Nest Box Plans

Hints for constructing your nest box

	Be careful when cutting the plywood that the lengthwise cut is exactly in the middle-the two pieces don't need to be exactly 24", but should be the same width.
	When your pieces are cut, they should be treated with a preservative before assembly, especially the newly sawn edges.
	When assembling the pieces, it helps to nail them together with 1-1/2" nails before securing them with the sheetrock screws.
	Once the box is nailed together, predrill holes for the sheetrock screws with a 1/8" bit. Space screws about 5" apart.
	Make sure no screws penetrate the inside of the box. The sharp points could injure the young owls.
	The two door holes can be cut with a circular saw after the box is assembled. Because the saw cuts at an angle, if you stop cutting when the circular saw blade cuts just meet on the outside of the box, the doors will still be connected to the surrounding wood. The hinges can now be applied, after which the cuts at the four corners can be finished with a keyhole or sabre saw.
	Once the box is assembled, it should get a full coat of preservative.
	Drill a dozen 1/2" drainage holes in the floor of the box.
	Use a hasp on the larger door that can be securely fastened.

Mounting the box on a pole

	The box should be bolted to the pole with three 5-1/2" carriage bolts drilled all the way through the pole prior to sinking the pole in the ground.
	When the pole is ready, a 4' hole should be dug with post-hole diggers or, ideally, a power auger. To facilitate erecting the pole, dig a trench at a 45o angle to about half-way down the hole. Place a 2 x 4 in the back of the hole on the side opposite the trench. Lay the nest-box pole over the trench with its bottom up against the 2 x 4. As you raise the box, the pole will slide down the 2 x 4. (See diagram.)
	Level the pole and pack the soil firmly around it.
	To protect the nest box from racoons and other predators, nail a 3' wide strip of metal flashing tightly around the base of the pole, starting about 3' off the ground.
	When the box is finally installed, place a couple of inches of pine straw or some other mulch (not cedar chips) in the bottom of the box.

Mounting the box on a building:

Bolt two 12 x 1-1/8" zinc-plated mending braces (Home Depot) to the back of the box with half the braces extending above the box.

Attach the box to the side of the barn with lag bolts into a beam or carriage bolts through the wall.

A metal or wooden angle brace may be needed from the bottom of the box to the wall beneath it.