PROVIDING AN OWL NESTING BOX
If you have the facilities and the environment is right for
the Owls, erecting a nesting box for those species that are
known to use them - Barn Owls, Tawny Owls and Little Owls -
will serve a very useful function in providing suitable
accommodation in which Owls can raise their young safely
and securely.
When built from the right materials, artificial nestboxes
are likely to be better designed, better built and able to
withstand the rigours of weather, as well if not better
than their natural counterparts. They can also be sited
close to the all-important recognised prey sources - this
will prove especially beneficial in winter, when any
resurgence of the owl population is most likely to suffer
due to the lack of food.
Regarding materials, for all exterior boxes it is necessary
to choose marine grade plywood or other robust timber that
will weather well. Do not use CCA pressure-treated timber
or tropical hardwoods. Join the sections together with
softwood battens fixed inside the box. Preservative can
extend the life of the box, but only apply it to the
outside and only use selected water-based preservatives
which are known to be safe for animals. It is essential to
drill several drainage holes to the bottom of each box to
enable it to remain dry inside.
As owls do not build their own nests inside a box and
cannot nest on bare boards, placing a 1” (2-3 cm) layer of
woodchips or similar material (but not straw) in the box is
a preferential option, though owls will lay eggs on top of
their own absorbent pellet material.
Nestboxes
should be installed by November to give the best chance of
success the following year, although it may take several
years before a new box is used.