LITTLE OWL NESTING BOXES
Little Owls don’t build nests but rely on ready-made
natural nesting sites including hollow branches and rabbit
burrows. They will also nest in holes in buildings, cliffs,
haystacks and nestboxes which are sited on farmland,
orchards, parkland, sand dunes and industrial wasteland
where their preferred prey of invertebrates (worms,
beetles, slugs, earwigs & moths) supplemented with
small mammals, is prevalent.
Either
box-type or tube-type designs are suitable, the ideal size
of which is 8” x 8” x 15” (37cm x 19cm x 19cms). A critical
measurement is the size of the entrance hole - a 3” (7cm)
aperture allows the Little Owls easy access but prevents
the much larger Tawny Owl from entering. Depending on
design, they can be attached to tree trunks with cable
ties, or wired to the underside of branches. Ensure that no
nails, screws or other sharp edges or points are left to
protrude into the box or any part on which the birds might
perch.
Young Little Owls begin to leave the nest site at about 3
weeks and like to hide in surrounding vegetation and
branches to minimise the risk of the entire clutch being
taken by a predator, so bear this in mind when siting your
box. Young Little Owls fledge at about 5 weeks, but the
parents continue to feed them for another month, at which
point they are independent and Ieave the nest to establish
their own territory.
Further reading about the building & siting of nestboxes can be found in a comprehensive booklet, Boxes Baskets & Platforms, available price £8.99 + P&P from The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary on 01449 711425For detailed plans to build your own Little Owl box or a price list for ready-made boxes please call us on 01449 711425