A Barn Owl nestbox mounted on a pole may be the only option if there are no suitable buildings or trees around. More about nestboxes on a pole.
Our recommended deep nestbox features an exercise platform that goes all the way around, providing maximum safety for emerging young.
How to choose the best nestbox design.
How to make a Barn Owl pole nestbox – step by step photo instructions:
- The cutting plan (see webpage for dimensions)
- The joint along the bottom of the Inspection Hatch must be ‘weather-sealed’ e.g. with Ever-build weather-mate
- We use pressure treated FSC-approved 12 mm softwood ply
- The battens are 25x50mm pressure treated FSC-approved softwood
- The vertical battens stop the ladder sliding to one side while the exercise platform is being fitted.
- The internal battens at the bottom take the floor screws
- The floor is thicker – 18mm plywood
- The roof sections can be waterproofed or felted
- The Exercise Platform is made in 2 halves that slide together after the box is erected
- The Roost Area partition and floor.
- Attach the Roost Area to the end that has the Inspection Hatch
- Now attach the floor to the other end using 40 or 50mm screws
- Now attach the other end. Use plenty of screws!
- Weather-proof sealant MUST be applied before attaching the sides
- Position the side and screw to the end using 50mm screws.
- Screw up through the foor and into the sides
- Screw through the sides into the Roost Area partition
- Using 80mm screws, attched the 50x50mm apex timber
- Use 50mm screws to attach the roof sections
- Use plenty of screws!
- If you are not going to felt the box, seal the top with a strip of aluminium
- Parts of the Exercise Platform. Notice the way the 50×50 pieces are rebated.
- Use 40mm screws straight or 50mm screws at a slight angle.
- Now attach the longer end pieces…
- …then the short lengths
- Then the three battens (the ones under his hand)
- Slide the first half on to the box to check it fits easily.
- Then slide on the second half. The slats are important for fast drainage.
- Now attached the side battens to one half only so you can slide both halves off again
- Once the box is erected (on a pole) you screw the side battens to both halves
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