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.
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
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
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
