• 4in x 4in bottom, as measured on the inside.
• 8in internal height.
• 1 1/4in diameter entry.

• Plain Titmouse -- hang box 5 to 15 feet high.
• Pygmy and Red Breasted Nuthatch -- 5 to 15 feet high.
• Downy Woodpecker -- 5 to 15 feet high.
• House Wren -- 5 to 10 feet high.
• Chickadee -- 4 to 15 feet high.

Generally, we recommend that you hang your house about 6 feet off of the ground. At that height, it's easier to reach the box opening for cleaning.

Cavity nesting birds are very particular about where they live. No matter how perfect your nest box, if you don't have the right habitat, the birds aren't likely to find it. Luckily, titmice, wrens, and chickadees are very common and pretty easy to attract. Of course, by putting out a bird feeder and birdbath you can easily increase the number and variety of birds that frequent your yard therefore increasing the chances of occupation.

You can hang your birdhouse a number of ways: on a tree, on a fence, or on a pole. The birdhouses we've designed have two holes that make it simple to screw into a tree or fence post. There is a chance that the screw holes may damage a tree, so if you have both, pick the fence post. Metal poles are great because it is much harder for predators, like snakes and raccoons, to raid the nest. Of course, it's a lot more work to install a pole to hang your house. Don't hang the birdhouse on the side of your house or garage. There is probably too much activity in these areas to encourage nesting. Give your birds a little space and privacy! With this in mind, it is also a bad idea to put too close to a bird feeder.

Birds will nest in the spring. We would make sure your birdhouse is hung by late February or early March in warmer climates. For northern areas, by the end of April.

Birds don't like to nest in boxes that have already been used. After the babies have left the nest you should clean it out. Watch the box for a week or so. If you don't see any activity go up to the box and tap it. No sounds? Carefully unscrew the top or bottom, depending on the design, and remove it. If you find eggs or young birds, don't panic. Just put them back and reattach the top/bottom. Wait a week or two and try again. If the nest is empty, simply pull out all remnants of the nest. You may also brush it out to remove small critters -- like lice and ticks. Put the top/bottom back on and, with luck, another pair of birds may nest later that same year.

In the fall, you may leave the house out or bring it inside for the winter. If you do leave it out, you should clean it again after winter lets up.