Bluebird predator guards - protect your Bluebird nest

Here are a few cost effective ways to keep snakes, raccoons, feral cats and possums from destroying your Bluebird nest.
Learn more here- www.bluebirdconservation.com/

[@fred6059]

I get bluebirds on my porch nest box every year. They raise 2 batches of kids. They bring me great joy.

[@BirdieSueA]

Could you show a photo of your bluebird nest box that's on your porch? No problems with predators?

[@rustyrichardson67]

I use a stovepipe baffle with the metal cap as shown in the video. It's easy to assemble and seems to work well against mammals and reptiles. One problem I had was that wasps would build nets inside the baffle at the top. I drilled several small holes, small enough for water to pass through but not large enough for a snake to get through, in the baffle top that allows rain water to drip through and that seemed to discourage the wasps from building nests.

[@MiBurnout]

Thats a good idea, weep holes in the lid.. nice!

[@jamesbarron1202]

I have 9 houses on my farm and my bluebirds were raising a ruckus today in the big oak where I have a house mounted and a 5 1/2’ bull snake was almost inside before I grabbed him behind the head. I hauled him about a mile away and released him to eat rats and copperheads we have.

[@elizabethlibero1878]

I buy snake away from Ace Lowes or Hd and sprinkle it around the ground. If it rains re apply. Also have a baffle. You need to check on the nest every couple of days. When they are done clean/wash out the box don’t just remove old nest. Here in Florida we have every predator you can think of!

[@salviabuckwheats7434]

Yes! Destroy my fun of bluebirds if they were killed? Because of me because I am the idiot that put that box there?? it would traumatize me for life!! What to do! What to do! (Hand-wringing.) Then here comes Dean Rust with a very entertaining and professional video saying that hope is not a strategy. Yes! Thank you for an excellent video. It is Jan 31, 2023 here in Indiana and my five boxes are up - spaced 100 feet apart, in open areas, far away from houses, barns and stables, not less than 25 feet from woods or brush, 5 ft high, facing East-North East. Holes are exactly 1 & 1/2 inches round, no perch, with a 4X4 inch or greater base and 11 inches high, and with vents at top and bottom, side opens for viewing not more than 3-4 days apart in breeding season, which is from mid-February through August. Around the hole I have a wooden predator guard and on top of that is a lovely copper predator guard (so the wood won't get clawed at). I can easily now identify what an English (aka house) sparrow looks like and I stopped using seed mixes to scatter for birds and will switch to straight niger and sunflower seeds - no corn. Cheap seed mixes attract English sparrows. I have studied up on the differences between nest types (bluebirds' are finely woven grass mostly) so I can clear out any house sparrow nests when they start (god forbid). Think I am ready? I knew I was not quite. So then I did see another video about making the baffle by clipping the metal where is it corrugated at the end, bending them down and hanging on the clamp on the pole. Then I saw a video (this one from a guy in Oklahoma) that discussed using bent hardware cloth around the hole opening (but he did not mention the baffle). But you, Mr. Rust, bring it all together here with a straight-forward pep talk that challenges us all to undertake this project wholeheartedly (read, not half-arsed) and vastly increase our opportunity for success. Bravo!!

[@desmondehoppie4758]

Wonderful. Thank You for taking the time to make this video.

[@jonathankerner2094]

thank you. I have a new blue bird trail (three boxes) and a pair are claiming one of them this morning. I will use your tandem approach! Enjoy!

[@AdmiralBirdy]

A lot of places will give you buckets, places that make cakes and pastries, restaurants etc. Can use Air Conditioning and heat metal duct too.

[@kooale]

Great detail shot of the fence attached to the box, just great.

[@tomrudd1118]

Super presentation. Well done.

[@jfloyd5187]

very good presentation.

[@olsonlr]

The bucket is easy to cut with a utility knife. I use gray paint buckets. They are UV resistant plastic and will last longer.

[@glozhappiest]

I have a top on my pole that won’t come off… is there any other way to get the baffle on the pole without sliding it down? Thank you!

[@davidpetrus1748]

@@glozhappiest dahh slide it up lol

[@guydomingo3253]

Wonderful, helpful video. We've had bluebirds for years and then, a few years ago, a black snake was able to shimmy through the baffle we had and he got inside the house and ate 3 of the 4 eggs! Horrors!! My husband killed the snake but no one will nest there now! We have many visits from various bluebirds but no one moves in. Any ideas? Has word spread through our neighborhood that we have snakes? Or is there just a bad energy lingering? Help!

[@randallengland72]

I was thinking of welding a 5/8 steel rod to a used hi voltage insulator at both ends. Mount the bird box and then use a electric fence to zap any predators trying to climb the steel rod. But-the birds can still land on the house.

[@bridgetbean79]

I live in Lancaster too! I just added a cage like this, and an add-on piece to the hole. The house sparrows keep coming in though! They had a nest but something to go it, which is why I made a guard and bought one. The sparrows are still going in, but the bluebirds are interested in nesting there. Trying to get the sparrows to not enter!

[@fratomdev]

My wife was looking out the window this AM. I had noticed earlier that the bluebirds were trying to get in the box but weren't. I didn't put 2 and 2 together until my wife saw a 5 foot black snake coming out of the box. It was very sad. I only had a small baffle on it prevent racoons from climbing, but it didn't stop the snake. Thanks. I'll be going to Loews to get the 8" chimney flue pipe.

[@Urbicide]

Prices have gone up in 9 years. An 8" sheet metal duct cap alone is about $11.

[@testtesting2868]

Prices continue to rise. When will the senior experiment be done!

[@MichianaFisherman]

I am worried about damaging the wings of the bird with this set up.

[@845tea]

The bucket does NOT stop snakes. I lost 4 babies lest night. I just happened to be out there & saw the snake...too late. Very upsetting.

[@Free_Snooki]

Unbelievable. Should we just not have birdhouses? _🙊💔_

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Excellent presentation, the predators come in different forms, snakes, raccoons, sparrows, etc. It breaks ones heart when the babies are eaten or killed in some fashion, I’ve been frustrated so I also tried building something similar in a video called “How to save bluebird eggs with this!” Thanks again for your great insights👍

[@ironhearttattoo4989]

I loved this video. Thank you for the awesome information. Clear and precise. Can they be mounted to a house higher up? Thanks!

[@spikespa5208]

A closeup of the "porch" would have been nice, with a side view.

[@Thewritingbutler]

I doubt the bucket would stop raccoons. They could easily reach over the top and pull themselves up. Also I had a bird box on a pole. The raccoons climbed up and tore the nest off the metal platform I had screwed to the pole with four long screws so I don't think the "screened-in-porch" would prevent raccoons either. But thanks for your ideas and I will try again this spring but I'll go with your original baffle, if i can find a cap to fit the cylinder.

[@corniss]

I put bb box on thin pole high of ground in my front yard. Blue birds raised babies and i think they laid more eggs. I was so happy. Then something climbed up and unlocked the door and got eggs. I couldnt believe something was able to climb up that skinny pole and unlock that door. I will definitely put one of these on it now.

[@coolroy4300]

I wish you had described how to make that last guard and answer some questions people have .

[@futureshock7425]

i have a guard but a snake still climbed up and ate all the eggs, will try bird netting atop the baffle now, very sad, snakes are great climbers and will not be deterred by a baffle, even if it is greased, they will climb up, and they will get them, putting up netting will ensure the snake gets tangled up in the netting so it cannot continue to the prize

[@fredmcmurray6308]

I have a box that had blue bird couple in it with 5 eggs, I didn't see the male for a few days checked the nest and the 5 eggs were still there next evening I saw the female fly in towards evening but still never saw the male. Checked the nest a few days later and all 5 eggs gone no sign of a struggle in the nest , no cracked eggs totally clean nest.I put a woodpecker guard on it when I first bought it extended the hole another inch out. Never see any large snakes here , dont think the mother can fly off with the eggs and relocate. Trapped and killed a large skunk just yesterday. The house is attached to a tree, will move to a pole and add the guards to it.

[@ambalastores]

Hats off for You

[@jackiesicilian5720]

You didn't say how you make that little screened in porch for the bluebirds

[@margaritagoetter5169]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o56kkmt9bZuUbNEsi=LAT7SnuP6fj0X2wo

[@tamiboner4753]

I’ve seen raccoons & snakes get over the smaller baffles. For just a few dollars more go with the 5’x8” stovepipe baffle please.

[@debimason5031]

Oh gosh. Thank you.

[@alasanonimo8303]

Excellent video..... I’m wondering when is the best time to put a bluebird nesting box?

[@uhill74]

Any time is good. Even in the fall and winter the birds might see it for next year or use it as a roost to stay warm in winter. For nesting you could get them scoping out in late February through August...depending on where you live.

[@musze1]

do you sell any of these with the baffles and guard already on it?

[@stevenscheryl13]

I can't see where anyone provided a solution to defending predators after the eggs are hatched. I of course don't want to disturb the box and have already witnessed a black snake kill one family. What can you do after the box is being used?

[@walterhyder3059]

I do not believe sharp ends of clipped hardware cloth will even slow a snake down. It may offer some resistance to hawks.

[@sherrysimpson7553]

I lost four baby birds yesterday but my baffle I had stationary so I have to go out and make it where it wobbles then I think they'll be okay I use the stove pipe baffle

[@benjaminpettis5468]

Great Video.

[@susangnacinski8733]

Do you really recommend the sharp wire on the 'enclosed porch"?

[@w2yano]

I have my pole with baffle and birdhouse installed, but my pole keeps turning. I watched a video that showed placing pole over rebar attached by a coupling. This is how mine is attached. Any suggestions? Everything looks great, and just as video shows.

[@saqlainkazmi-kp1mp]

Thank you sir

[@cherylhuyck4622]

This was a really helpful video for me and I'm assembling the parts and tools to construct the predator guard for one bb box. But another box I have sits on top a 4' high, 5" wide pear tree stump. It currently has no predator guards. I can put a hole guard @ the box opening but what material/design/install would you recommend that is easy to assemble, not $$$$, and DIY guard suitable for a tree stump to prevent mammal and reptile access to box from the ground?

[@ricosuave5120]

You can add an ANT deterrent inside the baffle too.🙂

[@bushwacker49]

What can you use for the metal cap or how would you make and attach one?

[@johnstone9546]

Is there a place where you can purchase a wire guard like this already made? My bluebirds come back every year to my box. I had the terrible experience of losing one family this year to a snake.

[@janicewolff3580]

Virginia Bluebird Society, 726 William St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401 | [e-mail] They have excellent plans and sources.

[@gloriaharvey3193]

What is the kind of metal on the bird house you showed it but didn't give a name or a close picture so i can go purchase the item you are talking about Thank YOU !

[@larrydannatt7571]

What is the guard around the entrance hole size and made out of? Very nice video

[@sharongarrett4356]

1/4 inch hardware cloth (it's metal), called a Noel guard. Imagine you would attach it w/ heavy duty staples. Going to try this, since not sure if snake or other bird got to mine's babies.

[@sonofthunder3333]

good job

[@robertcornelius3514]

I would think on windy days those deterrents make irritating sounds for the nesting birds.

[@ababner317]

How did you get the wire screen? Did you make it or purchase it somewhere?

[@kathybradbury]

I’m surprised the birds don’t mind all of that movement and sharp stuff by their nest!

[@sharongarrett4356]

Bluebirds don't mind humans too much.

[@sharongarrett4356]

what if the birdhouse is already there/mounted?How can you attach the baffle/stovepipe?

[@loiraAKB74]

Will a regular, wood, predator guard keep wrens out?

[@hasmukhvpatel4539]

love for bird ,thank you sir.

[@kkgrammer]

How do you make the little screened porch?

[@Free_Snooki]

How do you protect them if your birdhouse doesn't have a pole & is mounted on something‽

[@Free_Snooki]

@@wrenfan Oh, dear. Ohhhh, dear. They'll forever be under attack. Time to catch them with pokéballs & keep them healthy inside. _🙊💔_

[@herbsu4330]

can you use a noel guard on a front opening box?

[@yes350yes]

Since most bluebird houses open from the top for clean out as mine does, you would have to remove the noel guard each time you want to check the box. A defeating problem. If the birdhouse opened from the side would work better .

[@dustbat]

I@@wrenfan I am not into this as most of you but do have 3 houses for the wife to watch. Mine are on 4x4 post so it will be a bit harder but I will try the pipe thing. I thought snakes could by pass that. Our houses were styled after an article in BIRDS AND BLOOMS many years ago. They open from the front and are held in place by 4 wing nuts.Roof is high in front and low in back. I did make a few out of PVC just to try it. After the smell went away they started using them.🦇

[@dustbat]

@@wrenfan I may try to put on on my 4x4 and see. I think I can pull it off. I see some are using netting to stop snakes. I can see how it works but looks awful. Thanks for all the tips.🦇

[@kevinhurt7119]

Won't the sun eventually take a toll on the bucket so that it becomes brittle and cracks?

[@macalcdc]

This year is the first time my wife and I got a blue bird house as a present from my daughter. Predators: the first experience has been awesome, first try and got them to nest resulting in 4 cheeks. At least one of the baby blue birds was killed by a Blue Jay. There is a couple that seem to be intentionally patrolling our yard as to keep the new pair that is trying to nest. What can I do to protect babies and adult from this Blue Jays bullies????? please send any help. Mauricio and Janet.

[@macalcdc]

We set it on our backyard. We followed the recommendations given by many experts like you. The crazy thing is that as I mentioned, they seem to intentionally fly around as to send a message to our second round of nesting blue birds. Yesterday ( Sunday ) we observed that some cardinals were stressed out and chasing the blue jay that showed up. We also have done quite a bit of research and have not found blue jays named in the list of threat to BB.

[@jodyjones8323]

I have had successful hatchings for over 6yrs in a suburban environment with lots of blue jays around and never did I have a problem with bluejays. Much bigger problem for me is starlings, sparrows and song wrens. I moved to a city in MI and have had nests 2 x this season, but just before hatching something is taking the eggs. I have a thick glob of vaseline on my pole and a pole guard and no evidence of anything going up the pole through the vaseline. I think its either starlings which the neighbor next door is letting nest in her attic or song wren.

[@macalcdc]

Thanks on your comments Jody. As of now, we believe there are baby blue birds in the nest. Am getting ready to scare away the blue jays, I have seen them occasionally almost as if they know future prey would be around. I hope my wife and I don’t have to see a killed baby bird. Cheers.

[@tnynfox1669]

Blue jays seek nutrient dense protein for their own growing chicks. Softened cat food far from the BB could offer a diplomatic solution. A bluejay shouldn't be able to reach through a 1.5 hole into a deep enough box. How big is your hole and compartment? Is there enough nearby bush/cover for fledgelings to hide? Again, the bluejays have their own chicks to feed, and someone else will die in the BB's stead not that you care. Have you sorted this out?

[@herman58100]

Lancaster county Pa. here as well. If you are still around, would be nice to correspond. I am combating House Sparrows. Probably at a 70% success rate...thank you

[@lisabenasher466]

How do I attach bluebird house to conduit ?

[@across5805]

Please? Can someone tell me just where I can purchase a Noel Guard?...please?

[@MrYy45]

Thank you......

[@lukemcgook4229]

Why didn't you show the '2nd line of defense' more closely OR at least spell it or put a link to it? At this point I don't even know WHAT it is much less the name of it!!! In the video we can barely see that it has spikes.

[@highwayjim6672]

My bluebird nest box is on a 4x4 fence post.

[@sharonchrisco3221]

I have had blue birds for 2 years but this year I have not had any the house sparrows have been trying to take over the box but I keep pulling the nest out last year they had laid eggs last year one got killed and the other bird came around awhile then left the egg also my husband put the hole in the top but the house sparrows are still trying to take over the house if you can help I really miss my blue birds thank you Sharon

[@mollyemmons1428]

Try lowering it to a height of 4ft or lower?

[@jamesbarron1202]

I use a spring loaded flap door trap made for bluebird houses that mounts inside the house. It slides onto 2 screws and when the sparrow enters it hits a trigger wire and a spring loaded flap blocks the entrance hole in the house. I drilled a small hole on my traps flapper door and attached fishing line and ran it thru the bottom of the house drain holes. I can then stick a big pickle jar over the house entrance hole and pull the string and flap down so the sparrow can fly into the jar when it sees daylight. It’s better than opening the house up where he might escape. Pickled sparrow.

[@jackiesicilian5720]

​@jamesbarron1202 oh my, you need to video this and explain sounds complicated 😮

[@birdbrain56]

Unfortunately, the galvanized baffle doesn't stop snakes. One got into my nesting box last night and took 5 17-day-old Bluebirds. :o(

[@lynndolson8436]

Unless you witnessed it, they may have just fledged! They fledge 16-21 days. Typically 17-18 days.

[@uhill74]

I have heard people swear by the cone dome shaped baffles instead. I may have to buck uo for one bexause I lost eggs this year with the stove pipe.

[@browsechannel9946]

I have had tons of predators. I should try this!

[@samchalk7011]

Animal Channel

[@DeneF]

We have the cats here in England. Are foxes a predator of birds? Thanks anyway.

[@jeffstanley4593]

Last year my bluebirds lost one brood to a predator. They laid another clutch and hatched more than one and then abandoned them. They died of hunger and/or the cold. They have been in and out of the nest all winter. Yes, in and out, like they are inspecting it. Further, there are sometimes two pair together looking things over. Today is 2-27-21.

[@starbug1898]

Do you think that’s because the predator attacked the first nest and now they’re suspicious?

[@starbug1898]

Also, if the birds lay another nest, but abandoned the nest, and you’re worried for the hatchlings, you may be able to contact your local wildlife department or a volunteer rehabilitation group to take the birds. If you can’t get either and you’re actually worried because it’s happening a lot that they’ll die you might want to look into nesting them yourself., there is a KZbinr that goes by “a chick called Albert” (I think) and he nests birds.

[@jeffstanley4593]

@@starbug1898 I don't think so but who knows. The same or another pair has some chicks in the nest right now. 4-20-23

[@jeffstanley4593]

@@starbug1898 I think that was a one time thing. That was the only time it has happened.

[@oxtailfunding]

what about bears?

[@uhill74]

I lost a clutch of 4 eggs this spring. Just gone. I had a stovepipe baffle up qith chicken wire instead of a cap. I can't figure out what got up there. No disturbance on the nest at al. Very distressing and haven't seen the bluebirds since then. Wondering if the mom was picked off too.

[@sixstrings1063]

Was it a sparrow or house wren that got in?

[@uhill74]

@@sixstrings1063 i was wondering snake since it was undisturbed and just missing eggs

[@sixstrings1063]

@@uhill74 oh ok it could of been a snake

[@bjroe2452]

Please tell us why this works.

[@Norpan506]

Because it wobbles?

[@WB8BCO]

Its also a good idea to have the box open from the bottom.

[@tomschulte2138]

Tried the 'screened in' approach. It did not stop ... whatever. Guess I'll have to set the birdhouse off the tree and install it on a 'stand-alone. Had 2 separate incidents this season. NO bluebirds for me! No soup for you!

[@uhill74]

Any luck this year?

[@pois3689]

Stupendo e efficacie metodo per eliminare le predazioni . Like

[@sonastainbrook]

Can anyone help me with the problem of House wrens taking over my two bluebird houses the past three days?

[@sonastainbrook]

Thank you. It's just sad to think just a few days ago I had twq beautiful bluebirds nesting in one box and the other had two tree swallows that are now booted out by the house wrens. I cleaned out one box but now I am just thinking of taking them down for a few weeks. Thoughts on that?

[@paulalbright1079]

I want my 6:24 seconds back. That should have taken 2 minutes to explain. If you DONT put boxes on poles, you won't have to worry about that problem. The Conservation Dept even tells you NOT to put boxes on poles.

[@jackiesicilian5720]

Where should they be mounted?

[@paulalbright1079]

@jackiesicilian5720 on the side of trees or hanging from branches of the tree. You can even hang them on fences. I've had mine hanging on those places for years.

[@markissboi3583]

This guy mite flog you Amway look away now- 26 squirrels Disliked this video Board chitless waiting on the new ride 🦘🙃🍷🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿🐿📣come on reg get on with it

[@pocket83squared]

I mean no offense, but I must disagree with this 'suit of armor' approach. 1) This presentation is exaggerating the predatorial threat. I am also in PA. 2) The environmental price paid to the level of waste featured here is absurd. Stainless steel? Ruining a bucket? C'mon, you all know better. The bluebird isn't endangered. Some will be lost to predation; that's how nature works. If a raccoon doesn't eat eggs tonight, perhaps it will eat a baby squirrel. It's still going to eat! It might feel good to believe that you are protecting something, but in reality, protection is often just unnecessary interference. The comments here are laden with discussion about "monitoring" and "protecting" nests, and one even recommends use of barbed wire! Birds can do just fine without you. After you have provided a box, your job is done. Think of a natural environment as a system that balances, and not as a perfect safe space for one of its elements. If you want to raise the number of birds in your vicinity, build multiple boxes; more nesting options will encourage more breeding. The numbers will rise. But, occasionally some will also be lost, and that's how it works. How often does a nest actually get raided? Rarely, especially if it is close to your house- unless you have a cat (which, once again, is by your own interference). When considering an ecological system as a whole, the sort of excess demonstrated here is just downright irresponsible. And this advice has been given to tens of thousands of people! We really need to _think_ about the systems that we meddle with, and not just do what _feels_ nice. It is really possible to overdo it, so let's look at the big picture.

[@Free_Snooki]

Deaths will probably rise too. _🙊💔_

[@msuzonne]

I appreciate your perspective. I was just thinking I wasn't up to managing all of this, but now I'm feeling good about still putting up boxes on our fence posts.

[@terrywilliams6455]

Well said. Put up a birdhouse or two and leave the rest to nature.

[@rondawitt8492]

And I think over time the suggested interference does not allow adaptation changes.

[@budte]

Complete tripe.

[@deanrust7080]

I'm really confused honestly