Putting things in birdhouses can be beneficial for attracting birds, but there are also some considerations to keep in mind. The main things people commonly put in birdhouses include nesting materials, food, and water. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each.
Nesting Materials
Many people put nesting materials like twigs, grass, moss, feathers, and hair in their birdhouses to help attract birds and give them a head start on nest building. Here are some quick pros and cons:
Pros:
- Saves birds time and energy gathering materials
- Entices nesting by providing ready-made nest starters
- Lets you control cleanliness and parasite load
Cons:
- Some birds may reject provided materials
- Not all birds use the same materials for nesting
- Can introduce pests if materials are not cleaned well
So nesting materials can be helpful but should be species-appropriate and cleaned. Monitoring the birdhouse to see if materials are actually used can determine success.
Food
Providing bird food like seeds, suet, chopped fruit, and live mealworms in a birdhouse is generally not recommended. Here’s why:
Pros:
- May initially attract birds
Cons:
- Quickly goes bad and gets moldy in enclosed space
- Attracts predators like snakes, raccoons, and cats
- Can lead to overcrowding as birds compete for food
- Adults may neglect nestlings while feeding on easy food source
Overall, the consensus among experts is not to put food inside birdhouses. Better to have well-placed external bird feeders away from the birdhouse if you want to supplement their diets.
Water
Like food, providing drinking water inside a birdhouse is not recommended. Here are the main reasons:
Pros:
- Convenient water source for nesting birds
Cons:
- Rapidly accumulates droppings and breeds bacteria
- Can overflow and soak nesting material
- Attracts insects that spread diseases
- Can pool and drown hatchlings
External birdbaths are a much safer option for providing drinking and bathing water to birds. Change the water frequently to prevent disease.
Guidelines for Birdhouse Interiors
Based on the pros and cons, here are some best practice guidelines for birdhouse interiors:
- Use nesting materials like twigs, moss, and grass, but only natural fibers birds would find themselves.
- Clean materials thoroughly and replace regularly to prevent parasites.
- Avoid non-breathable materials like plastic, nylon, or synthetic fibers.
- Do not put food or water inside birdhouses.
- Monitor boxes and remove unused materials promptly.
- Never use pesticides or insecticides on materials.
Following these tips will help create a safe, healthy environment inside birdhouses to attract nesting birds.
Ideal Materials by Species
Different bird species have different nesting material preferences based on their natural history. Here are some common backyard birds and what they like to build their nests with:
Bird Species | Preferred Nesting Materials |
---|---|
Chickadees | Moss, fur, feathers, dry leaves |
Phoebes | Moss, mud, grass |
Swallows | Grass, feathers |
Bluebirds | Pine needles, grass, feathers |
Wrens | Twigs, grass, moss, leaves |
Woodpeckers | Wood chips |
Tailor the materials you provide to those fitting the species you hope to attract. Observe current nests in your area for clues about what birds are using.
Top 5 Materials to Use
Based on the table, here are 5 of the best natural bird nesting materials to use in birdhouses:
- Moss – Provides insulation and moisture control
- Dry grasses and twigs – Sturdy base for shaping nest
- Pine needles – Excellent insulators to protect eggs
- Feathers – Soft lining for nest interior
- Fur and hair – Keeps nests warm and cozy
Prioritize these materials in the birdhouses for your target species to increase occupancy rates. Just be sure to clean and replace them regularly.
Providing the Right Amount
When providing nesting materials in birdhouses, moderation is key. Here are some guidelines on quantity:
- Start with approximately 1-2 cups of material
- For larger nest boxes, 3-4 cups max
- Err on the side of less to avoid overcrowding
- Don’t pack materials too densely in box
- Leave room for birds to arrange materials themselves
Too little material won’t give birds a head start on nest building. But too much can obstruct movement or tempt birds to fight over the prime real estate.
Monitoring Usage
Once your birdhouse is set up with nest materials, keep an eye on activity and usage with these tips:
- Watch to see if birds remove or add materials
- Check for nest shaping and egg laying
- Remove unused materials after 2-3 weeks
- Adjust materials offered based on observations
- Clean out nests after fledging before next brood
This will allow you to create an optimal birdhouse environment that gives birds a boost without doing the work for them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about putting materials in birdhouses:
Should I put dirt or sand in a birdhouse?
No, avoid putting dirt, sand, or ashes in birdhouses. While some species use bits of dirt in nest building, providing it encourages mold growth. Nesting birds themselves will gather any dirt or sand they need.
Can I use string, yarn, or pet hair?
Avoid synthetic fibers, twines, or non-breathable materials. Shed pet hair can be used for nests in moderation, but clean thoroughly to remove parasites first.
How often should I replace nesting materials?
Replace about 1/3 of nesting materials every 2-3 weeks through nesting season. Then fully replace all materials after each brood fledges.
Should I spray materials with insecticide?
No, never apply insecticides or pesticides to birdhouse materials. Nesting birds are very sensitive to toxins. Use only natural, chemical-free materials.
What’s the best time of year to provide materials?
Offer fresh nesting materials just before and during peak nesting season, which is typically spring through mid-summer. Timing varies by region and species.
Conclusion
Providing the right natural nesting materials in birdhouses can help attract birds by easing energy costs of nest building. But too much material or the wrong types of materials can do more harm than good. Follow the guidelines on ideal materials, quantities, cleaning, and monitoring to create the perfect balance. With some trial and error, you can turn your birdhouses into coveted real estate for native birds. Just resist the urge to do all the work for them. A little assist goes a long way when trying to get those birdhouses occupied.