Nesting boxes.

Treelore · 5th March 2008, 06:31 PM

Guys have a particular client and a time constraint... I have recently gotten a contract installing nesting boxes. I have arrived at many conclusions of what may be the best way to install these boxes but I am only going on past experience for things not quite equatable to this. Have any of you ideas for installing these devices that aren't invasive to the tree unit???

playfordtree · 5th March 2008, 06:42 PM

Howdy Treelore,

My neighbour installed a heap of nesting boxes in his trees a few years ago.
He just used wire and wired them to the tree, i haven't noticed any negative problems with his trees.

The only problem he found was that the native birds won't go anywhere near them, only feral introduced birds will use them.
He's been considering taking them down.
Hope this helps.

Bernard Keays · 5th March 2008, 08:10 PM

Treelore...Have you heard of 'Hollow Log Homes'. Alan makes a range of boxes to suit hollow dependant wildlife. He also installs them. They're one of the best artifical nesting boxes I have seen. There are quiet a few installed on the Sunshine Coast. Give us a ring if you want to have a look at a few.

HLH
info@hollowloghomes.com.au

Eric Frei · 5th March 2008, 08:16 PM

Personally I have found that the screwed to tree ones are better. The others seem to wobble and get poor results.

Also orientation is important, found this article on it.

Nestboxes - BAAG

Quote:

Generally, the majority of species prefer a box with a north-east to south-east aspect. This allows some warmth from the morning sun, while avoiding direct sun in the middle of the day. Nest boxes should be located so as to minimise impact from weather, such a rain, wind, and harsh sunlight. Boxes should be placed as high as possible. This avoids vandalism and disturbance from humans, and minimises the risk posed by domestic and feral animals, such as dogs and cats.

To mount the nest box to a suitable tree, it is recommended that the rear of the box be attached to the tree with galvanised self drilling screws (Type 17 - 14G x 100mm long Hex Head or Bugle Head Batten Screw). This minimises the risk of injury to the tree, and is preferable to straps, wires or chains, which can cause damage to the tree as it grows. Galvanised self drilling screws are also more secure, and provide greater stability, making the environment more comfortable for the inhabitants. If possible, the box should be angled slightly forwards, as this allows young to exit the box more readily. It also aids drainage, keeping the nesting box cleaner and inhabitants happier. If the nest box is removed from the tree, don't forget to remove the screws.

This one here shows a possum box with wire cover by hose, but not as good IMO

http://www.wildcarent.org.au/livingwithpossums.pdf

treeseer · 6th March 2008, 09:00 AM

A little invasion with a screw now is a whole lot better than invasion by girdling later.

Sometimes when deadwooding I break up the brush and pack it in crotches, instant habitat.

Treelore · 6th March 2008, 03:57 PM

thanks guys, rang hollowwoood homes today (cheers Bernie) they have a great system that uses a zig zag wire system that allows 1 metre expansion. so all good.

playfordtree · 12th March 2008, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by treeseer

A little invasion with a screw now is a whole lot better than invasion by girdling later.

Sometimes when deadwooding I break up the brush and pack it in crotches, instant habitat.

Treeseer have you got any info on girdling you can post?, i'm interested to learn more about it.
If the trees were subject to routine maintenance, would the wire option be ok? i.e.(replace the wire if girdling was apparent)

I like the instant habitat idea with the deadwood.

arbdog · 17th March 2008, 10:32 PM

I go with a ecologist (who has just recently passed her climbing certs) hanging bat boxes in trees. All we use is aluminum nails. I didnt think they were that stable myself but they are. none have come down with all the gales we had over her and she snever had 1 come down. They hang different to a normal box, thats probably how theystay up fine.

5th March 2008, 06:31 PM	#1
Treelore Former Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Brisbane Posts: 103	Nesting boxes. Guys have a particular client and a time constraint... I have recently gotten a contract installing nesting boxes. I have arrived at many conclusions of what may be the best way to install these boxes but I am only going on past experience for things not quite equatable to this. Have any of you ideas for installing these devices that aren't invasive to the tree unit???

5th March 2008, 06:42 PM	#2
playfordtree Mature tree Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Behind Your Sister! Posts: 328	Re: Nesting boxes. Howdy Treelore, My neighbour installed a heap of nesting boxes in his trees a few years ago. He just used wire and wired them to the tree, i haven't noticed any negative problems with his trees. The only problem he found was that the native birds won't go anywhere near them, only feral introduced birds will use them. He's been considering taking them down. Hope this helps. __________________ Euthanizing South Australian Trees since 2007

5th March 2008, 08:10 PM	#3
Bernard Keays Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Glasshouse Posts: 193	Re: Nesting boxes. Treelore...Have you heard of 'Hollow Log Homes'. Alan makes a range of boxes to suit hollow dependant wildlife. He also installs them. They're one of the best artifical nesting boxes I have seen. There are quiet a few installed on the Sunshine Coast. Give us a ring if you want to have a look at a few. HLH info@hollowloghomes.com.au __________________ Bernie

6th March 2008, 09:00 AM	#5
treeseer Former Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: SE USA Posts: 753	Re: Nesting boxes. A little invasion with a screw now is a whole lot better than invasion by girdling later. Sometimes when deadwooding I break up the brush and pack it in crotches, instant habitat.

6th March 2008, 03:57 PM	#6
Treelore Former Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Brisbane Posts: 103	Re: Nesting boxes. thanks guys, rang hollowwoood homes today (cheers Bernie) they have a great system that uses a zig zag wire system that allows 1 metre expansion. so all good.

17th March 2008, 10:32 PM	#8
arbdog Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: england Posts: 108	Re: Nesting boxes. I go with a ecologist (who has just recently passed her climbing certs) hanging bat boxes in trees. All we use is aluminum nails. I didnt think they were that stable myself but they are. none have come down with all the gales we had over her and she snever had 1 come down. They hang different to a normal box, thats probably how theystay up fine.

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