Barn Owls would naturally nest in cavities within mature trees. However, in today's modern landscape large cavities in trees are often scarce and Barn Owls are reliant on spaces within buildings and purpose-made owl boxes. You can help these birds out by putting up a barn owl nest box to provide a safe and comfortable nest site. This owl box came out of our collaboration with the Barn Owl Trust, and is equally suitable for use inside a building such as a barn, or externally fixed to a tree.
The box has several key features that ensure it is appropriate for Barn Owls and the safe rearing of owlets:
Sturdy front platform across the full width of nesting box for owlets to exercise on.
Full 44cm depth from entrance hole to floor (to ensure the young owls cannot leave the owl box until they are ready).
A generous weather "canopy" that protects both the entrance hole and the landing platform of the nesting box from the worst of the weather.
Generous drained floor.
A Barn Owl nest box should be put up at least 3m from the ground so we’ve tried to make it as easy as possible to install. The owl box has a specially drilled backplate providing fixing holes above and below the nesting box and oversized holes to accommodate ropes for hauling the nesting box up the tree and locating it.
Barn Owl boxes need to be cleaned out periodically as over each nesting season pellets and debris will accumulate. If this is left to build up over several years the volume of the box will be reduced and the young barn owls will be able to climb out of the box earlier than they should. This Barn Owl Nest Box features an inspection hatch allowing full access to the whole floor area facilitating cleaning or inspection from the side of the bird box. The hatch is designed to avoid rain coming in and is securely held in position with simple fastenings.
Please note that Barn Owls are a Schedule 1 species and during the breeding season an occupied nest box should not be disturbed or inspected by anyone other than a licensed individual. Outside of the breeding season, a license is not required.
Made from our sustainable Cedar and with a phenolic resin roof.
Oiled and waterproofed in clear Danish oil to last decades
Dimensions 600mm x 500mm x 800mm