How to Build a Barn Owl Nestbox for a Tree

[@simonmorris-p7m]

Thank you for making this design freely available & for the expert construction by Jasmine, she is a next level champion with the flame torch! We’ve got 2 acres of long grass full of voles , great hunting for owls but the only nest sites are a long way off so we’re keen to give them a local home 😊

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thank you for your kind words! Your land sounds ideal - good luck!

[@hmichaelpower]

Very neat workmanship! Thank you also for demonstrating that it is perfectly possible to use a hand saw to cut plywood.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thank you very much!

[@paulgeary531]

I just made one, following the video. It came out really well. I made it an enjoyable project, and worked on it a couple of hours at a time. It was fun. Thank you. The barn owls will love it, hopefully

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

That's great to hear - well done you! Fingers crossed that a pair of Barn Owls find your new home soon!

[@1toymaniac]

This was an excellent instructional and informative video. Thanks so much for your work in trying to preserve these gorgeous creatures!!! 🦉

[@JulianMakes]

I made a pole type version two years ago. Now i have moved to Catalunya and have spotted an adult barn owl on our roof at dusk. I will go for the wedge shaped outdoor one this time! I think i will add some to the depth for the extra safety of the baby birds. Thanks again. Great video!

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Good luck!

[@FritzKraut]

Again thank you for your sound work.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

And thanks for yours - taking care of so many nestboxes and their occupants!

[@1961wilco]

Well done that young lady!

[@simonpickard5015]

Great video & plans. Box successfully made, mounting in tree complete, donation to Trust successfully made - just waiting for an owl! Thanks team.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Fantastic - thank you and well done! You're very welcome - let us know how you get on - here's hoping for some happy residents very soon!

[@lucarosazzagat8545]

thank you so much!

[@jefflc1079]

Hello Guys! Greetings from Honduras. Thank you for the footage, I`m learning many good things from you guys, so I can make good things here in the country to protect Bar Owls too.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thank you and good luck!

[@markrussell8261]

20+ years ago I moved from the UK to the states. No one uses metric here and I miss working with it but I sure don't miss using a hand saw, I don't even own one anymore

[@Dan-440]

Yeah, sorry. We'll get there .

[@Ahmedvolks]

So much information and advice , I like this.

[@ianmillar7601]

Love the build thanks for sharing. I plan to build one for my cabin

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Excellent idea - good luck!

[@shaunstanworth3528]

Great video, I just built one for a Christmas present. Very easy to follow. Thank you

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

What a brilliant present! Glad you found our video useful - thanks.

[@stevenixon9022]

I enjoyed your video and found it very informative. I do have a question for you. Will the use of pressure treated lumber and adhesives pose any health risks or nuisance to the owls? Should they be allowed to air out sufficiently before hanging in place for the owls to take residence?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks Steve. Just make sure that the box is dry before putting it up and you shouldn't have any problems. Good luck!

[@billiamc1969]

Good information...I will pass it on...Greetings from Baltimore

[@johnosullivan8068]

hi im just wondering is the plywood used what we would call shuttering ply? and can it be painted?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi John, the plywood needs to be waterproofed and made with a waterproof adhesive (EN314-2, Class 3). Yes it can be painted - just make sure that the paint is thoroughly dry and fume free before putting the box up. Hope that helps - Good luck!

[@glennfish4569]

Thanks for this - could I please ask, approximately how many of the longer screws (5.0x40) will I need? I purchased the 3.5x30s but have only just seen the requirement for the longer screws later in the video...

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Glenn - thanks for your question, I've passed it on to our nestbox builders, and will get back to you. :)

[@brittainywagner9819]

also you mentioned keeping the cold out. I am located in Texas we have hot summers that can get up to 47 Celsius. would I need to take extra precautions to keep the box cool somehow? if so any thoughts?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Try to erect the box in a well ventilated area in the shade if possible and paint the outside white to reflect the heat. More about US Barn Owls & nestboxes here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/american-barn-owls/

[@pauldaily5325]

I'm looking forward to building 1 for my property and more importantly 1 for the ranch I keep my horses at. To many ground rrground squirrels there, they're a Hazzard for horses. Thanks from a retired carpenter here in California.nice plan!

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Good luck!

[@maurizios.3862]

Great idea. I want to make a similar one to install in a nice place in Italy. Really good. !!

[@azbluefox]

I love [all] your videos and your website. You are the [most] knowledgeable person on Owls and Owl boxes. I live in Scottsdale Arizona USA and want to build your Owl house design for my backyard. We have just about every variety of Owls here, even Snow Owls. But mostly the Great Horned Owl. I browsed your website for plans but didn't see any except for this video. Can you respond with a link for the plans to the Owl house in this video. I would love it.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for your kind comments Dennis. We are a very small charity, focussed on Barn Owls in the UK. We do offer some advice for US Barn Owl nestboxes here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/american-barn-owls/ which needs to be a larger version of the nestbox in the video, plans here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/ Good luck!

[@azbluefox]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 Thank you for the links. I really appreciate it. I'm going to start building my box today. I noticed a lot of video's on here show them building the box out of cedar or other type of wood. You're the only one who uses treated plywood and that's my choice as well. I'll get back to you when I have mine finished.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Good luck - and yes, let us know how you get on!

[@foskere]

nice videos. why you didnt use the jigsaw for all the cuts?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks - I'll ask our handy-woman for you...

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Jigsaws are great for cutting curves but not so useful for straight lines

[@brianoneill350]

Thank you for the info. Just put up two of them

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Excellent! Hope you get some contented residents soon!

[@johnivory1]

Hi there, Absolutely love your videos! Just wondering if there is any particular reason why you shouldn't put roofing felt down the sides too. I'm thinking even greater longevity for the box...

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thank you! You could put roofing felt down the sides - we just think that it won't make a huge difference to the longevity, and not doing so saves cost and weight. If you try it let us know how you get on!

[@johnivory1]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 Will do! thanks for getting back to me....

[@dolam]

I was thinking of something similar, only extending the roof over the sides of the box to create eaves that protect the box from rain.

[@jamibligh2063]

I am a commercial waterproofer by trade in the US. What type of sealant do you recommend? Silicone? Polyurethane? Acrylic/Urethane hybrid? I know they will all waterproof this project, but birds are sensitive... don't want fumes to harm them, or scent to entice them to pick at it...

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Jami, you probably know more about different types of sealants than we do, however, here in the UK, we use Ever-Build Weather-Mate, which is "a multi-use adhesive and gap filler based on an advanced isocrylic formula that provides the ultimate weather proofing protection for adhesion to all surfaces." We have not had any problems with owls being affected by fumes or pecking at it, and it does the job well. Hope this helps. www.everbuild.co.uk/product/weather-mate/

[@FritzKraut]

Glad you use Bosch! ;-)

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

The best!

[@Sebastian_Bareyro]

Blue or green Bosch 😁

[@Sebastian_Bareyro]

Blue or green Bosch 😁

[@ShakespeareCafe]

Abe Lincoln used to say “if I had 10 hours to build a barn owl box I’d spend the first hour cutting it out on a table saw or a Festool track saw”

[@bestbuilder1st]

Even as president I doubt Lincoln could afford to purchase a Festool. For most of the world, a table saw is out of the question also. YMMV

[@traavdasav]

Lincoln was a dewalt guy

[@colin6149]

Great vid, but won't water seep in through the sides of the inspection hatch?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks! Ideally, the front of the box should face away from the prevailing weather if possible, but we haven't found the hatch to be a problem. Rainwater is more likely to get in through the entrance hole, if the box is very exposed. If this cannot be prevented, drill some small holes in the base for drainage. More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@charlotteriddick3785]

Hi! What height do the battens on the exercise platform need to be? Thanks!

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

We use 25mm x 50mm tanalised batten - but the height doesn't have to be exact - it's for the owl to be able to easily grip the edge of the platform. Hope that helps. Good luck!

[@charlotteriddick3785]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 Thank you!!

[@matekubicsek4026]

Hi! At what degree is the sidewall and backwall cut at? Thanks in advance!

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Mate, - there are free plans and dimensions here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/#tree-box-dimensions Hope that helps!

[@pixeldiversity]

Thanks for preparing and sharing. I like it a lot. However, don't you experience problems with Martens? So a labyrinth would be great?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hello Sascha, the Beech Marten (A.K.A. Stone Marten) will steal Barn Owl eggs and chicks in many areas of Europe, but this species is not found in the UK. While there are some Pine Martens in the UK, this species is still very rare and has little effect on Barn Owls. We do not know of any Barn Owls boxes that incorporate a labyrinth, and Barn Owls usually use nest sites where the entrance can be accessed directly.

[@jefflc1079]

I have a question: is your design free to copy and build a Nestbox everywere in the world without any legal issue? Thanx!

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Jeffrey - our design is free for any personal or educational use (please check with us for commercial use). This design is suitable for UK and European Barn Owls - elsewhere, please check with local experts for suitability. US Barn Owls for example are bigger: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/american-barn-owls/

[@jefflc1079]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 thank you, is definetly not for comercial use. I am from Honduras and I`m trying to create a Barn Owl Conservation Movement, wich is not endagered but people in some places hunt them because they think they are witches or other people take the chicks from the nest for sell them. I own a one year old female Barn Owl, rescued from poachers when she was only three weeks old.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Well done for doing this important work - hope our website is useful for you.

[@fluffymittens24]

Will these work any owl. I am in North Central Texas and not sure what species we have here in any number.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Barn Owls are found in Texas, but it would probably be best to talk to a local wildlife group for specific advice. Most of our information is about UK owls - but we do offer advice about US Barn Owl nestboxes: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/american-barn-owls/ Good luck!

[@robertthomas802]

Hi Just built my first Owl box from the great tutorial. Chuffed with the box. one question though not an issue. you say the side batons on the exercise area are 27cm long yet the platform is only 25 cm deep even with the offset angle they would protrude over the end. I have cut them to match the base area and it is fine.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks Robert - glad you're happy with the box and the tutorial. The side batons are meant to be angled to fit against the nestbox, so that rain water drains away from the slightly sloping platform. More info here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/ Hope this helps.

[@TheAudimike]

Nice work,- seems to be a save nestbox,- I tray to do it.............................

[@williamkaczmarek3996]

Do you offer a downloadable pattern for your nesting boxes? I see you've marked up a full 4' x 8' sheet of treated plywood. A pattern might be useful for those of us outside the UK. Thanks, this was a good video.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks William - the dimensions for the Barn Owl tree box can be downloaded from here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/#tree-box-construction Reply ·

[@jimmybest5404]

Great video but I personally wouldn’t use treated wood.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for your comment. It's important that a Barn Owl nestbox lasts for as long as possible, as it may be in constant use for many years. We recommend that any timber liable to decay within 20 years should be treated with long-lasting preservative: either pressure treated (tanalised) or surface treated (including all edges of all component parts) before assembly. As long as the product instructions are followed and all parts are dry before assembly, this does not cause any problems for the owls. More info here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@jameslarkin395]

Hi, loved the video. Quick questions....what is the main time of the year than Barn Owls would move into a tree nest box? Is there any other type of birds that are attracted to this type of nest box?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

If you erect a box inside a Barn Owls home range it could be occupied at any time. If you erect a box where there are no Barn Owls then August-November is the most likely time (when dispersing young are establishing their home range). www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/barn-owl-home-range/

[@victoryfirst2878]

What can I do when my location has a lot of gray squirrels ??? They just destroyed all of my bird houses, so I made a barn for an owl and they just took over the box. Please help Sir ?? Thanks.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Grey squirrels can be a nuisance and unfortunately we've yet to find an easy answer. People have tried strong smelling substances such as coffee grounds and chilli pepper (owls have no sense of smell), and these seem to work some of the time. Clearing the squirrels' nest debris out as frequently as possible may also help to deter them (but do be sure that no birds get disturbed). Good luck!

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 Thank you for the information and I will give it a try.

[@peteowens959]

I built a barn owl box like this and it's raised two litter do the little owls need help getting out

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Pete - it's great that you built a nestbox. No - don't help them! The box design is deep on purpose so that the young owls cannot get out until they start to learn to fly and are strong enough to look after themselves. More about safe nestbox design here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/hazards-solutions/poor-barn-owl-nestbox-design/

[@thumperman8490]

Careful with the Stanley knife while cutting the felt, cutting up towards your hand could have been a disaster.....

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Good advice!

[@BrianTurnercali]

I've read a few places that you shouldn't have an exercise platform or large perch on a barn owl box because it gives predators a rest spot. Any comment on when to have an exercise platform and when not to?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Our nestbox designs are most suitable for the UK, where there are no common predators for owls. Probably best to consult with local wildlife experts for what's best in your area.

[@robbrenton9438]

I wish I can be an owl, just so I can live in that house. Wow.

[@SensitivePigeon]

I hope your dream comes true friend

[@thebig0opsyshow505]

Fly high brother, fly high

[@brittainywagner9819]

what do you do about bird poop in the bottom? is the bottom hinged?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Barn Owl nest boxes usually need clearing out every 2-3 years - the front of the owl box should have an access panel to enable nest debris to be cleaned out. More info here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/clearing-out-barn-owl-nest-spaces/

[@TheBeingReal]

How high off the ground does the box need to be?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

The minimum recommended height for the nestbox entrance hole is 3 metres above ground level: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/sitemap/galleries/suitable-positions-barn-owl-nestboxes-buildings/

[@mandyblais1699]

Is there a printable list and plans?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Yep - free DIY plans and instructions on our website: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/ :)

[@iship9705]

What's the Minimum Hight for Hanging the box?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Nestboxes need to be at least 3m above ground level. Lots more info here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@rogerst.lawrence2168]

Am I missing it,I don't see the plans to download

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Roger - the Barn Owl tree box plans are here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/#tree-box-construction

[@OxAO]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 I have extra 30 year roof laying around. Will that be to hard to work with?

[@karlalinley8841]

How do you know if your owl box is occupied?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Here's what to look for: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/signs-barn-owl-occupation/ Good luck!

[@stephenwalsh8184]

👍

[@shurimnazwarmahamarowi713]

Tahan ke air?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

The nestbox will prevent rain from getting in, if you follow the instructions carefully. The top of the owl box should be covered with heavy duty roofing felt and a waterproof sealant should be used in all the wood joints. The front, back and sides must overhang the floor of the box. More info here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@EricHartkorn]

any advice on finding a good plan for a barred owl box?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Our advice is mainly for UK owls, so we'd recommend consulting a wildlife organisation in your area. Good luck!

[@lexib1308]

How much did it cost to make this nest box?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

If you make it yourself, the plans are on our website for free - so it's just the cost of the materials. www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/ If you'd like to buy one ready made, we sell them in our on-line shop here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/product/barn-owl-nestbox-for-use-on-trees/ Hope that helps :)

[@lexib1308]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 Yes, thank you. Quick question - do Barn owls make nests?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Barn Owls don't build nests - they will lay their eggs on any high up and hidden flat or concave surface - most often in the bottom of a cavity (such as a tree hollow or nestbox) or on a wide ledge (such as a flat wall-top or the upper floor in a church tower). More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/how-to-manage-land-for-barn-owls/roosting-nesting-places/

[@savedvideos123]

I’m no expert at building these boxes but I do know pressure treated wood is toxic because it contains arsenic. Doesn’t seem like a great idea to use that. I’m gonna stick with regular ply. Feel free to let me know why using pressure treated ply isn’t a bad idea.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Modern pressure treated plywood should no longer contain arsenic (it was banned in the UK and the US several years ago). 9mm exterior quality ply will be fine. Good luck with your box building! www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@RonanBrowne-tw8vp]

Is it a 2×1 batten

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Yes - 25 x 50mm batten is 1x2 inches. :)

[@skoal022]

Can you use this for barred owls? Entry the same size?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hello. This entrance size would not be applicable to Barred Owls. They are much bigger than Barn Owls. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barred_owl). There are lots of plans for a Barred Owl nestbox available on the internet try: www.mynatureapps.com/building-a-barred-owl-nest-box/

[@skoal022]

BarnOwlTrust Thank you very much! Keep up the good work.

[@Yakk36]

Please cut pressure treated wood outside when possible and wear a mask. Very nice video.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for the tip!

[@yntextracredits4182]

Great

[@australakute7561]

Hi i would like to build this at Latvia, we have here some owls living in our old tree park, not sure what kind of owl but in our country we have TOP of : Eagle owl, Long-eared owl, Tengmalm's owl, Hawk owl, Tawny owl, Ural owl, and rare- Barn owl, Pygmy owl, Little owl, short-eared owl. :) ... but we have also predators - Marten!!! how they will live together in same park? maybe parent owl can easy protect from those predators.... how can i protect them?

[@mchlbk]

There's probably a local group of birdwatchers in your area. You should contact them, I'm sure they know exactly which of your local birds need nestboxes.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi - yes it would be a good idea to find out what sort of owls and other birds live in your area, as different species need different types of nest boxes :)

[@Plsd2beme]

Why not paint the box?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

You can certainly paint the outside of the box. Some people just want a different colour, but just as valid is the added protection that some sorts of paint can provide. If it is for protection purposes, it would be best to paint the outward facing sides and the edges of the pieces before the box is assembled. The paint should be completely dry before erecting the box.

[@drkesmithchannel7517]

You need to give the measurements in Inches and feet also.

[@billy-zx10r]

Dr KESmith Channel www.barnowltrust.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/outdoor-nestbox-cutting-plan.jpg

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi - you can find these measurements on our website: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/barn-owl-nestboxes/#barn-owl-nest-box-dimensions

[@Vinterfrid]

Actually, Americans need to abandon the medieval measure system and start using the metric system like 99 % of the world does.

[@alessandroilhailha2025]

Não tem tradução em português??

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

We're a very small charity based in the UK, so unfortunately we're not able to provide translations at the moment. :(

[@beakfordflappering4647]

build it ... and they will come.. maybe vv

[@rodney73991]

how stop raccoon make a home?

[@rodney73991]

Ceader is normally used small bird house? don't rote . would good choice for owl box? owl box all owl species just barn owls

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

This design is best for Barn Owls in the UK - US Barn Owls are bigger and need a bigger box. The hole size can be kept small - 5 x 5 inches - to help deter other creatures. We don't have experience of using cedar, but any local, long lasting wood would probably be fine. And we don't know much about raccoons either - we have trouble with Jackdaws, and have not found a way to stop them nesting in an owl box - the trouble is, they're more clever than owls - it's probably the same with raccoons! More about American Barn Owls here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/american-barn-owls/

[@davecavana1031]

All screws and brackets should be galv or stainless steel. Zinc ain't worth a damn.

[@joenavanodo3780]

Cant people post anything these days without some stupid music banging away in the back. Tv shows are the thing, music so loud one cant hear the dialogue...drives me nuts. If i want music, then I’ll play music. I don’t need both at the same time.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Your comment has been noted - thank you.

[@rosalindcooper9067]

Liked the music - rather john renbournish

[@SohailKhan-bx2go]

Dude get some protective gloves!