•Use western red cedar for the box construction, a naturally decay- and insect-resistant wood, which needs no protection from the weather it should last for many years. Fill and pack it with fine wood chips or coarse saw dust each year. You can use any species except cedar, teak, or mahogany. These species contain oils that prevent rot and insect damage but the dust can irritate nestlings.
•Place the box from 6- 15’ from the ground and face the hole away from prevailing winds and weather (usually east).
•Place the house in an area where you can easily observe it.
•Install the house by February, but the earlier the better- you will be amazed how quickly birds discover it and return to it.
•Clean out the box after the breeding season. A good time to do that is in early fall. I like to leave the box empty in the winter- birds will use them as winter roosts.
