Bluebird Shop - Nest Hollow

This page provides everything you need to get started with bluebirds. This includes feeders, protection and bluebird houses.

We have carefully selected these products and only recommend things that will provide the best care for your birds.

Bluebird Feeders

Bluebirds are “cavity birds.” Whether an eastern, mountain or western bluebird, these little guys are able to fly into holes for nests or feeding. Covered feeders are helpful if you live in an area with a high squirrel population.

Bluebird Houses

There are different styles available for bluebird houses. However, if you’re just getting started, using a regular wood nest box will be perfectly fine.

Keep in mind different bluebird species have different requirements for the entry hole. For eastern bluebirds, look for nest boxes with a hole size of 1.5 inches. For mountain and western bluebirds, a 1-9/16 entry hole size will be ideal.

We’ve made note of the hole size and the species that the nest box is suited for.

Bluebird Nest Box FAQs

What are the advantages of a Peterson Box

The main advantages include a design that somewhat deters predators (though this is not a guarantee), better protection from sun and rain, taller design may be preferred, and some studies suggesting more bluebirds fledge.

1. Somewhat deters predators.
2. Better protection from rain and sun.
3. Healthier nestlings.
4. Sloped box allows better blowfly removal.
5. Bluebirds may prefer this design compared to tree swallows.

Note: This is not a good design for those starting out with bluebird landlording! The sloped design could make it easier for nestlings to tumble out during nest checks. The box also may lead to earlier fledging.

If I’m just starting out, what nest box should I choose?

For those starting out with eastern bluebirds, we suggest the ultimate starter nest box. We have had great success with this nest box on our trails. This nest box provides ventilation, drainage, proper entry hole size, front opening for monitoring. It’s also a great size to insert a camera.

If you’re nervous about actively monitoring, you may want to consider the Ultimate Bluebird House with Viewing Window. This nest box has a separate opening with a plexiglass window so that you do not risk any nestlings coming out. However, be aware that nestlings are not usually a flight risk until they’re about 12 days old.

What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a bluebird nest box?

1. Entry hole size, which will vary between the three US bluebird species
2. Whether the bluebird nest box has proper drainage (ours do).
3. Whether the bluebird nest box has proper ventilation (ours do).
4. Whether the bluebird nest boxes are of appropriate size – at the very least, that’s ~4.5 x 4.5 x 9 inches (ours are).
5. Whether the bluebird nest boxes have proper openings for monitoring and cleaning. Top and side openings are ideal.
6. That the nest box color is a neutral wood color or painted a light color with water-based paints. Darker colored nest boxes, even darker on the top can turn a nest box into an oven.
7. Nest boxes should not have an outer perch.
8. Grooves are available inside the nest box just below the entry hole for fledglings to cling to.

Birdhouse / Nest Box Baffles and Protection

While there are different types of baffles on the market, we only recommend the commercially available products that will best protect your nesting bluebirds. These baffles listed below have attributes that will protect nestlings from all kinds of predatory mammals (with the exception of bears) and will also protect against smaller snakes.

For more information on choosing a baffle for your nest box, we have a detailed guide. We also have information about the types of predators that threaten bluebirds and how to protect against them.

Too many bird landlords have been heartbroken to find their nest pillaged and their thriving nestlings snatched away. An 8 inch by 24 inch baffle will give you more peace of mind when working with bluebirds.

Bluebird Baffle FAQs

Is a cone-shaped squirrel baffle OK to use for bluebirds?

Cone-shaped squirrel baffles are generally good for birdfeeders. However, they do not offer adequate protection for bluebird houses, or any other nesting bird. Instead, we recommend, at minimum, to use an 8 inch diameter x 24 inch tall cylinder baffle.

When do I need a baffle for my bluebird house?

If you’re managing a bluebird house or any other nest box for native birds, always have a baffle. The ideal baffle style to use is what’s called a “stovepipe” baffle or cylinder shaped baffle. It should at least be 8″ x 24″.

What do nest box baffles protect against?

Appropriate baffles protect against raccoons, opossums, squirrels, cats, dogs and other mammalian predators. Furthermore, an 8″ x 24″ baffle protects against smaller snakes. Taller baffles (60 inches) protect against snakes 5 feet or larger.

Bird Baths, Fountains, heaters and Cleaners

If you want to attract bluebirds to your yard or your trail, water is essential. Come winter time, it is especially important to provide fresh water for birds where lakes and ponds have frozen over.

We offer a wide selection of bird baths, heated bird baths, heaters, and cleaners.

We also have a selection of fountains and agitators to keep water moving. Moving water attracts more birds and can prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.

Bird Baths

Bird Bath Fountains, Bubblers, Agitators

Heaters / De-Icers

Keep your bird bath from freezing all winter long. These heaters/de-icers only power up when needed.

Bird Bath Cleaners

Keeping the water clean is very important to bird health. At communal places such as feeders and bird baths, birds can share several pathogens (bacteria and viruses). Not to mention that water can become a great medium for pathogen growth.

At the very least, have a good scrub brush, soap and water handy for regular cleaning. But for added measure, consider the bird bath protector, which keeps the water fresher longer.