Provide Roosts To Shelter Wild Birds On Your Wildlife Porch or Deck

Carol [Visitor] — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:59:43 +0000

Thanks man, it worked.

Cindy Rae [Member] in response to: Provide Roosts To Shelter Wild Birds On Your Wildlife Porch or Deck

Cindy Rae [Member] — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 03:09:39 +0000

Shae,

You can confirm if the following tips work by looking in the roost for evidence the birds are using it -- downy feathers, fecal matter, and seed residue.

1. Try moving the location of your roost

The birds may be scared of predators in its current location. Try one of the following:

* Move the roost to the sunny, south side of a large tree (subject to the presence of climbing predators) or house at around 12 feet off the ground
* Mount the roost to a pole protected with a baffle
* Add a predator guard to the entrance hole

2. Add a layer of soft grass or wood chips to the bottom of the box

3. Seal up any holes or leaks on the outside with duct tapes or rolled caulking -- unless you're worried about drainage inside the box

4. Double-check your design:

* Is the entrance hole near the bottom?
* Are there perches for smaller birds installed inside?
* Is the entrance hole's diameter around 1-1/4 inches?

Hope this helps!

Shae Deschenes [Visitor] in response to: Provide Roosts To Shelter Wild Birds On Your Wildlife Porch or Deck

Shae Deschenes [Visitor] — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:15:26 +0000

My husband followed directions from the net to build a sturdy roost box for the sparrows and finch that stay over winter in Alberta. I keep finding frozen little birds all over the yard, about 1 a week. The roost boxes are in the corner of a solid fence with entrance at bottom and right near one of the bird feeders. None of the birds seem to be using either one. Should we be putting seed or straw or something in them to attract the little fellows. I feel sorry for them as its been so cold but don't know what else we can do. Thanks...shae