What you'll find here is the plans I use for my nest boxes. I was sent plans for just a square box, and I added the angled roof. I hope you can follow these without any problems. I use a 1 x 6 x 6 pine board.
Mounting Information and links to Printable Step-By-Step Instructions Below
Click this image for a full connected view of the plans for printing.
DO NOT PAINT THE BOX!
If you feel you absolutely have to put something on the outside of the box, make sure you use a light natural color. Using a dark color will cause the box to absorb heat, possibly causing much distress to the young birds.
NOTE:
Score the inside of the front to assist the young in getting a grip to climb toward the hole when they are nearing fledging. (This will also help tree swallows to be able to climb out.)
MOUNTING YOUR NESTBOX
If you are mounting your nestboxes in areas where cows can reach the boxes, mount the nestbox a bit higher to keep them out of the reach of the cows. If you are in an area where you have predator problems, make sure you use some sort of baffle below the nest to prevent snakes, raccoons, or whatever from being able to crawl/climb up to the entrance hole.
Preferred Method
Use galvanized pipe and mount the nestbox 4.5 to 5 feet off the ground. PVC pipe or stove pipe can be used to make a baffle to prevent predators from reaching the nestbox. Use a piece about 30 inches long, at least 4 inches across and attach it between the box and the ground. Be sure to close off the top of the baffle, preferably with a pvc end cap or something solid. I've seen suggestions that hardware cloth could be used also, just be sure it is small enough to prevent snakes from getting in.
A simple suggestion for mounting the baffle: Attach a couple of L-shaped brackets with a hose clamp. Determine the height where you want the top of the baffle, attach the brackets and slide the baffle down over the pipe before mounting the house.
Another type of mounting with a predator guard using 1 inch galvanized pipe. 30 inch length of 2 inch pvc pipe. Large plastic flower pot or 3-5 gallon plastic pail. (These large plastic pails can usually be purchased at grocery stores that have their own bakerys for just a few dollars.) After the pipe is securely in the ground (before mounting the nestbox) slide the pvc over the galvanized pipe. Cut a hole in the bottom of the flower pot so it fits snuggly over the galvanized pipe. Slide the flower pot down so it rests on top of the pvc pipe.
Mounting the nestbox on a fence is not a good idea. Basically impossible to put a baffle on, you might as well put a ladder to the entrance for predators to crawl up.
Bluebirds like areas that are close-cropped from grazing or mowed. Also, if at all possible, place the box in an open area, at least 35 feet from trees to decrease the possibility of House Wrens trying to take over the box. (It is said that house wrens do not like flying across large open areas.)
If you have a problem with on-the-loose house cats, try talking to their owners and explain that you have nesting birds, maybe they will keep them in. If all else fails, try contacting your local police dept. to see if they have a live trap you can use. If your in an area that has leash laws, you can catch the cat, contact your local police dept/animal control officers and they will pick the cat up and take it to a shelter. Cats Killing Wild Birds
STEP BY STEP
Due to some experiencing problems printing out the step by step instructions, I have moved them to separate pages. Please let me know if you have any problems with printing them.