As a general rule, bird boxes should be approximately 60-80 feet apart, as many birds are territorial (especially at mating time), including the robin, the blue tit, and the cardinal.
This means that if they are too close together, there is a good chance you will have an empty bird box!
However, there are also birds that can live in close proximity peacefully, but it really depends on the birds and their personalities!
You can always just give it a try and see what happens. You can also maximize the potential for them to be utilized; all you have to do is learn a few tips and tricks!
Can Bird Boxes Be Near Each Other?
Do bird boxes need to be spaced apart? In general, the answer is “no.” Birds can be territorial, and this is certainly true when they’re mating or nesting (which is when they will be using your boxes).
Not So Fun Fact: Male birds can be protective of their mates and both males and females can be protective of their chicks, and will be very intolerant of other birds encroaching.
(Rare) Exception: Some populations of birds near your bird boxes may abide by a pecking order—sometimes birds will share a box or nest.
How Close Can Bird Boxes Be?
What do you think is a safe distance between bird boxes? 60 to 80 feet apart is what is recommended, so that the birds are free to come and go.
This will give them plenty of space to hang out in the tree and area without bothering each other! This is certainly not set in stone.
In fact, sometimes birds can get along even when the bird box is much closer. Some species will even tolerate other bird boxes a few feet away!
Can You Put Two Bird Boxes Together?
You might be a little restricted for space, or just curious, and wonder if it can hurt to have more than one bird box together.
Well, you can always give it a try! If you find birds fighting (e.g., squawking and flapping and flying at each other), you may want to space them out a bit more!
The Best Place to Put a Bird Box
Another consideration is the location of your bird boxes. For instance, during the warmer months you want your bird boxes facing North-East.
If they are facing the other direction, they may overheat with all the direct sunlight (facing West during the colder months is preferable). Next you want to make certain you have the bird box away from predator reach and sight!
Let’s keep our bird friends nice and secure in their home! The best option is to ensure your bird box is at least 10 feet off the ground to ensure protection from predators.
Keeping your bird boxes somewhat hidden is also beneficial as it might be out of the predator’s sight, like nestled in tree branches or tucked away under your porch. Plus this can provide shelter!
How to Choose a Bird Box – 4 Useful Tips
If you want to improve your bird’s boxes odds of getting used there are different things that can be done to help entice more birds to your nest boxes.
Tip 1 – The Size of the Hole/Door
What is the best door size for a birdbox? The door size of a birdbox will depend on the birds your have in your area. If you have smaller birds, a 1-inch door size will probably work fine.
If you have larger birds, you may need a door size of even 3 inches!
Tip 2 – The Interior
Chilly weather can motivate birds to enjoy a warm bird box lined with straw, as circumstances such as this may appeal to them to roost for a while.
Tip 3 – The Color
Bird boxes should blend in with their habitat to help birds avoid predators. They are much more likely to visit a bird box that has natural camouflage!
Tip 4 – A Bird Bath and/or Bird Feeder
If you have a bird feeder in your yard, you will have a better chance of seeing birds. Birds are always foraging for food. Bird feeders that are well stocked will often become very popular.
A birdbath will be a source of clean water while also being a highly appreciated addition to your bird garden!
Should You Put a Bird Feeder Near a Nesting Box
A bird feed is a great way to attract birds to your nestboxes. You can always try this one. That being said, there will be a variety of feathered visitors to your feeder.
That’s not going to provide very much privacy if it is directly next to a bird box!
What To Do Instead: Try to put it as far away as you normally would put any type of nestbox, such as, 60-80-feet.
Final Words
If you’ve been asking yourself how close territorial nesting can be in birdhouses, now you know!
The suggested distance, in order to prevent any territorial conflict and to encourage birds to nest in your birdhouses, is 60-80 ft.
And you can encourage birds to linger around with merely some basic information!