Great Tits nesting box

I put up a nesting box last year and was happy to see a pair of Great Tits taking in material.

i have been watching ever since. They must have had young as they were coming and going every few minutes.

Unfortunately I missed the fledglings leave.

I would like to know, should I clean out the box or just leave well alone.

Thank you

Rob

  • Hi Rob, No, you are not allowed by law (Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981) to empty/clean a box out until end of breeding season so leave well alone. The rule of thumb is from September 1st onwards but before March when the breeding season will begin again. In the autumn you can take the boxes down, wash them out with hot soapy water and thoroughly rinse before air drying; then try get them back in situ before end October if you can as some birds will use boxes to roost in during colder winter months. Tits will begin inspecting prospective boxes for nesting as early as January/February. .
    Sorry you missed seeing the Great Tits fledge but you should see them around your garden as the parents will continue feeding them for a couple of weeks or so. Good luck.

  • Thanks Hazel.
    Appreciate the reply.