Birdhouses can be a great way to attract a variety of different bird species to your garden, however outdoor experts warn that by hanging them incorrectly you could be doing more harm than good
Birds make a wonderful addition to any garden. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, and add an extra lease of life with their unique birdsong and quirky habits. One of the best ways to attract more of the winged creatures to your home is by installing a bird box. The only problem? A lot of us are installing them incorrectly.
Setting up birdhouses correctly is more important now than ever. According to government data, bird numbers have declined by 2% across the UK between 2018 to 2023, and by 7% across England. However, birdhouses can help combat these declining numbers by providing a safe interior space for birds to nest. In turn, this provides a safer breeding ground for the avian species, allowing them to survive in greater numbers.
Other benefits of having them around your garden include pest control and weed control. According to gardening experts at Yell: “Birds are wonderful visitors to have in your garden. And whilst they are relaxing to watch, they hold an array of benefits to your garden environment. They can help rid your lawn of weeds, are brilliant at eating unwanted pests and can also help with flower pollination.”
However, they also warn that many of us are hanging our bird boxes incorrectly. One major mistake that people commonly make is actually hanging your bird box in the wrong direction. While it may seem insignificant, having your box face in a southerly direction can actually harm your feathery friends. This is because it attracts too much sunlight, which can cause them to overheat.
Another major problem is not hanging your bird box far enough from the ground. Ideally, they should be at least one metre off the ground, to protect them from any crafty cats. However, some species, like kestrels and owls, prefer boxes to be even higher – at least 3 metres from the ground. Though take care that the opening to the box is not obstructed by foliage, as this can interfere with a bird’s natural flight path.
Top three expert tips to hang your bird boxes properly
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Do not place your bird box in a south-facing position. Otherwise this can lead to the birds overheating due to being in direct sunlight
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Make sure that you hang your box between 1-5 metres above the ground
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Check that you are selecting the correct size box for the types of birds you want to attract
