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Hi all,
I am new to this forum and have joined hoping for some help. ( I have also inadvertently posted this under tips and tricks as I found the forum indexing somewhat less than obvious!)
I have a 3 bay open fronted shed which I would like to enclose over the winter to make it a little more usable. Trouble is, I have swallows' nests inside at each end and I'd really like to keep them coming back, if only to remind me that it is actually summer. If I enclose the sheds they won't be able to reach their nests next spring.
Does anyone have experience of the following:
1) Place artificial nests outside at each end and hope for the best
2) Cut a 4 inch hole cut through the (2 ft thick) walls so that the birds have access without waiting for the doors to be opened.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
Gary
nice of you to think of the swallows Gary, they are loosing a lot of nest sites .
Maybe you could leave a gap above the doors and lattice it and if poss make it removable when its time for them to return.
Hope you come up with the right solution
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Better inside if you can manage something. Swallows will go through quite small openings like windows. What about a small opening flap in the doors that you are going to use. It could be closed most of the year until they return in Spring. Hope you come up with something.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try leaving a space above the doors. It will be quite a bit darker for them as there will be a new ceiling below them whereas there are just rafters now.
Hi Gary, thanks for posting, i've deleted your duplicate post.
Good advice on offer so far and I would second the suggestion of providing for them inside, outside just isn't really an option for swallows. They can enter into a building through a gap as small as a standard house brick and they don't mind if it is dark inside. A gap above a door should be your best option!
Good luck!
Warden Intern at Otmoor.