Introduction to Swift Nest Boxes
Purpose built, a Swift nest box provides a safe and welcoming habitat for Swifts. As they are facing habitat loss, these suitable artificial nesting sites are becoming increasingly important to support their conservation.
Traditionally, Swifts nested in natural crevices and gaps found in cliffs and buildings. However, modern construction practices have greatly reduced the availability of these nesting sites, leading to population declines.
To address this issue, our Swift nesting boxes have been developed to replicate the natural nesting conditions that swifts prefer. These boxes are carefully designed to offer a secure and comfortable environment for Swifts to raise their chicks. They feature narrow entrance holes to deter predators and provide ample space for nesting material.
Benefits of Providing Swift Nest Boxes
A Swift nest box will help with Swift conservation, alongside this a nest box for Swifts will help encourage Swifts, who are great for the eco system, into your garden and allow them to thrive and continue to control the insect population.
How to attract Swifts to nest boxes
Attracting Swifts to nest boxes involves creating a habitat that mimics their natural nesting sites and providing suitable nesting conditions. Here's how you can attract swifts to nest boxes effectively.
Swifts are colonial nesters, so installing multiple nest boxes in close proximity can increase the attractiveness of the site. Groups of nest boxes can mimic natural swift colonies and encourage swifts to nest.
Choose nest boxes specifically designed for swifts, with narrow entrance slots to deter predators and maintain an ideal nesting environment. The interior should be spacious enough to accommodate nesting material and allow swifts to manoeuvre comfortably.
Swifts prefer nesting materials such as twigs, feathers, and dry grass. Providing a handful of suitable nesting material inside the nest box can attract swifts and make the site more appealing for nesting.
Avoid using pesticides or chemicals near nest boxes, as they can be harmful to swifts and their chicks. Create a safe and natural environment free from toxins to attract swifts.
Swifts require access to water for drinking and bathing, especially during the breeding season. If possible, provide a bird bath near the nest boxes to attract swifts and meet their hydration needs. It's also important to provide bird feeders with food that swifts like.
Installation and Placement Tips
Place your Swift nest box in suitable locations where swifts are likely to nest, such as under eaves, on tall buildings, or on walls facing open areas so that they can gain access. Position the boxes at least 5-6 meters above the ground to mimic natural nesting sites.
A Swift nest box should be oriented vertically with the entrance hole facing downwards to prevent rain from entering. Ensure there are no obstructions blocking swifts' access to the entrance.
Maintenance and Cleaning tips
Swift nest boxes do not require the same amount of cleaning as some other species bird boxes. However, every few years it is important to clean them out, secure fixings and look out for any signs of decay.
When cleaning out a nest box, avoid using harsh chemicals as they can be harmful to Swifts and their chicks. Remove any old nesting, inspect for pests and repair any damage on the Swift box.
