While we enjoy the scent of flowers, the green leaves on the trees and all the sounds nature has to offer, birds are looking for a safe place in that same environment. A place where they can nest, sheltered, safe and dry, and raise their young in peace. By putting up a closed or open birdhouse in your garden, you help support biodiversity.
The benefits of a birdhouse in your garden:
· It makes it easier for birds to find a safe place to nest and raise their young.
· They contribute to the variety and ecosystem in your garden.
· Great tits and blue tits enjoy eating caterpillars, aphids and other insects that can harm plants. A birdhouse can therefore be a natural way to help keep pests out of your garden.
· In winter, it serves as a shelter, helping birds stay out of the cold, wind and rain. Ideal for helping them through the colder months.
· A birdhouse brings life and atmosphere to your garden. It’s a small gesture with a big impact. Not only will you be helping birds, but you’ll also enjoy it yourself!
The right time and place
The best time to put up a birdhouse is in late winter or early spring. This is when birds start looking for a suitable nesting spot, just before the breeding season begins. That way, you provide them with a safe and comfortable home in time.
Hang your birdhouse in a quiet spot, out of direct sunlight and sheltered from rain and wind. Make sure the entrance does not face south or west, helping to reduce exposure to heavy rain and strong winds. Place it at least 2 metres above the ground to keep unwanted visitors away. This creates a stable and welcoming place where birds will happily build their nests.
Which birds might you spot?
The cosy bird house comes with 4 different entrance openings, allowing you to adjust the size for different birds. Depending on the opening size, these are the birds you can expect:
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⌀ 25 mm
- Blue tit
- Marsh tit
- Willow tit
- Crested tit
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⌀ 32 mm
- House sparrow
- Coal tit
-
⌀ 35 mm
- Tree sparrow
- Nuthatch
-
⌀ 45 mm
- Great tit
- Starling
Our essential bird house and organic bird house also provide safe shelter and nesting spaces for more than 11 species of garden birds. You can combine these birdhouses with feeders or insect hotels from elho’s Biodiversity collection.
Time for new residents
Once the nest is empty and the birdhouse is ready for its next occupants, there are two things you can do:
• Let nature do its thing
Once the breeding season is over, the birdhouse is usually empty throughout winter. The cold winter temperatures help eliminate parasites and insects left behind by the birds. Nature will take care of cleaning the birdhouse and preparing it for the next nest.
• Clean it yourself
If you prefer to clean the birdhouse yourself, that's perfectly fine too. Make sure you do this at the end of the breeding season, usually in autumn around September or October. It’s important that the nest is completely empty to avoid disturbing it or scaring away young birds.
Be prepared: Wear rubber gloves to protect yourself from any parasites that may be present in the nest. This allows you to safely remove the old nesting material.
Once the birdhouse is empty, you can start cleaning it with hot water. Use a soft sponge or brush to clean the birdhouse. Avoid using cleaning products, as these can be harmful to birds and nature. Hot water is enough to remove parasites.
Then allow the birdhouse to dry thoroughly before placing it back in a nice spot in the garden. Your birdhouse will be ready for its next nest!
