The Groningen tube-type design

1. The size of the nest box is approximately 75 cm in length and 20 cm in width and height.
2. The entrance hole and the hole in the partition have a 7 cm diameter and should be set diagonally opposite to eachother. Both holes are not centred but set at 5 cm from the side and at a height of 10 cm.
3. The nest box is built in two pieces, the roof and the bottom, from which the boards side by side are fixed together (glued and/or screwed).
4. The roof is fixed to the bottompart by a hook at both sides. Placed in a square the roof can easily be removed for checking.
5. The fixing brackets strengthen the bottom and facilitate the attachment to branches.

   

6. The nest box has a porch (the balcony) and a partition (sluice). Both are 10 cm in depth.
7. The position of the entrances at the side and the sluice prevent jackdaws from coming in.
8. The drilled holes make it easy to attach the nest box firmly to a tree with electrical wire.
9. Because the little owl does not build a nest, it is strongly recommended to provide the box with nesting material. At first cover the bottom with a firm layer of moister absorbing material like sawdust. Add on top a layer of wood chips, straw or hay.
10. To prevent from raining in the entrance of the nest box must be facing away from the west.
11. A nest box in the open air has to endure the weather. Preserve the wood well; stain it or use roofing material.

When mice and rats are a nuisance on a farm, often poison is used. The disadvantage is that poisoned mice and rats can easily be taken prey by an owl. This certainly happens to little owls and barn owls, species that stay a lot in farms, especially in Groningen. In times of bad weather, or in periods of food shortage, as well as when there are young, the owl will prey on mice. So this can be done better, for instance by the "owl loving poison box", an easy to be made little wooden box!

Owl loving mouse box

The principle of this poison box is based on the idea, that poisoned mice are not available to the owl. The poisoned mice crawl in the hay of the box and dy there in stead of being taken prey.

The poison box exists of two partitions. In the part with the holes the poison (with cereals) is provided. Place a tray of water next to the poison, because thirsty mice leave the box. The enclosed department is furnished with hay. Poisoned mice can be removed from this partition reguraly.

We don't have the intention to encourage the use of poison, but to protect all mice hunting owls and other predators.