Bird and bat boxes

FX Meister

I've searched but haven't found an answer to my query. I need to get some bird boxes and bat boxes to put up on my farm as part of the Reps 4 scheme. I've tried searching for sellers online but haven't found any. I'm based in Dublin so wondering if anyone could point me in teh direction of somewhere I could buy them here. Thanks

Judgement Day

Birdwatch Ireland sell nestboxes see here: http://shop.birdwatchireland.ie/birdwatchireland/index.php?cPath=25&osCsid=491afe3ef57d9edcee0fe8f302afc8a9

Bat boxes I have no idea but you could try making your own see here: http://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/projects/bat-box/

Half-cocked

If you're putting up a lot of boxes it will work out very expensive to buy them all. You can make them much cheaper. Get a load of untreated 6 x 3/4 inch planks and use google to find plans. Here's a link to one plan:

http://www.lincstrust.org.uk/factsheets/nestbox/shn.php

I also glue and tack a strip of rubber covering the hinges, it will stop water running down into the box at the back.

FX Meister

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking this morning of just making them. I'm just pushed for time and that's why I was going to make them. I need 8 altogether so I'll make 4 of each. Can they be treated with wood preserve or is that a bad idea?

FX Meister

Got it. Untreated wood. They do seem expensive to buy so I'll make my own. I'll keep you updated.

Half-cocked

Its OK to treat the outside with a water based preservative, but leave the interior untreated. Also, if your wood is planed, roughen the inside surface below the hole to give the fledglings some grip when they climb out.