Our Boxes

All of our boxes are made from the highest quality exterior grade (marine glue) plywoods, with the exception of the Nycel Celluka Range (see below). They are produced on a high precision CNC nesting machine. All components are accurately cut, have routed internal ladders and are precision pre-drilled.

The plywood is sourced from Engineered Wood Products Association of Australia (EWPPAA) certified manufacturers. The plywood is a full hardwood construction, utilising mixed light hardwoods from renewable resources. The exterior of the box is a high quality grade paintable surface.

Range of Nesting Boxes

Standard Range
If you are looking for a lightweight, serviceable, long life Nest Box, then choose from our Standard Range of nest boxes.
The standard range is manufactured from quality 12mm thick plywood and covers all of the common Australian species. If the box you require is not on this list, then please drop us a line and we will endeavour to accomodate your needs. The standard range is shipped as a flat pack with all required screws and assembly instructions.

Heavy Duty Range
For a sturdy, more robust box with better insulation properties, choose from our Heavy Duty Range of nest boxes.
The heavy duty range is manufactured from 17 & 19mm thick hardwood ply and the majority are shipped as a flat pack with all required screws and assembly instructions. Bat boxes, Owl, Cockatoo and Pardalote boxes are all shipped fully assembled.

Super Heavy Duty Range
For the maximum in strength and insulation, choose from our Super Heavy Duty Range of nest boxes.
The super heavy duty range is manufactured from 30mm hardwood container ply. These boxes are supplied fully assembled. They are glued and screwed and have pre-drilled holes for attaching galvanised wire for mounting. The lids are hinged using solid brass hinges. The boxes are fully sealed using two coats of high quality decking oil.

Nycel Celluka Range
As an alternative to plywood, try our Nycel Celluka Range of nest boxes. Nycel Celluka is an expanded foam rigid PVC sheet. Nycel can be used for all types of applications. Some of the advantages of using Nycel are:

• Weather Proof
• Will not rot
• Lightweight
  Nycel boxes are supplied as a flat pack with all required screws and assembly instructions.

Aviary Bird Range
At present is limited to chicken layer boxes, our Aviary Bird Range will soon have the full complement of boxes.

Accessories
To complement your choice of nest box, choose a mounting system from our Accessories Range and add hinges to the lid of the box for easy inspection and routine maintenance. Refer to "Preparing Your Nest Box For Mounting" (below).

Nest Box Assembly and Operation Instructions

Assembling Your Nest Box

If you have purchased a flat pack nest box, assembly is simple and only requires a cross head (Phillips) screwdriver. Each box is provided with the neccessary galvanised screws and consists of six (6) pre-drilled panels. Each panel is marked on the inside as;

TOP

SIDE (x2)

FRONT - (front wall)

BACK - (rear wall)

BASE

Some boxes come with a perch which is provided seperately and is readily identifiable, with appropriate mounting holes on the front panel.

Boxes with external ladders (possum range) are pre-routed on the front wall.

To Assemble

1. Ensure that you have all panels and the screws for the box.

2. Start with the two side walls first and attach these to the shorter length of the base.

3. Attach the front and backwalls.

4. Screw all four sides together.

5. Secure the top (nb - you may be best advised to secure the top only after the box has been prepared for mounting).

6. For perches, these should be mounted in the appropriate position, directly below the entrance.

Preparing Your Nest Box For Mounting

Your nest box may be attached to the tree in one of two ways.
The box can be attached directly to the tree. This can be acheived by using a tree mounting kit.Tree mounting kits can be supplied by Nest Boxes Australia. Refer to our accessories category.
It may be attached by drilling two holes in the rear wall of the box up near the top and passing a length of PVC coated, galvanised wire and then passed around the tree. The wire can be connected with a galvanised trampoline spring to allow expansion of the tree. This method helps to preserve the tree.

Alternatively the box can be attached direct to the tree trunk (or branch) itself. This is best achieved by attaching a mounting piece to the rear of the box that extends approx. 500mm either end of the box. The mounting piece can then be screwed or nailed to the tree. PVC coated wire and trampoline springs can be supplied by Nest Boxes Australia. Refer to our accessories category.

Your box can now be protected.

Painting Your Nest Box

Your nest box does not have to be painted. However it is recommended that you give the exterior of the box only, a protective coat to extend the life of the box.

The boxes can be finished in either, oil (decking oil, linseed oil), varnish or paint.

Nest Boxes Australia recommends a good quality exterior water based paint such as Dulux Weathershield. Two to three good coats should ensure that the box is protected for several years.

The interior of the box should never be painted and should be left as it is – raw untreated wood.
Your box is now ready for mounting.

Mounting Your Nest Box

Select the place where you wish to mount the nest box.

This should be in an area away from direct afternoon sunlight and at the recommended height for the species that you are targeting.

Great care should be exercised when using ladders and climbing trees – please use caution!
You can now enjoy your nest box!

Operation & Maintenance of Your Nest Box

Birds are shy creatures by nature and will not necessarily take up residence the day after you install your box. Exercise patience and allow the birds time to get used to the new addition to their neighbourhood. It is highly likely that the birds will watch the box for some time before adopting their new place.

Birds do not live in the boxes year round. They are used solely for the purpose of hatching and raising chicks and they will “fly the coop” at the end of the breeding season. This is when the top should be removed from your box and cleaned out in readiness for the following season.