The link below will connect you to a video of a nestbox on my bluebird trail that had a “critter” nest in it — turned out not be a mouse nest but a squirrel (could get in by using overhanging branches as a bridge). Once a rodent-type mammal occupies a nestbox, the inside of the box has to be thoroughly scraped and “sanitized” using a bleach-water solution, rinsed again, and allowed to dry. Birds will not use a nestbox that has been soiled by rodents. Additionally, I had to move this once successful box to a new location. Too much brushy plants from scrub trees and morning glory kept growing up near and around the pole and through the stovepipe baffle and into the nestbox! It was too difficult to maintain it–too much energy to keep cutting back the overgrowth. The first three years, this installation would have 2-3 broods of bluebirds. The last three years had none. It was time to make a change–the bluebirds did not like the brushy surroundings in spite of it being near an open field. This is why we trail managers have to make periodic changes to the nestbox locations. One time, a great location was lost due to construction of a parking lot. That was a disappointment for me as that box was highly successful. The good news is in a rural area like where I live, it’s fairly easy to find new places to install moved nestboxes; ther e are many wonderful property owners who support my efforts! I am willing to work with the people and the birds to keep everyone happy — including myself, in there, last but not least, of course!
Video link –click below:
Here is photo of the same nestbox below (moved from that location):
This is one year after installation. Not too much brush is behind it when it was installed, as you can see. I experimented with an artificial nestcup for a couple of years.
