1302 W. Broadway (at Birch)
Vancouver, BC V6H 1H2
The term "bird house", "house" and "nesting box" all refer to the same products. Houses provide nesting sites for cavity-nesting birds. By cavity nesting, we are referring to birds that excavate their own nesting sites (dead branches, posts or trees) or use pre-existing cavities excavated by other birds.
Primary cavity nesting species (such as woodpeckers) excavated their own sites. Secondary cavity nesters (such as chickadees and wrens) rely on pre-existing cavities. Secondary nesters lack the ability to create their own nesting locations and will readily accept man-made housing.
From the beginning of March to the end of August is when the majority of our birds here in the Lower Mainland are nesting. You may notice a decrease in feeder activity as well as different behaviors from your usual birds as they prepare to find or build nests, lay their eggs, and raise their young.
You can also offer an attractive place to nest by putting up a nesting box. Chickadees are one of the most popular and easiest birds to get to nest in your yard, with their houses being readily available here in-store and their willingness to take nesting materials you might put out!
Our nesting balls are made of natural cotton fibers, just hang it up somewhere they will be able to see, and watch as they come take pieces back to their nests. Hummingbirds will also love to take advantage of this easy source of material. Try pinching and pulling the cotton so that it can sway in the wind to invite birds to take pieces.
It is important that functional houses meet specific criteria to meet the needs of the specific bird. Things to look for:
Entry Hole
The size of the entry hole, the distance from that hole to the floor and the inside dimensions must suit the bird you want to attract.
Insulation
For the proper insulation, wood should be at least ¾” thick; recycled plastic should be at least ½” thick.
Ventilation
It is important for functional houses to have good ventilation. Panels of wood that are ¾” thick help provide insulation from the heat. Holes near the top of the house allow for the heat to escape.
Easy Clean Out
A side panel that opens allows for easy clean out of the nest at the end of the season which helps to keep the pest population down.
Adequate Drainage
Holes at the bottom corners allow for drainage. Drainage holes in the middle of the bottom will not adequately allow for drainage.
Fledgling Ladder
It is a good idea (especially for bluebird houses) to provide either slashes or a ladder to help the fledglings leave the house.
Perches
Perches are not necessary and can actually allow easier access for predators.
Decorative functional houses are often painted or decorated.
They should perform as basic houses for customers who wish to provide housing for the birds, but want a more decorative look for their yards. These are also used as decoration inside homes and offices.
This category of houses may include houses that are decorated but do not necessarily fill all of the functional housing requirements.
It is important for this category of houses to fulfill basic requirements such as ventilation, drainage, cleanout and basic size requirements.
Decorative houses are not functional houses.
They do not meet enough of the requirements to be considered proper housing for birds.
They should only be used as decoration for inside the home, office, etc.
While they might not be fit for use by wild birds, decorative houses are great for nature lovers to bring a little bit of the outdoors inside!