Build Your Own Owl Nest Box
Barn owls are critical to the ecosystem. They are highly efficient at controlling rodent populations, making them an essential part of any pest management plan (Motro, 2011). By constructing an owl box, you can provide a safe place for these birds to nest and raise their young. The University of CA Davis magazine has detailed instructions that make building an owl box a fun and easy project. With your owl box, you can help ensure that these magnificent birds have a secure future.
The Plans
Barn owls do not build their own nests, and nest sites for these cavity nesters are limited, especially in agriculture (Charter & Roseman, 2022). After installing a nest box you get free rodent control without poison.
Click the button for the UC Davis Magazine assembly video of this Barn owl nest box (Young, 2017).
Assembly notes:
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Roof dimensions are 26″ x 21″
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Bottom dimensions are 24″ x 19″
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Use 3/4-inch thick plywood for all parts.
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Mount the box on a tall post or tree in a wide, open area. The box should be at least 5 feet away from any branches or ledges that predators might use to enter the box.
ACT NOW!
Install a nest box to protect our Barn Owls
Barn owls enjoy hunting in agricultural fields such as vineyards or in grassland, riparian areas, forests and coastal sage scrub. They prefer an area with at least 1 km or .62 miles of space from the hunting grounds to the box (Wendt & Johnson, 2017). They are, however, extremely adaptable and can occupy urban areas (Hindmarch et al. 2017). Avoid box placement near power lines.