How to Erect a Barn Owl Nestbox in a Tree

[@FritzKraut]

Great work again. And you inspired me to build a tree nest box and install it on one of my big oak trees on my fruit meadow. I know where to find the designs of these boxes on your homepage. Glad that i found your here on youtube.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

It's so great to hear that you've put up a tree nestbox! And we're very glad that you found our info useful. Here's hoping that the owls appreciate all your hard work as much as we do!

[@davidleahy8759]

I intend to put up my outside nest box this week. I know its late but worth a shot. I painted the outside of the box with a water based fence preservative to try ensure it will last as long as it can. The box looks great and the videos are excellent. Please post up more of different box positions.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for your comments, David - we'll have a think about your helpful suggestion. Meanwhile these web pages might be useful: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/sitemap/galleries/photoguide-choosing-right-tree-erecting-nestbox/ www.barnowltrust.org.uk/sitemap/galleries/photoguide-erect-owl-nestbox-tree-2-fixing-methods/ Good luck with your box!

[@BillyAlabama]

This is fascinating. Thank you!

[@hajerm]

thank you so much for posting this! My sister and i made a couple of screech owl boxes (one for each of our properties) and i was trying to hang all by myself. I gave up because i just couldn't climb the ladder, carrying a drill and an owl box, but i couldn't think how to get the box up there when i need my hands free! :)

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Glad we could help!

[@peterrobertson5559]

I am going to put an Owl box in my garden I was going to put it on the back of my shed. Having seen your informative video I might put in a tree. I hope it attracts a pair of Barn Owls.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

A tree will probably be better than on a shed - have a look at our website for lots more info about where to place Barn Owl nestboxes: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/ Let us know if you get some happy residents! Good luck!

[@TruthHealsUs]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@updownstate]

Where I live - Arizona USA - we have burrowing owls who take care of their own housing. Yes, they do live in the ground. There is a sanctuary here and keepers have installed T-bars a few feet high so the owls can perch up high enough to run their own lives. They are free to come and go. People can go to the sanctuary but not into it. You can get a good view of the owls. Some are usually around during the day. The idea of an owl living in a tree is very strange.

[@charweb287]

An owl living in a tree in the USA might sound strange but in England most owls will choose to live in trees or owl boxes in barns or owl boxes on high wooden poles👍👍👍

[@chopperhehehe]

Great video . Can anyone put up a box I live in Fife Scotland and would love to see them .not seen them in my area for years??? 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🙂🤞✌

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

You can find out if your area is suitable for a nest box by checking the info & map here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/how-to-manage-land-for-barn-owls/suitable-land-for-barn-owls/ Good luck!

[@patrickreagan6443]

Is there a ideal height the netting box shouldbeinstalled?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Hi Patrick - the nestbox needs to be at least 3 metres above ground level. More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/ Good luck!

[@robertwaldner3470]

There's a much easier way of attaching the owl box than what you guys did. First tie a rope around the box , throw another rope over a branch ,you don't need a pulley,and attach it to the rope around the box . Hoist the box up to where you'll be attaching it to the tree. Open the access hatch on the box, reach in with your drill and screw some lag screws with big washers right through the back panel of the box and into the tree. That's what I did and it was much easier than what you guys had going on.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for your suggestions, which have been passed on to our Conservation team.

[@Monolith-Systems]

If I have only seen a owl 1 in 4 year and herd owls do you think I would get a barn owl a nest box

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

It's always a good idea to put a nestbox up where there may be owls around. We offer lots of info and free DIY plans for nestboxes for Barn Owls, Tawny and Little Owls, or you can buy them ready-made. Firstly, check what type of owls you've seen and heard here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/uk-owl-species/ Then check that you have a suitable place to put a box up - there's lots of advice on our website, but if you have any questions that are not answered there, please do email us. Good luck!

[@rossturpin4696]

Just built mine. Can’t wait to get it in the tree! Is there a better time of year to install it?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Most nest boxes get occupied in the Autumn when the young are dispersing - however there is no fixed rule about this and you never know - you may get lucky, so it's probably best to just go ahead. Good luck!

[@rossturpin4696]

BarnOwlTrust thanks a lot. Hopefully speak in the next year with an owl family occupying it 😊

[@robcrazylegs]

Ross Turpin any joy?

[@kss987]

@@rossturpin4696 any joy?

[@lorus511]

Am I right in thinking that some of your owl boxes look as though they are facing downwards? I would have thought that it was important to keep them level.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

We keep the nestboxes as level as possible in a natural situation, however the interior will soon have a layer of owl pellets and other nest debris (usually before eggs are laid) - so it's not likely to cause a problem if they're sloping slightly. More about erecting a Barn Owl box: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/sitemap/galleries/photoguide-erect-owl-nestbox-tree-2-fixing-methods/

[@aztecempire4206]

What's stopping a cat from 🐈 climbing into those or any small animal for that matter and eating the owls ??

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

There are not really any predators in the UK that will tackle a healthy adult Barn Owl in its nest - they have razor sharp talons - and we recommend that nestboxes are placed at least 3m above ground level, which also helps to deter most cats or stoats etc.

[@aztecempire4206]

@@BarnOwlTrust1 thanks for your reply .. I live in southern California in the city ... Where there lots off loose cats ... I wanted to build something like this in my backyard and put it high into the sky .. or even on top of the tree .. just I even see cats climbing trees over here and possums .. racoons .. yes sir I have seen a white barn owl in my neighborhood that's why I'm so curious at building one

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

You might be interested in our page about American Barn Owls - incuding our recommended dimensions for a nestbox. Good luck! www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-facts/american-barn-owls/

[@dusty_fenders]

I’m sure mama owl will take care of a nosey cat

[@wildlifesnapper1]

I've just built an upright Tawny Owl nest box, can you suggest placement for this please?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Tawny Owl Nestboxes need to be sited in one of the most mature trees in the woodland, preferably within the woodland itself rather than on the fringes. More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/tawny-owl-nestbox/#tawnyowlnestboxerection

[@lynnebutler7959]

Which orientation his best, North?

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for your question Lynne - Face the access hole towards open ground but avoid the prevailing weather if possible. More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@aztecempire4206]

What's stopping a cat from climbing into that and eating the owls

[@nateoutsidethevacuum]

A shotgun

[@lenvadal8558]

Great video good information. Looks like you used plywood; plywood has poor outdoor durability. If using exterior plywood it would only last a few years. Paint would extend the life of the house.

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Thanks for your comment Len. We use exterior grade tanalised softwood ply & batten and rust-resistant screws, and the top of the box is covered with heavy duty roofing felt. Waterproof sealant is used in all the joints to prevent water seeping in. A coat of paint would give an extra layer of protection - but we've had over 30 years of experience and we find that this design lasts for many years. More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/

[@bessondidier1286]

Hi in France barn owls dont nest in trees that s very strange

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

It's true that Barn Owls don't often nest in trees - but historically Barn Owls all over the world have lived in many different types of rural buildings and tree hollows. These days they mainly roost and nest in: Nestboxes in modern agricultural buildings. Nestboxes on isolated or hedgerow trees. Nestboxes on poles. Old barns. Hollow trees and cavities. Converted barns with built-in provision. …and to a lesser extent in old churches, castles, dovecotes, derelict cottages, chapels, chimneys, bridges, walls, sea cliffs, quarry faces, mine buildings, mine shafts, disused factories, bunkers, observation towers, and water towers. Basically they will use anything that provides what they need: somewhere that gives them shelter from rain and wind and where they ‘feel safe’. More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/how-to-manage-land-for-barn-owls/roosting-nesting-places/

[@bentline]

Omg, other countries have the time to regulate how an owl nesting box is raised during in installation. Big Government knows best pffff. Great video though 👍😆

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The government do have safety guidelines on working at height - but here we're just sharing our experience. :)

[@mimibergerac7792]

Nice, but the workers had neither safety glasses nor security gloves while working with dangerous rotating machinery!!

[@BarnOwlTrust1]

We recommend a risk assessment before erecting a nestbox - and always follow recommended safety procedures: More here: www.barnowltrust.org.uk/barn-owl-nestbox/owl-boxes-for-trees/#tree-box-safety