What size hole for a Wren house

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The wren, a small, energetic bird known for its cheerful song, is a popular backyard bird across North America. If you want to attract wrens to your yard, providing them with a suitable nesting box is a great way to do so. However, it’s important to get the dimensions of the nesting box just right to ensure that the wrens feel comfortable and safe using it. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what size hole is appropriate for a wren house.

The size of the entrance hole is one of the most critical factors to consider when building or buying a wren house. The hole needs to be large enough to allow the wrens to enter and exit the nesting box easily, but small enough to keep out larger, more aggressive birds and predators.

According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the recommended size for a wren house entrance hole is 1 1/8 inches in diameter. This size is just big enough to allow wrens to enter and exit without difficulty, while keeping out larger birds such as blue jays and starlings, which may try to take over the nesting site.

It’s also important to consider the height of the hole. Wrens prefer to nest in boxes that are placed between 5 and 10 feet off the ground. If the hole is too high, the birds may not feel comfortable using it. If the hole is too low, it may be more susceptible to predators. The ideal height for a wren house entrance hole is about 6 feet off the ground.

Another consideration when building or buying a wren house is the size of the nesting box itself. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology recommends a box that is about 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 6 inches high. This size provides enough room for a wren nest, but not so much room that it becomes attractive to other bird species.

In addition to the size of the entrance hole and nesting box, it’s important to choose the right location for your wren house. Wrens prefer to nest in areas with plenty of cover, such as trees or shrubs, and they also prefer to nest in areas that are relatively undisturbed by human activity. Placing the nesting box in a quiet corner of your yard, away from heavy foot traffic and loud noises, will increase the chances of attracting wrens.

In conclusion, if you want to attract wrens to your yard, providing them with a suitable nesting box is a great way to do so. The entrance hole should be 1 1/8 inches in diameter, the nesting box should be about 6 inches wide, 6 inches deep, and 6 inches high, and the box should be placed about 6 feet off the ground in a quiet, sheltered location. By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and comfortable nesting site for these delightful birds.