Fill the box with 2 or 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of untreated wood shavings. The wood shavings will serve as nesting material for owl chicks during the spring time. Recommended placement is near open woods or edge of wooded lots mounted 8 to 20-ft above ground. Refer to the habitat requirements page for specific information. It's important to help them out by placing four to six inches of wood shavings in the bottom of the box. Opposite page: the nest box was attached to a tall, straight pine with two ¼" diameter, 4" long galvanized lag screws driven into the back piece, with a washer between screws and board. Breeding habitat is limited to aquatic areas with dead trees, in boreal, deciduous, aspen and montane woods; favor calm, large, clear lakes without much vegetation or fish. Cedar is a naturally rot-resistant wood, so there’s no need to paint or stain the box. * Place the box under a tree limb at the woodland edge, with adjacent fields or wetlands. Your screech owl nest box should be hung on a pole, tree, shed, barn or other structure about 10 to 15 feet off the ground. Based on the literature I’ve read, they recommend mounting these about 15 feet high. For depth, about 5 cm, or two inches is appreciated by some species, and will be reduced to suit preferences if too deep by other species. Hanging the nest box: Add 1" to 2" of pine shavings to the bottom of the finished nesting box. Mount the screech owl box on a clean, solid tree. To mimic this natural debris, put a few inches of wood shavings or pine needles in the bottom of the box. The box should not be painted. If you are looking to attract a variety of species to your nest boxes and have ample room, you might consider pairing your boxes. Add insulation and nesting material to your bird boxes with our quality Nesting Wood Chips. Do not use sawdust or cedar shavings. Placing Your Screech Owl Nesting Box. Replenish your nest boxes annually! If jackdaws, squirrels, pigeons etc go in to the box they should be removed aong with any nesting material. Do not use cedar shavings or sawdust. After all, an owl has to find the nesting box before it can use it to raise its young. Your screech owl nesting box is now complete. You can find wood shavings at your local pet or farm supply store. Place a couple handfuls of pine shavings or dry leaves into the box for nesting material. Do not use sawdust or cedar shavings. Back to top. for pets), untreated fine wood chip or pine bark make fantastic bedding for nest boxes. How to build a Little Owl box It will also provide warmth for more mature owls during the winter. Barn Owls don't require nesting material in the box, as the female will create a bed of shredded pellets on the floor. * Add 2–3" of wood shavings to the box. The thick layer of shavings stops the eggs from rolling around the nesting box and helps to protect the eggs during incubation. A mesh suet cage or net filled with cotton fibers, short bits of string, or fur. The box will need retreating every couple of years, At the end of breeding season the box should be cleaned out of any nesting material. A layer of loose dry material, such as wood shavings or shredded bark, can be added to the nest box in December or January before breeding starts (tawny owls often breed as early as January). It will also provide warmth for more mature owls during the winter. Hanging the nest box: Add 1" to 2" of pine shavings to the bottom of the finished nesting box. The screech-owl nest box is ready to hang onto a tree or post or building. It may take up to two years for Barn Owls to move in, but once they've discovered the box, it will often be used year after year. Opposite page: the nest box was attached to a tall, straight pine with two ¼" diameter, 4" long galvanized lag screws driven into the back piece, with a washer between screws and board. Be sure and construct a predator guard for your wood duck box before installing. ... How to Build a Wood Duck Nest Box. Barn Owls may use the box year round. The wood shavings will serve as nesting material for owl chicks during the spring time.