Swallow Houses

[wendymichele]

I have a question I was hoping someone who participates on this forum could help me with. I built 2 swallow houses last winter from plans I found at a reputable swallow conservation website. I installed them as directed on the website and was thrilled this past spring when both had birds use them. I just went out to clean them out foor the winter and was very saddened to find a dead fledgling in one house and 3 dead hatchlings in the other. I think the hatchlings were from a second brood that seemed rather late, but I'm not sure about the date. The fledgling has me concerned because it appeared that it wasn't able to reach the hole to get out. I can't find the plan I used, but as I recall the hole was about 6" above the floor. ANy insite would be greatly appreciated and I am wondering if I should take them down and start over. Thank you
wendymichele is online now Report Post

[Lonnie]

It's hard to say. It can be caused by competing species (what diameter is the entrance hole?), parasites – mites, disease, cold weather if very late in the season.

Are you referring to tree swallows? There is a website that has some good information on tree swallows and even newly developed dimensions and entrance hole. It is 2" wide x 1-1/8" high to deter house sparrows. And also larger sized birdhouses - they say that some are too small for fledglings.

See:
https://www.treeswallowprojects.com/
https://www.treeswallowprojects.com/buildbox.html

[wendymichele]

These are actually the plans that I used, but I didn't put the piece of wood on the inside for the fledgling to grab onto. I feel so bad for the little swallow who got stuck in the box and will be modifying the boxes this weekend. I think the hatchlings may have been abandoned because she had them very late, but it was still quite sad seeing them. Thank you for your response