Schwegler Little Owl Box 20B

Little owls mate for life and tend to use the same breeding sites year after year. Therefore it is important to provide suitable nesting sites to help preserve this fascinating owl. This unique new design of little owl box draws on Schwegler's past designs and decades of experience. Features include;

* Predator protection: two offset entrance holes provide a tried and tested method of excluding predators.
* Forced ventilation: the unique, forced ventilation system which is built into the end of the box enables stale air to be replaced without causing a draught. This system also ensures that no light can enter the box. The amount of droppings and the resulting moisture, which can otherwise adversely affect the successful survival of the brood, are substantially reduced.
* Cleaning and inspection: The access section can be completely removed, making it easier to clean and inspect the box from the front.
* Installation: On almost all kinds of trees except cherry, because the cherry harvest coincides with the time when the young are still at the nest site.

If possible the little owl box should be mounted on a horizontal branch, to which it is attached using the four galvanised, perforated metal strips and special `tree friendly' nails. The boxes can also be attached in the tops of pollarded trees. The access for the birds should always face the trunk. It is very important to include some short wood shavings as a basis for the nest. If you don't have trees with suitable horizontal branches, then you may want to consider the Sc-hwegler Little Owl Box 22.

Population studies show that territories cover only about a 0.5 km square. At least two or three boxes should be provided for each breeding pair because, in addition to the box being used for the brood, other boxes are required to store stocks of food and for daytime use.

The box is made from wooden batons mounted on wood-concrete rings, and covered with specially sanded roofing felt. Schwegler's wood-concrete is an exceedingly durable, rot-proof and breathable natural material designed to mimic the properties of natural nest sites and last 20 - 25 years. Also included is a robust, removable entrance section made of water-resistant wood laminate, and attachment materials.

For top tips on making your nest box a success, see our blog on Five FAQs About Attracting Birds to Your Nest Box.