FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some of our most frequently asked questions. If you can’t find your answer here, please contact us with your query and we’ll get back to you with an answer as soon as possible
Where should I position my bird box?
This varies somewhat between species and would be far too much information to list here, but as a general rule, the best place is on a tree trunk, wall, or fence between 6 and 13 feet high, facing between north and east to avoid strong sunlight and harsh winds. If you’d like to know about a specific type of bird, please just send us a message and ask.
Does a bird box need a perch below the hole?
No. Birdboxes for British garden birds do not require a perch. Small garden birds fly directly into and out of entrance holes without needing a landing peg. A perch is more likely to be used by an intruder or preditor.
Will birds really fit in such a small hole?
Yes. 25mm looks like a small hole, but it’s the perfect size for blue tits, coal tits, marsh tits etc. These birds can and do also nest in boxes with larger holes, but unfortunately they sometimes get bullied and even evicted by bigger birds.
Do I need to fill my bird box?
No. When birds choose their new home they like a clean empty space. Birds will soon furnish the interior just how they like it, they’ve been doing it for around 150 million years so know what they’re doing!
Do I need to clean the inside of my birdbox?
Yes. It’s best to clean out birdboxes annually around October/November, although in the UK they can legally be cleaned anytime between 1st September and 31st January. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or heavy bleach solutions, as toxic residues can harm future bird occupants. Specialised bird safe cleaners are available, or you can use a mixture of hot water and white vinegar (1:1 ratio) or a mild, eco-friendly dish soap. Allow the box to dry thoroughly before replacing the bottom.
Where should I position my bird feeder?
Hang the feeder at least 5 feet high. This keeps feeding birds out of reach of cats and dogs. Ideally, place the feeder roughly 10 feet away from bushes and shrubs, this gives birds a quick place to hide, and reduces jumping pests like squirrels and cats from leaping directly onto the feeder. Feeders are best hung on a hook or piece of stiff wire, feeders hung on string may spin in the wind.
What should I put in my feeder?
Anything that won’t fall through the 6mm mesh on the bottom. Fat balls, suet blocks, suet pellets, sunflower seed, mealworms etc.
Where should I position my bug shelter?
A sunny south facing position. At least 1 foot above the ground to prevent damp and no higher than 5 feet. Anywhere in the garden, ideally in a quiet, tucked away area with undisturbed vegetation and flowering plants (or weeds!) nearby.
Do I need to fill my bug shelter?
Yes. Remove the 4 screws on the bottom and fill the shelter with things like dry leaves, twigs, hollow stems, dead grass, straw, hay, pine cones or pieces of bark. This will help create a warm dry space to shelter.
Where should I position my butterfly shelter?
A sunny south facing position, protected from strong winds. About 4 to 6 feet above the ground, next to nectar rich flowers.
Do I need to fill my butterfly shelter?
It is not essential as butterflies can hang from the roof inside, but you can place a stick or piece of tree bark inside the box if you wish.
Do I need to protect the wood of a BASIC range box?
It is not strictly necessary, however protecting the wood will mean your box lasts far longer. Please only use products that are safe for birds, bugs or butterflies and never coat the inside of the box.
Do I need to protect the wood of a VARNISHED or PAINTED range box?
No. These boxes are ready to go straight away. Boxes will benefit from a clean and inspection annually, and as with any external woodwork, maintenance may be required at some point in the future depending on the weather extremities it has been exposed to.
How long do custom orders take to produce?
This varies depending on the complexity of the order. 2x dips of preservative, primer, undercoat, 3x topcoat, other designs on top, 3x coats of varnish, 5 days curing, with lots of drying time in between, this all obviously takes a long time! Simpler orders can be ready in around 2 weeks but some orders can take around a month. Customers will always be given an estimated timeframe before committing to placing their order.