Hi all, I hope I can get some advice. I have a little shed in the garden (roughly 8x4 ft) and the ceiling is around 7ft at its highest.
Would this be a suitable place to place a swallow nest box? Fortunately the shed is hardly used so they wouldn’t face much disturbance and the door doesn’t close properly so access should be easy enough!
Other than the height, my only concern is that we do have a lot of local cats that visit the garden. Should that be a worry? Or can I trust the swallows to make a judgement on the safety of the location before they occupy the nest box anyway?
Thanks all!
Hi, swallows will not normally use a nest box. They build a nest with mud in the eves/corners in barns, outhouses, porches, gable end walls. As you don't use the shed, you could leave the door/window open and see if that would attract them. They may build, I don't know if they would build onto all wood, ones I have had or seen were onto stone wall on the house or if in a barn, there would be rafters to support the nest. As far as cats, if there is nothing in the shed for the cats to access the nest, they are not going to get up there but if they saw them going in and out, they would maybe show an interest. Nests anywhere, in boxes/trees will always be an attraction to cats and other wildlife, depending on where they are and how accessible they are. Only my opinion, others may make a comment.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I think the biggest issue would be access. Do you get swallows there? Are you rural, near meadows or farmland?
Thanks. We do get swallows in the area. We’re right on the edge of a village, metres from a river, farmland, and woodland. As long as a shed like ours would be safe enough for them I’m happy to waste a few pounds on a swallow nest that they decide not to use anyway.
No probs. You probably know, but nest cup type artificial nests are required. I don’t think it would be used if the only access is a vertical gap down the side of the door. They need horizontal gap access to the shed imo. Certainly good to give it a go, regardless of access. Only other thing would be to ensure there is no shelving, ladders or other access a cat (or rat) can use to climb up.
That’s great to know, thank you!!