Rooms for Rent
In late winter and early spring the birds start looking for nesting sites. So it’s not too early to put up the bird houses (nest boxes). Providing nesting boxes will increase the number of birds in your backyard by giving them a reason to stay around all year.
There are several species of birds who build their nests in cavities. The cavity nesters you might attract to your yard include chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers and wrens.
It’s important to remember, whether you’re purchasing ready-made or building your own nest boxes, each species of bird has specific hole size and dimension requirements (see chart below). Additionally, all good bird houses should have the following features: natural, unfinished wood is best
only non-toxic stains should be used; wood should not be painted; wood should be at least ¾” thick; you must be able to open the box (one panel should lift up or be removable) for clean-out; ventilation holes/slots are required at the top of the sides; drainage holes in the bottom; no perch but rough inside front so babies can crawl out.
Spring is almost here, the days are getting longer and romance is in the air – it’s time to put out the “For Rent” sign!

SPECIES	BOX SIZE (HXWXD)	HOLE SIZE	DISTANCE ABOVE FLOOR	MOUNT HEIGHT	HABITAT PLACEMENT
Bluebird	8”X5”X5”	1 1/2"	6"	4'-6'	Brushy borders, pastures, no tall undergrowth
Carolina Chickadee	8”X4”X4”	1 1/8"	6"	6'-15'	Brushy borders, woods
Nuthatch	8”X4”X4”	1 1/4"	6"	5'-20'	Woods
Titmouse	8”X4”X4”	1 1/4"	6"	6'-15'	Woods
Downy Woodpecker	8”X4”X4”	1 1/4"	6"	6'-20'	Woods, yard
Carolina Wren	8”X4”X4”	1 1/8"	1"-6"	6'-10'	Woods, thick underbrush
House Wren	6”X4”X4”	1"	1"-6"	6'-10'	Brushy borders