When it comes to nest site competition, the house wren is a very aggressive bird.It will remove or peck the eggs and destroy the other nesters in the area.In the case of nestboxes, house wrens can drive out other birds.House wrens are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, which makes it illegal to hunt or trap them.There are steps you can take to prevent house wrens from taking over your nestboxes and diminishing the variety of birds in your area.
Step 1: Clean the dummies.
In order to ward off competitors, house wrens create a number of nests, including dummy ones.They use dummies to cover their competitors' eggs and hatchlings, making it impossible for them to feed their young.An active nest has a lining of feathers and often eggs.It is easier for other species to nest in a box if dummies are removed.It is against the law to remove an active house wren nest.It's a good idea to make sure the nest is a dummy.The house wrens will return and try to rebuild the dummy nest again and again.You can use a bird cam.Dropping sticks from a dummy nest on the ground is not recommended.If the sticks are left nearby the house wrens will reuse them.
Step 2: The old nests need to be removed.
House wrens return to nestboxes with old ones because they indicate a safe location.If you want to make sure house wrens don't nest in a certain area, be sure to clean out any old nest at the end of the season.The house wren nest is usually empty by fall.
Step 3: The hole in the nestbox should be plugged.
Place a cap over the hole if a nestbox has a dummy nest inside.A piece of cork can be used.Plugging a nestbox for a few weeks may convince local house wrens to move on to new territory.This may cause the house wrens to move away from a particular nestbox, but it may also encourage them to go to another one.
Step 4: Use bigger nestboxes.
The small ornamental birdhouses that can be found in many backyards are very popular with house wrens.Large populations of house wrens are created when multiple small boxes are placed close together.The growth of other bird species was aided by bigger boxes placed over a large area.It is believed that house wrens prefer the smaller floors of little nestboxes because they offer a better space for building their compact nest.
Step 5: You can try nestboxes with smaller holes.
The slot, Gilbertson and Gilwood boxes have openings that make it easier for house wrens to fill them with sticks.They have a smaller size that house wrens like.nestboxes with openings make it difficult for house wrens to build dummies.House wrens prefer a home with a small diameter.They may not be able to enter if a hole smaller than this is made.The gourd nestboxes seem to attract house wrens.
Step 6: The box is 200–300 feet away from woods or areas near rivers.
House wrens prefer thickets, trees and shrubs.The spread of other birds will be encouraged if nestboxes are placed near house wren habitat.It is believed that house wrens can travel up to 200 feet from their nest site.You should give yourself plenty of space between your nestbox and the house wren habitat.Place your nestboxes near conifers because house wrens prefer them.shrubbery near the nestboxThere are nestboxes facing away from the shrubbery.shrubs are preferred by house wrens.Box should be placed in the open if possible.
Step 7: nestboxes high
Birders believe that placing a nestbox above 12 feet will deter house wrens from nesting.The birds are closer to the shrubbery because of the height.In urban settings, boxes are usually hung above 12 feet.
Step 8: Extra boxes should be removed from habitats.
The number of house wren can explode if extra boxes are not taken down.Fewer house wrens will allow other birds to use the space.You should keep in mind that house wren territory may extend beyond 300 feet and that boxes beyond your property may attract them to your area.
Step 9: In the house wren habitat, place extra boxes without predator guards.
Extra boxes in the house wren habitat will make sure they don't steal from other species.The removal of the predator guard will make it more difficult for house wren to safely nest.House wren may be driven into other areas if predator guards are removed.This may be a short term solution.
Step 10: Purchase or make a Wren Guard.
A Wren Guard is a piece of wood that extends over the hole of a nestbox and obscures it from view.You can purchase a Wren Guard from a retailer.It makes it hard for house wren to enter the box.The guard in place makes it difficult for the birds to perch on the roof before entering the nestbox.The guard should be made of the same material as the nestbox so that it blends in, but you can also make one of cardboard and plastic in a pinch.Since the dimensions will be slightly different for each bird, you have to make your own guard.Depending on the bird, the space between the nestbox hole and the guard will vary.There are some retail models that are available.
Step 11: Look at the nestbox.
It takes quite a bit of observation to use a Wren Guard.When birds begin to nest in the box you need to know when to attach the guard.The song of a house wren indicates that they have moved into the area and that you need to be careful.Male house wren don't sing when entering a new area and destroy their nest.You can use a bird cam to keep an eye on your nestboxes.
Step 12: After the desired bird has laid an egg, put the guard up.
If you put the guard up too early, the birds won't come back.A house wren may destroy the nest before you have a chance to stop it if it is installed too late.The birds need time to realize that they are in a safe place.They are more likely to return once they have laid a few eggs.It's a good idea to check the nest daily or install a bird cam.
Step 13: The hatchlings are a week old.
The guard will make it difficult for the adult birds to feed the nestlings.It could become a bigger threat to the hatchlings than a house wren.The house wren will not be able to throw the baby birds from the nest or cover them with twigs.The guard needs to be removed for about two weeks.The guard can be removed 4-7 days after hatching.