Nestboxes for Wildlife!Many wildlife friendly back yards now use nesting boxes to provide homes for wildlife. Loss of habitat and loss of hollow logs for nesting has meant that much of our wildlife has moved into urban and city areas looking for somewhere to live. At such times, conflict often occurs. Possums, carpet snakes and microbats move into house roofs, so do our tiny carnivorous animals like phascogales and antichinus. Many urban residents have found that nesting boxes can solve some of these conflicts.
But you just don't just nail a wooden box up in a tree, it's more complex that that. Each species that will nest in a nestbox requires a different size entrance hole, and different
specifications inside. Some like King Parrots like high nesting box placement, others prefer only 2 to 3 metres above ground.
 As well, although 20% or so of our more threatened species will use a nesting box, so do pythons, ants, introduced bees, mynas, goannas and other predators. Regular inspections and maintenace is important to remove these sqatters. Every wildlife friendly garden should have a few nest boxes. One of the best books we have seen on nesting boxes is Alan and Stacey Franks "Nest Boxes for Wildlife" published by Blooming Books. Ask at your library or favorite bookstore. There doesn't appear to be any dedicated websites about Austalian wildlife nest boxes, although the Victorian DPI have some plans featured on an obscure link. www.dpi.vic.gov.au However, Hollow Log Homes has a website for nest boxes at http://www.hollowloghomes.com.au/HLHEntry2.htm (Copy and paste)
If you dont feel comfortable building your own, they can be purchased at various outlets. These include Market Stalls and some wildlife carer groups that sell them to get funds for looking after injured and orphaned wildlife. When we find any sales outlets we will feature them on this page. Just make sure you get the right sort of nest box for the animals you wish to provide a home for. ps You'll also need a long ladder and some brave soul to install your nesting box!
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