Higher or lower placements can also work well as long as good cover is available. The house can be attached near a porch or deck since wrens don't typically mind being close to human activity, but it should be kept away from the busiest places. In Houses should be hung with the attached chain, so they swing gently in the breeze. Position the boxes at least 20 feet apart because wrens can be highly territorial. If cover is available, wrens will nest as high as 15… and gourds. Many wren houses are diamond-shaped with wide sides that offer young birds more space to grow while still keeping them snug and allowing for adequate nesting material, but wrens may nest in houses of any shape if the overall dimensions are suitable. Proper birdhouse placement for wrens means positioning the house 4-10 feet above the ground, ideally attached to a wall, pole, or post for stability, though some wrens don't mind hanging or swaying houses. Wrens can be hyperactive and may investigate a new house quickly, but if they aren't nesting right away, it is possible to encourage even more interest in available houses. Melissa Mayntz has been a birder and wild bird enthusiast for 30+ years. 5 feet is an ideal height for nesting birds. later. bugs make it a very popular bird to many people. The size of the territory for the male wren is about a half acre area and two to three houses within that territory is acceptable. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our. To bring wrens to a birdhouse: Wrens can be lively backyard residents and many birders enjoy watching both adults and fledglings explore their surroundings. The house can be attached near a porch or deck since wrens don't typically mind being close to human activity, but it should be kept away from the busiest places. Ensure the house has adequate ventilation and drainage holes that can accommodate a large brood while minimizing discomfort and contamination. lights, and of course old woodpecker holes, natural crevices, small birdhouses Nearby trees or shrubs will provide good shelter for the birds as … Place houses for swallows at least 30 to 35 feet apart, shelves for robins at least 65 feet apart, boxes for house wrens about 100 feet apart, 300 feet apart or more for wrens and bluebirds, and those for chickadees over 600 feet apart. Once the female wren has selected her preferred spot, she will then add a soft lining to cushion her eggs. Wrens seek the shade and protection of thick bushes where mated pairs find nesting materials and food for themselves and their young. for nesting near peoples’ houses. the baby wasn’t paying any attention and was leading his parents on a merry Male Cardinal Calling Wrens will use a house that has an entry hole dimension of 1 1/8 inches, any larger and house sparrows and other less desirable birds will use them. Wrens are fun and perky backyard birds, and while they readily use birdhouses, offering the right type of wren house can attract these birds more easily and encourage them to take up residence to raise their families. She has over 16 years experience writing about wild birds for magazines and websites. Even the most perfect house won't attract wrens if it is put in the worst place. Proper birdhouse placement for wrens means positioning the house 4-10 feet above the ground, ideally attached to a wall, pole or post for stability, though some wrens don't mind hanging or swaying houses. of wrens. Install your wren house anywhere from 3 to 10 feet off the ground. wrens from nesting in the same territory. The most likely species to visit your garden in the United States is the house wren. Thank you for sharing your joy of birding. Nests have been found in mailboxes, flowerpots, boots, house female didn’t choose your nest this time, it doesn’t mean it won’t be chosen and two to three houses within that territory is acceptable. The floor should be 4 inches square and 3-6 inches below the entry hole. The box may be placed 3’ to 10’ from the ground. Wrens can also be competitive and will aggressively chase away other birds from their nesting sites, so more open sites, including houses, will give them more opportunities to find just the right spot to settle down. Providing a house with the proper dimensions to suit these little birds will keep them safer and minimize the risks they face from hazardous nesting sites, predators, or invasive birds. I was watching my In our university studies we placed wren boxes at about 5’. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Poppa cardinal was shooing all the other The entrance should be angled away from prevailing winds, as wrens can be sensitive to cold, and placing the house where it can get some sunlit warmth early in the morning but will be shaded during the hottest part of the day can help birds better regulate their temperature. of Wren Bird Houses. There are several other species, though, and they may have different preferences. The size of the territory for the male wren is about a half acre area general, a suburban back yard or garden is large enough for one or two families female to choose from, the other nests may then be used by the male to raise a Nearby trees or shrubs will provide good shelter for the birds as well as a ready foraging space, but the house should not be buried deep in the foliage. Just because the In general, a suburban back yard or garden is large enough for one or two families of wrens. birds away from the feeders to give his baby a clear pathway. Because the male Wren builds several starter nests for the Wrens are adaptable birds and may nest in a wide range of unusual places, including in garden pots, mailboxes, drainpipes, garden boots, or other unique options. A male wren may build up to 12 nests for their mates, but only one will serve as a home for the hatchlings. There is no exact distance apart they need to be placed. 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