Little Owl will nest in a wide variety of locations from farm land and parks, to gardens and orchards.

They will naturally nest in trees or buildings and like access to a mosaic or hunting grounds from managed pasture to rougher grasslands.

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Little Owl Box Siting and Placement

Avoid:

• Avoid trees with ivy and climbers on and also avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Avoid water troughs as these are fatal to Little Owls

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Pick and Create an area where:

• You have regularly seen or heard Little Owls in an area - that’s a great start to siting a box.
• Pick a tree/building without any ivy or creeping plants
• Choose a tree or building that is in prime habitat for hunting.
• You need a nice smooth face that is preferably wider than the box to offer good support
• Ideally place the box 3-5 metres above the ground affixed to the side of tree away from the prevailing wind.  
• A few inches of clean soil or potting compost make a good substrate in the boxes and this should be cleaned out in the autumn.
• Make sure there is somewhere nearby for the young owls to fledge into

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Hanging the Box

• Face the box entrance away from any prevailing wind and rain
• Place the box no less than 12 ft above the ground but aim for 15ft or more
• Fix the attachment plate first with the help of someone
• Lift the box into place either yourself or with a rope over a higher point
• Fix the box to the attachment plate with help
• Remember to place a substrate in the base of the box for the owls to lay their eggs on