Nest box

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Typical nest box

A nest box (or nestbox also called birdhouse) is a man-made box provided for animals to nest in. Nest boxes are most frequently utilized for wild and domestic birds, but certain species of mammal may also use them.

Boxes are usually wooden, though some for birds are made from mixtures of wood and concrete, called woodcrete. Metal nest boxes are also marketed, but these are generally unsuitable for outdoor use, as they can overheat easily in sunshine.

The majority are cuboid, and many have a sloping roof. Many have a hinged top to provide access for cleaning, bird ringing or, when used for domesticated species, to give the breeder access to the young. Boxes may either have an entrance hole or be open fronted. Some nest boxes can be highly decorated and complex. Designs mimicking human house design are common in some large gardens.

Mulitple nest box and feeding station at Tortworth Court

[edit] Birds

The size of a nest box should be suited for the animal for which it is intended. Quite large boxes are used for ducks, owls and other raptors.

Nest boxes for wild birds should be cleaned annually to remove old nests and kill parasites. The nest boxes of domestic birds and other animals should be removed and cleaned after the breeding season is over and no more young are expected. Budgerigars and other birds raised domestically will not usually mate unless a nest box is present.

[edit] Other creatures

Nest boxes are marketed not only for birds but also for bats, some other mammals and bees. Depending on the animal, these boxes are used for roosting, breeding, or both. Most small mammals will use a nest box for raising young if one is provided.

A large nestbox with 8cm hole high up on a pine tree.

Dogs will also use a nest box to raise a litter. Usually this is simply a large wooden or cardboard box with the front cut down enough to permit the dam to enter and exit the box but not allow the puppies to exit. These nest boxes intended for dogs are known as whelping boxes. Whelping boxes often have a board inserted horizontally on all sides to prevent the puppies from being accidentally suffocated by the mother when she lies down to feed.