Barn Owls Nest Box

Materials

One 4' x 4' sheet 5/8" exterior grade plywood
One 6' length of 1 x 12 pine board (exterior grade)
One 6' length of 2 x 4 pine board (exterior grade)
One box of 1½" drywall screws
Two hinges and door latch (for cleaning door)

Construction--Cut front and back panel, and top of box out of plywood sheeting according to the dimensions displayed in Figure 1. Also cut the two ends and base from the 1 x 12 pine board. Drill a minimum of 20 holes (½" diameter) in the base board to provide adequate drainage. One 6' piece of 2 x 4 pine board should be cut into two equal lengths, 36" long. These boards should then be attached to the back panel using drywall screws as they will provide a sturdier nest box. An entrance hole, 6" (W) x 7" (Ht), should be cut from the front plywood panel. The left edge of this hole should be located 2" from the left end of the panel and the bottom of the entrance should be 7" from the base. To make cleaning easier, a 7" (W) x 9" (Ht) door should be cut into the right end panel. The door should be held in place with 2 small hinges and should be secured with a latch to prevent flapping.

Mounting--Successful barn owl boxes have been mounted 10'-30' above the ground in agricultural areas and structures, including silos and barns. Well suited locations include agricultural fields, pastures, old fields, prairies, or other open habitats with scattered trees. Boxes may be installed on posts, poles, trees, or buildings just below the roof. The plans provided here include 2 wooden (2 x 4) mounts that should be cut and spaced to fit. Birds may benefit if the box is provided some afternoon shade. You may elect to provide 2" of woodchips in the bottom of the box, but it’s not required.

FIGURE 1. MEASUREMENTS

FIGURE 2. SIDE VIEW

FIGURE 3. FRONT VIEW