Traditional Wren House

Install at least 10–12 feet from home structure, windows, or potential collisions. It should also be mounted about 5 feet off the ground, facing securely away from prevailing winds.

For best results, place your nest boxes by February in the south, and by mid to late March in the north. Don’t be discouraged if birds don’t begin nesting right away! Give birds a little bit of time to discover and start using a house.

Place it under the shade and protection of tree branches, since wrens and chickadees prefer houses in sheltered areas. If possible, position the entry hole of the house away from potential inclement weather, ideally around 5–10 feet off the ground.

Hanging the house is preferred, so that it can be placed outward on a branch to prevent predators from reaching it. If you prefer to mount the house, you should place it on a pole with space in front of the opening, or it can be mounted under an eave to offer additional protection from the elements and predators.

Once a year, at minimum. You can do this prior to nesting season in the spring, or at the end of the season after birdy residents have fledged (aka, left). Proper cleaning reduces parasite problems and increases the lifespan of your nest box!

It’s ideal for wrens and chickadees, because its 1 ⅛” opening accommodates small birds while keeping larger ones out.

Birds may not show up immediately after placing seed, feeders, or houses in your yard. They need the right habitat to feel safe and avoid conflicts with potential predators—so adding plants to your backyard that offer perching, shelter, nesting, or foraging habitat will encourage birds to use feeders and houses. Adding some sort of water feature—especially moving water—will encourage birds to find your backyard too.