Do Birdhouses Need Ventilation and Drainage Holes?
Most nest boxes need ventilation near the top and drainage in the floor. Learn hole sizes, placement, exceptions, and how to fix a sealed box safely.
Do Birdhouses Need Perches? Why Most Nest Boxes Don’t
Learn why most birdhouses should not have exterior perches, how perches can help predators, and which nest-box features birds actually need.
Do Birdhouses Need Predator Guards? Nest Box Safety
Predator guards can improve nest-box success. Compare stovepipe and cone baffles, entrance extenders, Noel guards and safer birdhouse placement.
When and How to Clean Out a Birdhouse Safely
Clean a birdhouse only when the nest is inactive. Learn when to remove old nests, when to wait until fall and how to clean a nest box safely.
How High Should a Birdhouse Be? Nest Box Height Guide
Birdhouse height depends on species. Compare recommended heights for bluebirds, wrens, chickadees, swallows, owls and more, plus safer mounting tips.
What Direction Should a Birdhouse Face? Species Guide
A birdhouse does not always need to face east. Use species, habitat, prevailing wind, sun and flight path to choose the safest nest-box direction.
Birdhouse Hole Size Guide by Species
Birdhouse entrance size is species-specific. Use this NestWatch-based chart for chickadees, wrens, bluebirds, swallows, owls, ducks and more.
