Things You'll Need
- Saw
- Drill
- Jigsaw
- Screwdriver
- Measuring Tape
- Pencil
- Wood shavings
Instructions
Use cedar to make your nest box. Cedar is resistant to weather and insects, plus it smells good. Pine and plywood are also acceptable choices.
Cut your wood according to the plans located in the resource section of this guide. The box should be an elongated rectangle in shape with a 4 1/2 inch oval for entry and a hinged door for cleaning.
Place 4-6 inches of wood shaving in the bottom of the box for nesting materials. Do not use sawdust.
Select an ideal location for your nesting box. If placing in the wild, find a location near water, such as a river, marsh or swamp.
Place your nesting box with the opening facing the water. You can place it on live or dead trees, or a steel pole 4-6 feet above the water level. Clear branches and other obstacles from the path of your nesting box.
Clean the box every year after the brood has been raised. Remove old nesting materials and replace with fresh wood chips.