Choosing the Right Bird Box for Different Species
Providing the right bird box for your garden visitors can make all the difference in attracting nesting birds. Different species have different preferences for entrance hole sizes, box shapes, and placement. At Chickli, we’ve designed our bird boxes with this in mind — so whether you’re hoping to see blue tits, great tits, or robins, we’ve got the right home for them.
Why Bird Box Size and Design Matters
Birds are particular about their nesting sites. The wrong entrance hole size can deter them, while the correct design will make your box irresistible. By matching the right box to the right species, you’ll give birds a safe, welcoming environment to raise their chicks.
25mm Hole — Perfect for Blue Tits and Small Birds
Blue tits, coal tits, and marsh tits prefer smaller entrance holes to keep larger species (and predators) out.
Best for:
- Blue tits
- Coal tits
- Marsh tits
Tip: Place the box at least 2–4 metres high on a tree or wall, away from direct sunlight and prevailing winds.
32mm Hole — Great for Great Tits, Sparrows, and Nuthatches
A slightly larger hole allows bigger species to nest comfortably. This is the most versatile size, often attracting a wide range of garden birds.
Best for:
- Great tits
- House sparrows
- Nuthatches
Tip: These species prefer boxes placed slightly higher, around 3–5 metres. House sparrows often nest in groups, so consider putting up more than one.
Open Front — Ideal for Robins, Wrens, and Pied Wagtails
Robins dislike confined spaces and prefer open-fronted nest boxes tucked away in hedges or ivy.
Best for:
- Robins
- Wrens
- Pied wagtails
Tip: Position open-front boxes low down (1–2 metres), well hidden in vegetation to give birds natural cover and protection.
Placement Tips for Success
- Direction: Face your box between north and east to avoid overheating.
- Height: 2–4m for hole-fronted boxes, 1–2m for open-fronted.
- Avoid feeders: Keep boxes away from feeders to reduce disturbance.
- Shade: Choose a spot sheltered from direct sun and wind.
Built to Last — A More Sustainable Choice
Many traditional wooden bird boxes are made from soft wood and rot or fall apart within a few years, meaning replacements are needed again and again. At Chickli, we’ve taken a different approach.
- Durable: Our bird boxes are built to last a lifetime outdoors.
- Low Waste: By lasting decades, they use fewer resources over time.
- Recyclable: At the end of their life, the materials can be fully recycled — helping to keep waste out of landfill.
With Chickli, sustainability isn’t just about materials. It’s about designing products that stay useful for longer, protecting both your garden birds and the planet.