Questions

Here are some of the questions that we've had, that might be useful for you to understand a bit more about your brd nestbox and how to use them.

 

If you have more questions or if there's anything we should add here, please drop us a line.

Is It 100% Predator-Proof?
Well, we wish we could say yes, but hey, even birds need to stay a little vigilant! We’ve done everything we can to keep those precious nests safe, but nature has its ways. Together, we can create a bird-friendly world where our little mates are safe, warm, and happy.​

So whether it's a winter shelter or the perfect bird nursery, our handcrafted birdhouses are here to help New Zealand's native birds thrive — one home at a time!

When will I get birds in my nest box?
Broadly, September to January is prime nesting season, although with the seasons getting later, this isn't set in stone. You will likely have Sparrows and smaller birds like waxeyes moving in early, as they may try and get 2 broods through one nesting season. It's also a bit harder for them to stay warm out in the open when it's chilly. Moreporks are pretty early too, as their little ones will hang around in the nest for a couple of months.
Tui's will be late in the spring, and Karearea will often find their spot in the late spring or early summer. Give them a bit of space though, as they will protect their territory strongly. 

Why isn't my nest box being used?
Oh no! We've worked really hard to make our boxes as appealing as we can to humans and birds. Sometimes birds have other established options, like natural nest spots nearby or they might be sticking to their territory lines. While some boxes get snapped up right away, others might sit empty for reasons only the birds know! If your box stays vacant for a few years, try giving it a new location or orientation and see if it becomes the next bird hotspot. Take a look at our installation guide and make sure you're ticking all the boxes there. ​

Can I look inside my nest box?
Hmmmm... we'd rather you don't. Sometimes it will be fine, and a bird might just stay snug on their nest if you just peek in, or an early morning visit may find the bird out in search of a quick meal before nest duties call her back. Other times, it could startle them, and they might abandon the nest, leaving any eggs behind. So, to keep things safe and cozy for our feathered friends, it’s probably better not to take the chance.​​

Do you have cameras to go in your nestboxes? 
Not at the moment! We know it’s exciting to get a live view of what’s happening inside, but research shows that boxes with cameras have fewer successful nests. They don't have as many nests being built, less of those nests have eggs laid in them, and fewer eggs grow into healthy chicks, and right now that's our priority. It could be the light, sounds, or something else affecting them. We’re on the lookout for tech that lets us peek inside without disturbing our feathered friends, and we’ll keep you posted if we find anything. Do you have a cool idea or product we should know about? Let us know!

When should I put up my nestbox? 
Traditionally, nest boxes for small birds are put up in the spring — pairs begin to prospect in the latter half of August, so a box put up at the end of the winter stands a good chance of attracting nesting birds. However, it is never too early or late to put up a nest box, as some birds will use them to roost in during the winter months. The longer your nestbox is established in it's environment, the more attractive it will be to birds looking for a new home. ​

Should I clean out the nest box?
When the breeding season is over, old nests can be removed and the box cleaned out. This should probably be between March and July. Do check you don't have any active tenants though.
Some species, including sparrows if you have them, may have second or third broods in the same nest. The nests of these species should be left until sometime during the autumn when it is certain that they are no longer in use. Find out how to do it here. ​

I want to find out more. What research have you done? 
We've taken on a wide range of opinions, everything from the lived experience of local ornithologists here in Aotearoa, to in-depth academic studies with multiple locations and many years. We've looked at local birdlife and similar species in other countries, with larger populations and funding for study. Look out for our blog series coming up that will talk about some nerdy birdy topics in a bit more detail.