Caring for Bluebirds

[@cathyprice6226]

Friend gave me a bird house which has never had tenants. This year to my surprise to find a family of blue birds. Feel blessed that these wonderful bird found a home here. Thank you for this video.

[@terrililly1957]

How very sweet of you to care for bluebirds.

[@smyrnasstory]

The righteous one takes care of his domestic animal. Thank you for this very educating video

[@sting1111]

The sparrows are a constant battle but I successfully raised several bluebird clutches. I trap sparrows all year long. Since I have been trapping other native species now nest here. It’s amazing.

[@sting1111]

I need to ad this comment. If you are going to use a baited trap, use straight cracked corn. This will virtually eliminate trapping desirable species.

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

I’ve also been dealing with predators like raccoons so I made this video “How to save bluebird eggs with this”

[@janetmcintyre7210]

This is the most thorough help I've ever seen on bluebirds. Thank you! I live in Tn. I have 2 successful houses and one constantly jeopardized by sparrows. I will remove that one since it is less than 100 yards from one. Sparrow vigilance has been constant for me too. I've been known to run out to chase them away! My husband built 2 Peterson style houses last year to replace our old houses. Once again. Thank you!

[@Jpatmeadowbrook]

Hello from NJ. I have started a Rutgers Environmental Steward Bluebird project and enlisted the help of 3 Boy Scouts for monitoring the nest boxes. The bluebird houses were installed in early fall and there were migrating bluebirds inspecting them. It is April and there has been activity by male bluebirds only. They are perched on top of the nest boxes or in neighboring trees. Thanks for sharing your experience and pictures. Very helpful.

[@oliveb6318]

I got blue birds here on my yard for the first time and I am in love with them. The mockingbird and a red bird tried chasing them away but they keep checking out the house I put up outside. Thank you for sharing valuable info🌷

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Bee B, I know the feeling, we’ve got a pair of bluebird’s and love watching them everyday. I’ve struggled with predators though so I built this to solve that issue. The video is called “How to save bluebird eggs with this”

[@herlindeclark5488]

Thank you! I have two houses and one had a messy nest in it! In the other house, I noticed bluebird movement, so I opened the door and looked in it and found one blue egg. Next day, there was a second egg in it, yesterday the third. I am checking to see, if she laid a fourth one. I will watch the house like a hawk, so that the sparrows cannot get to it. Thank you again for passing on your knowledge.

[@37Iulian]

Thank you for sharing your story! People must know birds behaviors and competition they have from human affecting nature...

[@danielk6878]

I put a bluebird house out and within one hour they were there. They are there every year and create two or three watches every year. They're not really afraid of us and this year is the first year I have one with a plexiglass on the side when I open it. Have not witnessed them yet

[@corybabysutube]

The sparrows here in So Cal are no match for the Western Bluebirds (theyre smaller and when i put out worms they dont even try to get them) and also the house sat empty for a year before a Bluebird pair signed the lease....5 eggs hatched yesterday we think! thanks for you video great info!

[@notvathome3]

Thank you so much for this great video. My new house had this box in the backyard when I moved in three months ago. I didn’t know what it was, then I saw all this activity, and last Wednesday the babies successfully fledged! Can’t want for another clutch!

[@ShortBusExpressions]

ZERO TOLERANCE for HOSP. The same thing happened to my Bluebirds and you'd be surprised... English Sparrows seem to be very familiar with the crack of a .22. They are invaders and cannot be tolerated at the expense of the greatest American Songbird: The Bluebird. I've since heard this phrase repeated even though I like to think I thought of it first: I don't want to live in a world without Bluebirds. As for inspecting the nestbox, once I am sure a House Sparrow or House Wren, whose nest building materials are incredibly crude in comparison to the Bluebird(as in pine needles and twigs as opposed to the soft woven grass of the Bluebird nest) I always just left them alone completely. They were given every advantage, and in my experience they don't need my help after the babies have hatched. Nice work bluebird brother! Thank you for your great work!

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Mr. Owl, I agree with the invader perspective, nature can have a cruel cycle of life thing, even raccoons will invade so I’ve been trying to deter these different predators. I built this in a video called, “How to save bluebird eggs with this” Have a great day

[@jamesbarron1202]

I use a Van Ert house trap and drilled a small hole in the top corner of spring loaded door flap and tied a string to the hole. Then I run the other end of the string thru the nest box floor drain. When I trap a sparrow I stick a big jar over the box entrance and pull the string to open the spring loaded trap flapper from outside the box. Sparrow sees daylight and flies into the jar and I put a lid on the jar. They can’t escape this way like they can by opening the box.

[@kooale]

Rockin' idea, many thanks

[@egparis18]

I listened in fascination, and I live on the other side of the Atlantic in a big city. No bluebirds here. Pity. Nice video. Thank you.

[@TheJangaw]

Thanks for the info! I put up a bluebird house up in January. I just checked it today after watching your video and I have 5 eggs. I am now on sparrow patrol and will be doing the care as you suggested. . I had no idea that they would kill the baby bluebirds. 😢 I hope we have 5 new bluebirds flying around soon.

[@leighann5308]

Thank you so much for your informative video. I’m in So CA I have a lot of daily Western Bluebirds this year eating dried mealworms out of my caged bluebird feeder and taking baths. I have four bird baths. No bird seed feeders. The BB flock with the house finches and yellow rump warblers. I put up a couple of nest box houses earlier in the summer to season the new box. One is bigger made for Western BB on metal poles to see which one they prefer. They seem to like the cheap Walmart nest box best. BB’s peep in the holes daily. The male and female BB pairs have gone inside together. It’s Jan here I hope this is a good sign they will use one of the nest boxes come nesting season.

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Leigh Ann, looks like you really love your bluebirds, I have found that we’ve become attached to ours as well. I was disheartened when a raccoon cane and destroyed the eggs so I made a way to prevent further destruction, check out what I did if interested. “How to save bluebird eggs with this” video. Have a great day

[@agnostickamel]

i have a nest cam set up for my bluebirds and they just hatched this morning!!!!

[@plzhd2]

agnostickamel where did you get cam and is it easy for an old lady to deal with?

[@agnostickamel]

@@plzhd2 here is a link to the camera im using: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H8CHCA4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It is WIRED so be aware of that. Not what I would call difficult, but you have to hook it up to a TV or computer monitor and deal with the cables. NO streaming capabilities. IT acts like CC television. Good for personal viewing, but not good if youre trying to stream over internet.

[@plzhd2]

agnostickamel thanks for the info ❤️ I guess it will not work for me?! No internet, computer, or tv 😒

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

agnostickamel, I may invest in a nest cam, thanks for the thought. I’ve been dealing with predators so I built this, it’s called “How to save bluebird eggs with this “ video

[@ramonalee1]

Wow! I didn’t know House Sparrows were such snakes. I had a birdhouse that I hung on my porch at my last house not expecting any birds since it was so close to the house but more for decoration. I had a couple of House Sparrows that built there and raised 2-3 broods every year. I so enjoyed watching them feed their young and the babies getting up their nerve to jump out of the nest for the first time. I have loads of pictures. Now I feel bad I contributed to the decline of our native Bluebirds! I always wonder why I rarely ever see a Bluebird.

[@jeromekovacik1198]

Well done. Just starting "birding" in the Greater Cincy area. Grew up in Northern Kentucky. Very familiar with House Sparrows and Starlings. Thanks for the information and the passion behind it.

[@maylinlyon190]

My son and I came across what appears to be a white bluebird egg this evening in the ally near our house, no nest around but there was a large tree in the backyard near the site we found it. We have it wrapped in a damp warm hand towel in a ceramic bowel in a small container under a heat lamp. Temp in the area is being kept around 99 degrees. I’m going to look into getting it wildlife care but trying to give the little guy a chance in the meantime. 🐣🐦

[@ureasmith3049]

I agree about the floor size. I built a Peterson birdhouse. Both the tree sparrows and bluebirds seem too crowded inside. (it uses 2x4 with a 3 1/2 inch floor). Also I've had house sparrows try to build a nest once (after the swallows fledged), I destroyed their nest and kept the door open for the rest of the summer.

[@ihrescue]

One of the best commentaries I have found on Bluebird nest support. Excellent information and should be an essential for any person interested in Bluebird nesting. I would say also about using an in the house trap that the bag to catch them when you open the door is good. But those house sparrows are tricky and I had one successfully get away from the bag - got out of the bag, yes they are persistent which is why they are so successful as an invasive alien. Think of them as the snakehead fish of the avian world. I also agree that a decoy or bait house helps take pressure off the main bluebird house. I have been lucky to have the opportunity to see not only a chick-a-dee successfully nest in the decoy house but also a pair of House Wrens who were a real treat to observe.

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Michael Love, I agree with this being a great commentary, I’ve been dealing with predators so I built this, the video is called “How to save bluebird eggs with this”

[@smyrnasstory]

I watched it again. I cannot thank you enough for this video. Please, make more videos. Thank you

[@chatty64patty]

Thank you for sharing all of your information ! We have a lot of cardinals, blue jays, starlings, blue birds, woodpeckers, even some hummingbirds, and unfortunately some hawks. We live in central Florida, by a big lake, and have a lot of nature visitors {soft shell turtles, ducks, even an Alligator ;-{. Our kids enjoy watching the wild life, and naming all of the "pets". We have 2 bird feeders, and 2 bird baths. We just bought a treated wood bird house during our vacation to North Carolina, and we would love to have some blue birds nest in it. You gave us some very informative details, and how to's, that we will be putting into place. Again we all {Family of four} Thank You for taking the time to do such a detailed video !

[@rtaylor3350]

Listen to the video again, shouldn't use treated wood for birdhouses, only the pole if you decide to use wood instead of a metal pole

[@skeymoson]

Not knowing any better I put a birdhouse under my arbor in a nice spot and have Bluebirds starting a family ... it’s only a few feet from our picnic table and I think the bluebirds have become used to us ... and they are safe from predators...

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Brian Calvert, hope you have a great experience with your bluebirds, I’ve dealt with predators after my bluebirds so I made this video, “How to save bluebird eggs with this “

[@gombert07]

Thank you.. I also use metal on Wooden post to keep snakes, squirrels etc

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Sherry Gombert, I’ve had problems with predators getting my bluebird eggs so I built this “How to save bluebird eggs with this “ Did you doing something similar?

[@susanlocklear2468]

Thank you for the information, im definitely going to use it, Eastern North Carolina 😊

[@plzhd2]

My bluebird babies fledged two days ago. I loved witnessing the process from the building of the nest, laying the eggs, and hatching! Wished I could have seen when babies fledged! Mom n Dad still hang out lots around house. Should I clean the nest right now for them to build another? Or should I wait till season is over!

[@Killobyte]

Congratulations! I’ve done both. If it’s still pretty clean and they can add a little to it, it’s fine to leave it for next clutch.

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Soraya Smile, that’s awesome you have experienced this miracle, I’ve been dealing with bluebirds for 3 seasons now and it’s a fantastic feeling, yes, I clean my house out immediately after the babies fledge. I’ve also been dealing with predators so I built this, the video is called “How to save bluebird eggs with this” Have a great day

[@yt571423]

I bought a house sparrow trap and have caught over 30 house sparrows in it, but, the sparrows have become wise to the trap and won't go near it now. I have a feeder up for all the songbirds and have had unbelievable success with it. I have now resorted to killing the sparrows by shooting them with a pellet gun. It is an instant death with no danger to humans. I have shot 9 in the last 3 days. Yes, I can tell a house sparrow when i see one thru the scope.

[@LillianCrawfishDE]

We have had a bluebird house in our backyard for many years. Most years we have multiple clutches. This year we had an early clutch and momma just started laying eggs for her second. This morning, after laying her 4th egg, she was attacked as she left the nest and did not make it. Papa bluebird has been looking for her and singing most of the day. What should we do with the nest/eggs? I know the male cannot sit on them. Will another female take over? Thank you for your wonderful information

[@Killobyte]

Sorry, but I’d suggest removing the whole nest. Another female’s not going to adopt them.

[@LillianCrawfishDE]

@@Killobyte Thank you for your advice. We were heart-broken, but I know there will be more bluebirds🐦

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

That breaks my heart, I know the depressing feeling that one’s heart mourns when this happens, I’ve had different occasions with predators after my bluebirds like raccoons so I built this, the video is “How to save bluebird eggs with this “ keep your courage up

[@tamidmiller4348]

Excellent information! Thanks so much!!!!

[@kylaj8049]

Great video. Thanks for all the info.

[@artmakersworlds]

Did not know about the sparrows being so vicious. (I still like them, got them all over the place.) BUT some years ago I did put up a bluebird house. Got it from the Audubon society, looks like white birch but it's not. Only a few times was it ever used by bluebirds. Well today I have a nice gorgeous pair out there. Nicest ones I've seen yet. Now my box IS on a narrow metal pole. I will keep a closer eye out for sparrows though. Starlings!!!! Hate the things. I have learned though, in winter here (michigan) I keep feeders full all winter. First sign of starlings showing up, I stop feeding. By then there is food out there. And the damn starlings will empty the feeders in hours. And with a food supply nearby, they WILL find a place to nest. Last few years, just stopping the feeding has really helped in not attracting flocks of the things. Oh they are around, just not nesting on my property.

[@kooale]

Many thanks. What kind of grease do you use on the pole?

[@16BlacK28RosE16]

Thanks for posting this. I'm very hopeful that I will see bluebirds using the boxes I have put up. But I am worried I'm going to have to deal with the house sparrows. That's the one thing that has me nervous

[@wildbirdsunlimitedfortcoll4309]

+Lindsay HJW either house sparrows or the tree swallows!

[@16BlacK28RosE16]

+Wild Birds Unlimited Fort Collins yep, tree swallows last year. And they are once again the first to arrive this year. Oh well, hoping for next year lol

[@wildbirdsunlimitedfortcoll4309]

One thing you can do is put another bluebird box right next to the existing one. The reason being that swallows hate living right next to other swallows. Same with bluebirds, they hate being neighbors with other bluebirds. But Bluebirds and swallows don't mind being neighbors with each other. No guarantee you won't get starlings or house sparrows, but you would get someone other than a swallow in the new house!

[@rickyhill9201]

Very Good information !!! Thank you !!!

[@RANDALLOLOGY]

That is some good information. Thanks

[@jasonb8081]

Van ert trap is awesome for nest boxes. Can not tell you how many house sparrows i have could. ITS AMAZING!!!!

[@birdbrain56]

Good info but just one comment. A nesting box should never be mounted on a wood post, fence post or a tree. Makes it too easy for predators to climb. Mount them on a smooth, round pipe or conduit and attach a predator guard.

[@Killobyte]

A round pipe and predator guard is best, but I've had good luck with the post as well. But I grease the post below the house to keep the ants and snakes from climbing and my dog keeps any cats, squirrels, and such away. Thanks for the comment!

[@TheWoodButcher]

As an avid bird house builder here in New Jersey (The Garden State), I found this video extremely informative. I do build my blue bird houses with a 1/2" metal EMT conduit attached up to 4" with the coupler attached for the purchaser to add the additional piping to achieve the entrance hole recommended height requirements. Before watching your videos, I was going by the "Audubon Society" book, "Bird House Book - Building, Placing, and Maintaining Great Homes for Great Birds." I always build my bird houses/nesting boxes to the Audubon Standards. >>Marcel... (KZbin Channel, "The Wood Butcher"

[@bernardmiller163]

The Wood Butcher l

[@kimgolden6021]

I am new to accidental bluebirding and this video was a huge help. I have a question about what I just found in a box that definitely has had some bluebirds in it...if this page is monitored still I wonder if you could help?

[@vondalevan2230]

I really really enjoyed this video and the one you made on how to build a bluebird house. I haven’t ever tried to house them. At this point I just feed & water birds especially hummingbirds. I’ve always wanted to put out a bluebird house so your info is priceless. The only thing I’d say, & it’s just a pet peeve, you might want to practice talking without all of the ah’s, um’s, & and’s. No offense intended bc I truly learned a lot & I appreciate that you posted such great info. I did like, share, & subscribed🙂👍🏼❤️❤️❤️

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Vonda LeVan, hope you have a great experience with bluebirds, I’ve been frustrated with predators so I built this, the video is called, “How to save bluebird eggs with this “ Have a great day👍

[@nancytalley9641]

A pair of bluebirds showed up end of Feb early March. Well they built a nest and she laid 5 eggs,then a young feral cat started harassing them. Well now they are gone and it's over week and half now. Cleaned out nest and relocated the bird house to a better location. Do you think they will return?

[@jljones36420]

Shoot the cat!

[@yenfr5306]

I'm having problems with 7 stray cats. I had called animal control and all they told me was a man telling me well they are cats it's what they do. Which is frustrating because they are invasive as well and not part of the natural wildlife. So now I'll have to call who can led me some cat traps so I can catch them and send them to a shelter. Plus I have house sparrows too which I will be buying a trap for them so I can keep catching them and humanely euthanize them so they can be eaten by hawks, eagles, or snakes.

[@sonastainbrook]

Please Help! My two Bluebird houses I set up on May5th , one with Tree sparrows and the other with beautiful blue birds are now occupied by house wrens! I opened the box and it is stuffed with sticks which I tossed out but looking out my window I can see them actively going in and out. How do I get rid of them and get my Bluebirds and Tree sparrows back?

[@gregpeck6018]

Hi , I watched your video and found it very informative.... I also saw another video about Blue Birds And wondered if the information of that video is a good idea ... the guy in the video said that it’s a good idea to make the roof of the blue house out of plexiglass to let light in because bluebird make there nest on top of fence post in the wild and this would be more natural for them but still offer protection from predators... what do you think? Cheers Greg

[@Killobyte]

If the house is in the shade it might be okay, otherwise I think it will be too hot. Bluebirds naturally make their nests in the cavities of trees, which is what a bluebird box should simulate.

[@rebeccanicastro8890]

We just moved to a new house that has a large condo type birdhouse in the backyard. We noticed bluebirds around our deck right away. We saw some bird activity around the bird house about a week ago so decided to go check it out. Opened up the side and there were 3 blue eggs. After reading about the house sparrow, I got worried. Yesterday, we put up a sparrow spooker using some pieces of shiny garland. We watched for awhile until we saw the bluebirds go back in the hole. It’s up on a high pole that we can lower to check. I’m assuming it was originally for purple martins? Should we cover the other holes in the box? Nothing is in there now.

[@Killobyte]

Yes, it sounds like a Purple Martin house. Covering the other holes will lesson the desire for other birds to come nest.

[@marymathis9299]

Great information, thanks so much, will keep an eye out for the sparrows and starkings, from FL...🤚 👍 🐣 👀

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

Mary Mathis, I’ve been dealing with predators and to save bluebirds can be a challenge so I built this “How to save bluebird eggs with this” video

[@isaiahammerman4875]

Congratulations everyone congratulations congratulations everyone is good congratulations congratulations everyone congratulations congratulations on the new job congratulations everyone congratulations congratulations on fidget day have good hi chef bvhuf

[@bluegrassbecky1018]

www.bluebirdconservation.com/ I came across this video today on how to sparrow-proof a bluebird house by creating a skylight in the roof, which sparrows won't accept, but bluebirds find perfectly normal (as they will nest in a hollow tree trunk). Apparently, sparrows want a closed space overhead and will leave the bluebird house alone if it has a skylight (drill a 2.5" hole and cover the roof with plexiglass - voila!). Sounds like a simple solution. Has anyone tried it?

[@Lukesmommy]

I am a new bluebird nest box landlord. I did make a few mistakes , unfortunately. I put up a nest box but I didn't really know what kind of birds are attracted to nest boxes. I just kind of put one up to see what would happen. Needless to say, a blue bird nest was made and it has 4 eggs inside. All of a sudden house sparrows appeared and are landing on the box and flying around the box. I did order Sparrow spookers from a bluebird Society web page. It has not gotten here yet. In the meantime I made my own Sparrow spooker just to temporarily put on the box hopefully to deter the sparrows. It worked for about a day but today I saw a sparrow perched right on the opening to the bluebird box. The mother was nowhere to be found. I don't really know what to do. I don't know what the sparrow is doing. Is he slowly moving in? The eggs are intact but I just feel like it's a losing battle. I find myself standing on my front porch for extended periods of time trying to scare off the sparrows. But by doing that I'm also scaring off the bluebird mama from returning to the nest. Do you have any advice? Thank you so much.

[@Killobyte]

You definitely want to scare off the house sparrows as much as you can. Also if you see the sparrows adding to the nest be sure to remove that. Their additions will be messy compared to the bluebird nest. If you have a second house you can hang it 20 feet or so away to give the sparrows an alternative site. Remove their nest every time they make it so they don't get to lay eggs. Good luck!

[@jimmyp3161]

@@Killobyte k

[@kooale]

Buy a Daisy

[@Lukesmommy]

@@kooale the sparrow spookers worked fine.

[@tadams4770]

Don’t know if anyone checks this but I but up a bluebird house a few weeks so and immediately I saw bluebird activity in the nest, after a week I gout out notebook to check progress, the nest looked finished to my novice eyes, no eggs so , new that they may not have begun laying them. Now a week later still seeing activity most of last week I check on it this week the nest is in the same condition still no eggs. Is this normal?

[@Killobyte]

Yes, can be normal. My Bluebirds still haven’t payed any eggs this year

[@kayharrelson6339]

My babies flew out and one landed on the ground and the dog tried to get it. I was able to pick the bird up and put it back in the house. That was 4 days ago. The parent birds are still coming often so I'm assuming they are feeding it. It was the last one of the clutch. Should I wait to open the house, take the little one out. Will the parents continue to take care of it? I'm wondering if it has been hurt when it hit the ground. I watch the female try to "call" the baby out by flapping in front of the hole, as she did the first ones, but why would this baby not fly out. I don't want to leave it in the house to die but not sure what is going on. Thanks for any advice.

[@Killobyte]

As long as the parents are looking after it I might leave it for a bit longer but check on it every day or two. As you said, is might have an injury, or it might have a deformity that won't allow it to fly. One might heal but not the other. Good luck!

[@bobodemag]

Thanks for your video. I was relieved to hear that I am doing most things right. Here in Okie land we are plagued w/sparrows too, and I would be interested to here any experience you have in preventive measures. I have heard of several fishing lines off the overhang to the hole, supposedly it discourages sparrows but doesn't bother the bluebirds. What say you? Thx again... Bob

[@Killobyte]

I use a repeating trap with white bread as bait. Most other birds don’t eat white bread. I’ve not tried the fishing line but might this spring, thanks for mentioning it. Good luck with yours!

[@mra2957]

Van ert trap for HOSP then plastic bag and 3 hard swings to the ground.

[@biscuitpocket7283]

What a nice lady.......

[@bluegrassbecky1018]

I have my first pair of bluebirds nesting this summer, and I took a peek in the house the other day. What I found is perplexing! There is one small, blue oval-shaped egg, and one larger, rounder, paler colored egg (trying to figure out how to attach photo). I have seen some other bird activity around the bluebird house, but when the bluebirds are there, they seem to be content and not being bothered. Should I do anything, like remove the larger egg? or just keep watching for clues? I have eliminated a couple sparrows already, earlier in the season, as they appeared to have their sites set on the bluebird house. Thanks for advice!!

[@Killobyte]

Becky Law have anymore bluebird eggs shown up? Bluebird eggs can sometimes be lighter colored, but because it’s larger, I’d remove the other egg. Congratulations on your first pair of bluebirds!

[@bluegrassbecky1018]

Yes! There are now 5 eggs and surprisingly, the one that seemed pale and larger has now kind of blended in with the others. I was all set to take it out the other day but I snapped a picture first, and was amazed to see that it didn't look all that different. This is all very exciting and I can't thank you enough for your excellent advice on attracting bluebirds and caring for them.

[@ureasmith3049]

@@bluegrassbecky1018 Was it a bluebird egg. Cowbirds are brood parasites that lay their eggs in the nests of other birds.

[@kooale]

@@ureasmith3049 There's a smart reply, I forgot about that odd Cowbird behavior, thanks for reminding us!

[@MLynn-eo5zf]

Recently I moved into a house that has a blue bird house in the yard. And it looks like the previous owners knew what they were doing bc they have done everything you mentioned. I currently have blue birds with three babies and one egg that never hatched. The babies are now 9 days old. Should I remove the egg? Thanks so much for the info!

[@Killobyte]

Michelle Johnson I would leave it until after they fledge. If you really want to remove it you can, just be sure not to dislodge the babies.

[@sharrfick1]

How big of holes do I drill in the bottom of my bluebird house?

[@Killobyte]

Around 3/16”. I wouldn’t go larger than 1/4”.

[@lovealtered8839]

I searched out Info today, because I’m heart broken, I watch the blue birds Everyday, my husband was out early saw the door was open and and nest and baby bird fuzz on the ground. Fricken Raccoon killed and ate them. I cried, but now I pissed. I just watched your video and I seriously can’t thank you enough. I’m just west of Murfreesboro, I have a question please what kind of pellet gun (if you use one) and where did you get it? Side note: there’s a new pair (maybe the same ones?) moving in today.

[@lovealtered8839]

Just bought a high powered pellet gun. 👍 a pair (I believe same ones also) went in next day. Laid 5 eggs, swallows and sparrows tortured them, they Abandoned the nest. Eggs were intact except one and they never came back. I cried, again.

[@bluegrassbecky1018]

I feel your pain. Getting started trying to attract bluebirds this year, I built a Kill-O-Byte approved house, and have had a rocky road so far! Actually got a pair of tree swallows in the house I built, and started getting attached to them and their struggles...killed some sparrows to help them out (I use a .22 as I am in the country) as it appeared no bluebirds were coming. Mama swallow got injured (tears) and then miraculously recovered. As I was celebrating that, bluebirds showed up and wanted the house!! Rushed out to Lowe's and bought one of their $12.98 bluebird houses, slapped it up, and the bluebirds instantly accepted that house instead. Now I have both pairs nesting, but have a strange egg in the bluebird house (see post above) and don't know what to do about it. Nature is a tough lady, so I guess we have to be tough to participate in this process. Best of luck!! I am going to raccoon-proof my houses ASAP.

[@bluegrassbecky1018]

Thanks! It looked just solid off-white when I first saw it, now today there are 3 eggs in the nest and they are all "bluebird blue"! That one is larger, but now I think it must be a bluebird egg as well. My BF said maybe when I first saw it it had just been laid...he thinks they darken a bit with time....we'll see I guess.

[@Killobyte]

Looks like some good advice has been given, thanks! Being a responsible and caring “birder” can be a challenge, but it’s worth it when you see them fledge. I use a Ruger Blackhawk Elite but any quality air rifle with a good scope should work. Just take the time to sight it in and follow gun safety. As has been said, add a predator guard for the raccoons. I also have multiple houses and what I call decoy houses. Bluebird houses should be 100’ apart (they generally won’t nest closer than that) but a house placed 20’ or so apart will give house sparrows a place to focus on instead of one with bluebirds. Just make sure to deal with them before another pair of the winged rats (house sparrows) shows up or they will team up on the bluebirds. About half the time the bluebirds end up in the decoy house but it still works. If you have a lot of the winged rats, consider a repeating trap. I’ve only caught a handful the last couple years in it but have caught over 2 dozen a year in some previous years.

[@keithwillis8935]

More about how you did on bluebirds

[@sharrfick1]

Did you say a 4 inch floor is too small and it needs to be at least 4.5 inches

[@Killobyte]

A 4” floor is the minimum and it’s okay for a clutch of 4. But first clutches are often 5 so I make mine 5” to 5.5”. I think the extra room also makes it harder for predators to reach the birds inside the nest.

[@sonastainbrook]

Just set out two bluebird houses last week and a few days ago I got a pair of Tree sparrows in one and they are building a nest now. Today in the other box I got a pair of Bluebirds going in and checking it out! My question is , do I clean out the nest at the end of the year or after the 1st babies are born and leave? Thank you!

[@Killobyte]

Some say you should clean them out after each brood, but I normally only clean them out at the end of the season.

[@sonastainbrook]

Thank you. I was also wondering if these two birds will stay the whole summer into the fall or will they just take off after the eggs have hatched?

[@Killobyte]

They will have up to 3 broods from the same nest as long as nothing interferes was them. Both of our bluebird pairs had their first brood fledge two weeks ago. We expect them back soon to start on the 2nd brood. You will sometimes see 1 or 2 of the fledglings still hanging around with them which is pretty cool.

[@aznstylepn0y]

What happens if I put the bird house close to a wild bird feeder

[@Killobyte]

How close is the feeder and what food does it offer? Bluebirds generally don't eat seeds so you may be attracting the competition which will make it less likely you'll get bluebirds.

[@pauliner2279]

When do bluebirds stop nesting for the year?

[@Killobyte]

It depends on the weather. In middle Tennessee we've had them as late as September.

[@dianeluoma8339]

Why would anyone want to hurt them. We have upwards of fifty bluebirds in the winter. Greenville NH

[@stephenwhittier6439]

Thanks !

[@janetmcintyre7210]

The bluebirds nest here around February. Is it ok to clean my house then instead of in the Fall? I've worried that cleaning it in the fall leaves them with no warm nesting materials for the winter. It's a dilemma.

[@Killobyte]

IMHO, as long as it’s cleaned out before they start looking for spring nesting site, you’re fine.

[@janetmcintyre7210]

Kill-O-Byte Got them cleaned, and seeing them at one of the boxes. Moved the one I had trouble with closer to a fence where I have seen them often sit. We'll see!

[@keithwillis8935]

What about swallows.can you explain

[@beckweth]

Thanks for the info. I saw one video that recommended drilling a hole in the roof and placing plexiglass over the top. Because sparrows won't use a house with that opening. What's your opinion? Thanks.

[@Killobyte]

I’ve not tried that one so cant say for sure. But I’ve tried the fishing line, shiny stuff, etc. and haven’t found anything that would discourage a sparrow and not a blue bird.

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

beck-weth beckweth, looks like you’re really taking and interest in bluebirds, you’ll also deal with other predators, check out the video, “How to save bluebird eggs with this “

[@daveoakleyfitness2392]

The fishing line with weighted sinkers has helped deter the sparrows wanting to invade, I’ve tried pinwheel twirlers but it did not seem to work

[@onehot57]

Great content!

[@chowyunfat]

What type of Grease do you suggest? Great Info!

[@Killobyte]

I use automotive grease.

[@isaiahammerman4875]

Congratulations congratulations everyone you have a great life 🐣🐥🐥🐣🐥🐥🐥🐣🐥🐥🐣🐣🐥🐣🐥🐣🐣🐥🐣🐣🐥🐥🐣🐥🐣🐣🐣🐥🐥🐣🐣🐥🐣🐣🐣🐥🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🦜🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🪱🐤🐤🐤🐤🐤🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐦🐤🐦🐦🐤🐦🐤🐦🐤🐥🐣🐥🐳🐣🐥🐣🐣🐣🐣🐥🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐣🐥🐣🐣🐣🐥🐣🐣🐣🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱🐱😽😺😸🙀😻🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊🕊

[@ginoquest]

Thanks for the info. Yes, sparrows need to be controlled just like pythons that have decimated other native species in Florida.

[@squito94]

What's the most humane way to execute a house sparrow or starling? I'm tempted to destroy starlings. I can't stand them.

[@Killobyte]

I normally use a pellet gun but breaking their necks is also quick.

[@squito94]

What does Donald Trump have to do with starlings?

[@mra2957]

I use a van ert trap in a nest box then use plastic bag to let the HOSP fly out and into the bag then once in bag swing bag hard to the ground several times.

[@biscuitpocket7283]

@@Killobyte you truly are disgusting, giving advice like that.

[@rogerroster4095]

good things to know

[@dianeluoma8339]

We hate the English sparrows. They are very smart. Sparrow is not welcome in our yard. It literally costs us several hundred dollars a year to feed our bluebirds

[@Bestbloxy_rogiel123]

No deer netting it’s a death trap for snakes!!! Otherwise this is a good video. Just wish the part about deer netting wasn’t in there the snake will die and snakes are Extremely important for the ecosystem

[@Nodeoergosum]

Sparrows and starlings are indicators of a healthy avian environment. When you loose them, your Bluebirds may not be far behind.

[@kooale]

Ha!

[@kooale]

Come to Chicago & admire our rat population!

[@biscuitpocket7283]

I get the fact your saving the bluebirds & how hard it was for you to find the baby bluebirds heads pecked in by the sparrows who had built a nest on top. Yet this is just nature & I personally don't think you should be promoting killing, trapping the sparrow birds etc..Foxes killed my cousins chickens in the countryside, yet he didn't make it his mission to kill or trap any in sight. Build your bird houses and use you tube to show the best way to make them. People will be interested to learn what to do & to help the numbers of bluebirds increase. The sparrow has just as much right to live as any other creature on this earth, please remember that. I am a member of the Royal society for the protection of birds. 🍪pocket England.

[@Killobyte]

Thank you for comment, but I'll have to disagree. House Sparrows (English Sparrow) and Starlings are invasive species here, they are not native, and have no natural enemies here. As with other invasive species, they will destroy the native species if left unchecked. It's up to informed humans to try and restore the balance.

[@kooale]

Come to America & retrieve all your birds please.

[@Montana-Skies]

Sparrows killed my bluebird hactchlings yesterday:(

[@Montana-Skies]

I found 1 baby bird ( there was 4) with its eye poked in and damn near cried did not know HS was so vicious. Now I know what to do next time. Thank u so much for this great info taught me alot!!

[@aureliafrancis9421]

wer is the bu

[@lucygodfrey3348]

you have a wealth of information. would be easier to listen to you if you organized your thoughts and topics. your video would take half the time and reach more people. guess it's the teacher in me but you are rambling at times and disorganized.

[@Xbones52]

You talk to much

[@ablue5419]

This is totally untrue first bluebird doing great Audubon say bluebird doing perfect second is absolutely ignorance blame a little bird like house sparrows for attack bluebird is absolutely no proof of that contrary of the worst enemy of any birds are humans, humans kill thousands of birds each year because pesticides climate change and other activities so please don’t be bastard ignorant and hatred to come and spilling negative things against a little bird sparrows can’t even defend themselves and have nothing to do with bluebird even they live in different environments pigeons sparrows and morning dove are cities birds another example of ignorance and hatred beside humans the next animals who kill most birds are cats, cats are the most dangerous animals for birds and cats are none natives either. anyway back in 2009 a worker speak up about what miracle grow was doing poison bird seed and worms for birds and thousands of birds dies because of that and they did for years is amazing how any ignorant come and put video in KZbin just to spread hate and is not capable stand front to a mirror and see who are the real monsters who are destroying planet earth and drag to the extinction animals like messenger pigeons back in 1950 and to many others Audubon have the list of beautiful natives birds extinct because humans but off curse is more easy blame a little bird also unfortunately more ignorants like you will believe what you say and do what typical ignorants hatred savages do start to kill the poor birds I saw that to many times. Speak for those who cruelty to any animal is a crime.

[@plzhd2]

A Blue I love all birds! So far have had luck with bluebird families, wren families and hummingbirds families (got a hummy nest last summer!). ❤️