Bluebird Watch: Tips for putting up a house this February

Outdoor writer Kelly Bostian shares tips on mounting the bluebird house he monitors in his backyard.

[@randallscheller8219]

Kelly,thanks for your efforts and success for bluebirds. I too am a advocate of providing habitat for bluebirds in my community. I currently have 6 boxes at my church, which has an open landscape. Last year all the boxes had clutches approx. 3 times last year contributing over 60 baby birds in our area. Not to brag, but I'm really excited about this. I'm in the process of adding 11 boxes at my high school landscape , which it too has perfect landscape for bluebirds. I use the 1/2" electrical emt conduit method for my post on the boxes, and the 8" round galvanized steel, 2' long round Steel Round Duct Pipe with wire mesh in side to prevent snakes and other predators form climbing the pole to the box. thanks again for your efforts!

[@dicklally1801]

I have one Blue Bird box that they use several times per season. I want to put up another. How far should one box be from another? Thanks, ladila2

[@across5805]

Awesome. You have great ideas. Thanks for sharing.

[@mokedokie]

I monitor three blue bird trails and 30 boxes. I prefer more ventilation especially in warm areas.

[@markb8954]

Good tips about location.

[@randyscheller3304]

To prevent predators like snakes you must use a 8”x60” stove pipe, and allow it to wobble

[@21kidsanddogs]

the 2 ft baffle is not big enough - unless that snake was over 8-10ft it did reach the box from the tree: a snake and racoon can get past the 2 ft baffle- (seen videos of it) - i started using the 5 ft 8" stove pipe baffle with great success

[@kirkhel]

Can you tell us more about the baffle? Type, where it can be purchased, how to install it, etc. Thanks! I will be using a t-post for my birdhouse!

[@21kidsanddogs]

use a 5ft stovepipe baffle from lowes - a snake and racoon can reach the box with a 2 ft baffle

[@texashogblockers8099]

If you haven't tried one of our little mounts then I would like to send you one.

[@MichelleCouplandHairStudio]

How long to you leave your houses up? I just got a house condo and I have Blue birds in it. It’s late may currently

[@kimsaucier9131]

How do you put bagel on birdhouses

[@squigglyline2813]

Did they come back?

[@sandygentry8455]

So sad that this morning a rat snack got into one of our nests. The others look good. Gonna move the box to a different area.