Metal or Other Hole Guards

Also see Woodpeckers and Squirrels

From: Mark Powell [mailto:mlppc2"at"alltel.net]
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 9:46 AM
Subject: Bluebird house openings

To All:
I have several successful bluebird houses but I also have a few that are used by other birds.
This past weekend, while cleaning the houses for this year's bluebirds, I also found two of my bluebird houses occupied by flying squirrels.
I also noticed several of my bluebird houses had entrances that had been widened considerably. In years past I have simply replaced the fronts on any bluebird houses that were damaged by woodpeckers, cat squirrels, etc.
I would like to find something that is relatively inexpensive to put around the openings that will prevent animals and other birds from enlarging the entrance hole on my bluebird houses. I have searched the internet for sheet metal flanges or other similar products that I can purchase but have come up empty. Does anyone have a suggestion about what can be used around bluebird house openings and where can I purchase it (or should I just be content to make my own entrance protectors)?
Oh yeah, because flying squirrels were staying in two of my bluebird houses I just finished my first flying squirrel house (two chamber) and will put it far enough away from my bluebird house to minimize competition (hopefully) between bluebirds and flying squirrels yet still keep both happy.

Mark Powell
Norman Park, Georgia

I took a quick look on our website www.labayoubluebirdsociety.org and in the links section, the very first one at the top "Anything Bluebirds" has a metal guard to fit over the hole for $1.95. I did not look any further, but there is another link or two on there you might look at.

Evelyn Cooper, President
Delhi, LA

From: Chris&Crystal Hill [mailto:crystaljhill"at"msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 16, 2005 10:04 AM
Subject: Re: Bluebird house openings

Metal Hole Guards link:
http://audubonworkshop.com/item_disp.asp?PN=0314

Crystal Hill
Social Circle, GA

Hi Mark, I noticed that 2 websites have been listed for entrance hole restrictors. Our Wild Birds Unlimited Store also sells them. They work!

If you want them for Bluebirds, be sure to get the 1 1/2" opening. I also have several of the 1 1/8" size to protect chickadees from the larger birds.

1 1/4" will allow titmice to nest free from Bluebird interference. HOSP can still enter.

Dottie Roseboom
Peoria IL (central - zone 5)

From: Elizabeth Zimmerman [mailto:ezdz"at"charter.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2005 5:21 PM
Subject: Hole guards/reducers (sources)

Metal hole guards (also sometimes called "Squirrel tooth benders) are great for keeping woodpeckers or squirrels from enlarging an entrance hole (which can allow access to starlings and other predators.) As Dottie mentioned, if you are trying to exclude HOSP, but allow chickadees, wrens or nuthatches to enter, you need to get one that is SMALLER than 1.25".
Here are some sources I have found. I like the $1.99 kind from Wild Bird Crossing - they look especially nice mounted like a diamond. However they get pricey if you have a lot of boxes.

• Hole reducers at The Bird Watcher's General Store (1.99 each, metal, painted)
• call Wild Bird Crossing at 508 347-BIRD (1.99 each, metal, painted)
• Audubon Workshop (pricey - 3 for 9.95 - may only have wren and chickadee sizes)
• Anything Bluebirds (1.95 each - metal ring - bluebird size only)
• A Bird's Home (slate - 5.95 each - the kind used on Coveside boxes - bluebird size only)
• Jack Finch also sells I think something like 6 for $10 (can't remember) - square copper, bluebird size hole. http://www.danfinch.com/order.htm - you have to call for price.
• The wooden ones slow chewing down, but eventually need to be replaced and DO not prevent raccoons from getting their paws inside.

I don't know why they don't make any out of plexiglass….
Bet from CT

I use the ones from Wild birds Unlimited At aboiut $2-3 a box they do become expensive, but not one box of mine has been destroyed over the years I have used them. Well worth the money. of course, you can make them yourself.
Phil Berry

How many are in a box and what are they made of?

Maynard Sumner
Flint, MI

I think he meant per nestbox - they are $1.99 each from some places.
They're made of metal, and painted a nice brown/tan color (looks like rustoleum paint), with four little brass screws.

Bet

They are porcelain covered. Hard enough that nothing fazes them. When I purchase in large lots I believe I pay a buck each.
Phil Berry

Subject: Hole restrictor for Gilbertson box?
Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2005 17:26:02 -0500
From: Cher <BluebirdNut"at"a-znet.com>

Does anyone know where you can get these? Or where there's instructions for making one?
Cher

From: Amy Louise Marr [mailto:MARR_AMY_LOUISE"at"Lilly.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2005 10:59 AM
Subject: timing of placement for noel guards, wooden hole guards

Hi Bluebirders.
I would like to improve our 25 box trail here at work by adding wooden hole guards combined with a noel guard.

Question regarding timing of their placement. Should I put them on before the birds build a nest, or after they have built a nest and started laying eggs?

Also, has anyone had problems with them-birds not accepting, etc. Do the birds damage wing /tail feathers on them?

Our boxes are on 4x4 posts, so installing stovepipe baffles would be difficult, which is why I"m considering this other guard.

Thanks
Amy

Greenfield, IN 46140
near Indianapolis

Amy Louise,
I would put your guards on *before* they birds begin to build their nests. The less disturbance after nesting starts the better, though these Bluebirds are remarkably tolerant.

Bruce Burdett SW NH

Any time. Like most with trails, I have moved entire boxes with babies in them, mom may flutter a bit for a minute, but they will tolerate what they must.
Phil Berry
Pensacola Florida

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