Saw-Whet/Screech Owl House

Give Saw-Whet and Screech Owls a competitive edge over other small birds seeking nesting areas near your house. Since they prefer nesting in the cavities of hollow trees, they readily accept nesting boxes. This habitat provides a perfect cavity, complete with wood chips for nesting material to protect eggs from rolling around. Coveside's nesting boxes are constructed of 1" thick, sustainably-grown eastern white pine for excellent insulation. Ventilation is provided along the top of each side panel. The slanted roof overhangs the entrance hole to offer appropriate drainage, and the recessed floor features drainage on all four corners to keep the nesting box cozy and dry. Plus, unpainted lumber is custom milled with a "rougher head" finish, which allows fledglings a foothold when they are ready to climb out of the nest. Side panel tilts open for easy seasonal refresh of nesting materials. 17-3/4" x 9-1/4" x 11" with a 3" opening.

Please click on "More Information" for habitat tips and mounting and care instructions.

Mounting Your Screech Owl House
To install the Screech Owl House, mount on the side of a tree or post in a wooded area ten to fifteen feet above the ground. The back panel of the nest box has a metal hanger bracket at the top and a pre-drilled hole at the bottom. Put a nail or screw into the side of a tree or post, with the head sticking out about 1/4". Place the metal hanger over the nail or screw. Put another nail or screw through the hole at the bottom of the back panel to fasten the nest box securely. Empty the included bag of wood chips into the nest box. Though Screech Owls do not naturally use nesting materials, these wood chips are needed to keep the eggs from rolling around the flat floor of the nest box. It will be important to provide fresh wood chips each nesting season.

Coveside's nesting boxes are constructed of one-inch thick sustainably grown eastern white pine, which provides excellent insulation from heat. Coveside lumber is custom milled with a "rougher head" finish, which allows fledglings a foothold when they are ready to climb out of the nest.

Ventilation is provided at the top of each side panel. The slanted roof overhangs the entrance hole to provide appropriate drainage. The floor has drainage at all four corners and is recessed to keep it dry.

Coveside's nesting boxes are neither painted nor stained. Over time they will weather, darken, turn gray and eventually blend in with their environment. Birds prefer an inconspicuous nest box. The most important thing you can do to preserve the long life of this nesting box is to clean it out after each nesting cycle. The side panel tilts out from the bottom for easy cleaning after the young have left the nest. A latch at the bottom secures the panel in place.

Should you wish to paint or stain, it is critical to use water-based stain or paint only. Oil-based paints and stains are toxic to birds. It is also important to stay away from dark colors that may cause the nest box to become too hot for nestlings. A light seasonal external coating of boiled linseed oil is a highly effective nontoxic preservative.