Birds
Nest boxes, feeders, seed and bird baths for offering shelter, food and water to garden birds, in keeping with their needs.
Birds: our advice
Welcoming garden birds through the seasons
Tits, robins, sparrows and finches happily visit gardens, yards and even balconies, provided they find shelter, water and, in winter, extra food. Each piece of equipment has its own season.
The nest box goes up in autumn or winter, before pairs start looking for a site. The diameter of the hole selects the occupants: 28 mm for blue tits, 32 mm for great tits. Fix it out of reach of cats, hole facing away from prevailing winds. The feeder is mainly used from mid-November to the end of March, with sunflower seeds or a wheat-free mix, never bread or milk. The bird bath, meanwhile, is useful all year round.
Whatever the equipment, hygiene is essential: clean feeders and bird baths regularly to limit disease. All the details are in feeding birds in winter and how to attract tits to the garden.
The nest box: dimensions and location
A good nest box is made of untreated wood, thick enough, with an overhanging roof that shields the entrance hole from rain and an opening that allows cleaning. Avoid perches below the hole, which make it easier for predators to get in.
Put it up between autumn and late winter, two to three metres up, on a trunk or a wall, away from feeders and out of reach of cats. Face the opening away from prevailing winds and the hottest sun, often east or south-east in most of Europe.
Feeders and seed
A mixed seed blend suits many species. Peanuts should only be offered whole in a mesh feeder, so birds can't carry off large pieces for their chicks. Avoid bread, salty foods and kitchen scraps. Several small, spaced-out feeders are better than a single, very busy feeding spot.
Essential hygiene habits
Clean feeders and bird baths regularly with hot water, and let them dry before refilling. Remove any damp or mouldy seed. If you notice sick birds, pause feeding for a few weeks and clean the equipment thoroughly.
Water, all year round
A shallow bird bath, with gently sloping edges, is used for drinking and bathing. Change the water every day or every other day, especially in hot weather.
For a complete setup, follow which nest box to choose and the guide How to attract tits to the garden.
FAQ
Questions about birds
When and how should I clean a nest box?
In autumn, once the nest box is no longer occupied. Remove the old nest wearing gloves, scrub the inside with hot water and no chemical products, and let it dry before closing it up.
Why does my nest box stay empty?
It's common for a nest box to go unoccupied the first year. Check its location: too exposed to sun or wind, or too close to a feeder or a busy path, and it will be left alone. Wait a season before moving it.
Can I hang up fat balls?
Yes, during the cold season, but always remove the plastic net around them: birds can get their feet caught in it. Use a mesh feeder designed for the purpose instead.