I have a large birdhouse in my backyard. Although it is long overdue for a cleaning, I still see birds flying around it. I want to take it down before the spring but I fear disturbing any nests that might be in it.
Do birds nest in the winter? Or are they just hanging out there? I obviously do not know much about birds, I simply enjoy their presence and I want to see to it that I am providing a suitable home, I fear this one might cause or spread disease. What do I do?
2007-03-06 04:20:14 · 3 answers · asked by Bobby17543 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
actually now early Spring (March) is the best time to clean out bird houses... You should clean your bird houses annually to prevent disease... use 10% bleach, 90% water solution... rinse well with clean water & dry... them put back in place... and the birds will beging to rebuilding for the spring mating season... ;)
2007-03-06 06:34:18 · answer #1 · answered by string1dm 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes you can and should periodically clean out a bird house. if the house is currently being used, the birds will immediately start rebuilding. you should make sure to perform this task well in advance of the spring mating season, as many cavity nesting birds will not mate until an adequate nest is constructed.
and just to be sure that you're not leaving a winter resident homeless, leave a supply of nesting materials nearby, such as scraps of string, fabric, small twigs and such.
2007-03-06 04:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by sic-n-tired 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depending where you live, birds may have started nesting, or may start nesting shortly. In general, it's good to clean out the old nest and let them start fresh. If you peek in there and there's an old looking nest, you could take it out. If it looks fresh, I'd leave it.
2007-03-09 13:19:44 · answer #3 · answered by Strix 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋