Nesting Boxes For Sparrows

[paddyk]

I have bought some sparrow colony nesting boxes. Can anyone tell me if it is a good idea to put a bit of bedding in them or just leave them completely empty for the sparrows to prepare ?

[gness]

I never put any bedding in first, Paddy....there's a chance bugs and earwigs will move in first....

I do put materials they might like on bushes nearby......x

[Buenchico]

The sparrows will want to choose their own bedding. If you try to put your own in they'll either waste time throwing it all out or simply go elsewhere.

Well worth a read:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife/advice/helpingbirds/nestboxes/smallbirds/index.aspx

[Robinia]

I agree with Gness...if you know anyone who has a dog sparrows love fur clippings and also small feathers and chopped up strands of wool. We had a sparrow that followed pigeons around and grabbed feathers from their backsides! :)

[Milvus]

If you are putting them up now, you could put some wood shavings or clean straw in. Wrens might use it as a winter shelter. They will move out before the sparrows start nesting. Try to have your nests facing somewhere between North and East. This will stop them overheating during the breeding season

[wildwood]

Good point Milvus. I remember back in the dark ages when you could buy clay flower pots with an extra big hole in the bottom and a small one one the rim. You could then hand it against the wall on a small hook. My grandad discovered that the ones in full the sun may end up with cooked sparrows in hot spells.

[Goofy]

that's a very interesting site buenchico - thanks