Due to the variety of mounting applications or locations, we do not include any mounting hardware for bluebird houses.
Selecting a Location
In any mounting method, bird houses should be mounted approximately 5 feet off the ground. Houses should be mounted securely facing away from prevailing winds in the area to prevent rain from entering the box. Whenever possible, place the house in a clearing with tall grasses or shrubbery 8-12 feet away.
Don’t be discouraged if birds don’t begin nesting in the house
immediately. Sometimes it takes time for the birds to discover them. For optimum occupancy, place your nest boxes by February in southern areas and mid to late March in northern regions.
Pole Mounting
Bluebird houses can be mounted on a metal pipe/pole using pipe clamps (our preferred method). These materials can typically be found in the plumbing section of the local hardware, plumbing, or fencing store. The pipe clamps should be attached above and below the nesting chamber of the house as shown.
Post Mounting Options
The bluebird house can be mounted directly to a 4x4 post or wooden fence post by screwing through the back board above and below the nest chamber of the bluebird house. We recommend using weather resistant screws at least 1/2" longer than the depth of the back board on the house. Pilot holes can be drilled but typically are not necessary with cedar.
To mount the house onto the top of a 4x4 post, screw down through the bottom of the house into the top of the post. Be aware that these mounting methods do allow predators easy access to disturb the nest box.
Tree Mounting
We do not advise mounting your bluebird house directly to the trunk of a tree as it allows predators, such as raccoons, easy access to the house.
How To Set Up A Bluebird Trail
A bluebird trail is a group of multiple bluebird houses set up along designated trail. Bluebird trails can be beneficial in helping reestablish the bluebird population by providing numerous adequate nesting sites in a suitable habitat.
To set up a bluebird trail, you’ll first map out the location you’d like to use to determine how many bluebird houses you’ll need along your path. Keep in mind that nesting density and competition from other species will require the houses to be placed a distance apart. Bluebird houses should be placed at least 100 yards apart for Eastern and Western Bluebirds, and at least 200 yards apart for Mountain Bluebirds. Boxes can be mounted in pairs where Tree Swallows are abundant. When paired, boxes should be mounted 5-25 feet apart. This provides nesting sites for both species and helps to prevent competition between them (Ohio Bluebird Society).
The houses should be mounted according to the recommendations above. Once the houses have been set up, monitor the trail and clean out the house after each brood to encourage more nesting activity.
Maintaining a Clean Bird House
Birdhouses and nesting boxes should be cleaned at least once each year. All Nature's Way birdhouses feature clean-out doors, making it easy to remove the old nest and any debris that have collected. At minimum, cleaning should be done prior to nesting season in the spring. Some recommend cleaning the nesting boxes after each brood has fledged. This type of maintenance will reduce bird parasite problems and help keep the nest box useful longer.
For more detailed cleaning tips visit our blog post: Spring Cleaning is for the Birds!
Nature's Way Bird Products says...
Hi James,
Thanks for checking in! We mainly suggest houses should be mounted 5 feet off the ground, facing away from prevailing winds in the area to prevent rain from entering the box and where possible place the house in a clearing with tall grasses or shrubbery 8-12 feet away. Of course not every yard is going to fit each criteria so just work within whatever parameters you have to provide the bluebirds the best option for your yard. Happy birding!
April 18, 2022
James Pratt Jr says...
I don’t have a lot of open space in my yard so how far from the house can I mount hey bluebird house I’m looking at somewhere in the range of 3 to 5 ft
April 18, 2022
Nature's Way Bird Products says...
Hi Lynn,
We expect the CWH4 to be back in stock in about mid-May. You can add your email to the ‘back in stock’ notification list by clicking on the wording under the price on the product page. Yes, our CWH4 roof will continue to be black. While the black roofs may absorb some heat, as you indicated, Nature’s Way has designed our bluebird houses with ample ventilation. All the best!
April 05, 2022
Lynn says...
Any idea as to when Model CWH4 will be back in stock? Also, are there any plans to keep the roof the same color as the rest of the house? I don’t understand the purpose of a black roof, as darker colors always absorb more heat. I know the house is vented, but it just seems to make more sense to keep the whole thing the same color.
April 05, 2022
Nature's Way Bird Products says...
Hi Ken! Yes, you can see in the pictures in our post above that you can safely mount to a metal pole or pipe. If you are concerned about an add-on product being toxic, we would advise against using it. All the best!
February 07, 2022
Ken says...
Can I mount a bluebird house safely on steel pipe? If I treat it with Rus-olium paint, will that be toxic to the bluebirds.
February 07, 2022
Nature's Way Bird Products says...
Hi Derek, Good question! While the black roofs may absorb some heat, Nature’s Way has designed our bluebird houses with ample ventilation.
If a consumer is located in the south or other area of high heat, ANY bluebird house should receive some mid-day shade to protect the house from overheating to provide for successful broods. Hope this helps!
January 24, 2022
Derek N Miller says...
Very nicely built nest box. What’s the purpose of a black roof? In Texas the summers are hot. It seems a black roof would make the interior even hotter in the summer?
January 24, 2022
Nature's Way Bird Products says...
Hi Barb, Our cedar houses come with a water-based protective stain on them that helps prevent discoloration, mold/mildew and water damage. There is no need to treat the house with any additional products. If you wished to add an additional coat of stain to either the roof or house, be advised we are not sure how it would adhere due to the coatings already there. If you were to proceed, we would recommend scuffing up the wood a bit so product would adhere better, using a water-based paint/stain and letting the house dry thoroughly before using. A reminder to please not paint or stain the interior of the house. All the best!
May 27, 2021
Barb says...
Can I stain or paint the cedar blue bird house ?
May 27, 2021