Chickadees are delightful little birds that can bring joy to any backyard. With their tiny size, big personalities, and cheery “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” song, chickadees are a favorite for many bird enthusiasts. When it comes to attracting chickadees to your yard, providing them with a good quality birdhouse specifically made for chickadees is key. But where is the best place to mount a chickadee birdhouse in order to entice these little birds to move in?
Chickadee Birdhouse Placement Basics
When deciding where to place a chickadee birdhouse, there are some general guidelines to follow:
- Mount the birdhouse 5-15 feet high on a tree, post, or under the eaves of a building. Chickadees like to be up high but lower than many other birds.
- Choose a location away from prevailing winds and rain. Chickadees like protected areas.
- Face the entrance hole toward an open area for easy entry/exit.
- Avoid pointing the hole toward the afternoon sun (North or East is best). This prevents overheating.
- Pick a spot with some trees/branches nearby for landing before entering the box.
Keeping these tips in mind, let’s look at some of the best specific locations to mount a chickadee birdhouse.
Where to Hang a Chickadee Birdhouse
1. On Trees
One of the best places to mount a chickadee box is on a tree. Chickadees naturally nest in the holes and cavities of trees, so hanging a birdhouse designed for them on a tree makes perfect sense. Ideal trees include:
- Oak trees – Oaks provide excellent cover as well as insect food sources for chickadees.
- Evergreens – Evergreens like pines or spruces also make good chickadee birdhouse trees.
- Maples – Maples, birch, and beech trees are deciduous favorites of chickadees.
Choose a tree that is located about 1/3 of the way into your yard instead of right on the edge. Pick a tree limb that points toward the center of the yard so the entrance is not blocked by other branches.
2. On Wooden Posts
If you do not have suitable trees in your yard, mounting your chickadee house on a wooden post or pole is another excellent option. Use a natural wooden post rather than a metal pole, as metal can get hot in the sun and predators may be able to more easily access the birdhouse.
Look for a sturdy, rot-resistant type of wood like cedar. Sink your post 1-2 feet securely into the ground in a sheltered spot. Make sure the house is 5-15 feet high and faces an open area.
3. Under Eaves
Chickadees will readily accept nest boxes under the eaves of homes, garages, sheds, and other outbuildings. This gets them up high and provides weather protection.
Mount the box on the east or north side of the building if possible. Make sure the overhang does not interfere with the bird’s entrance. Position the box 6-12 inches out from the wall so squirrels cannot jump onto it.
4. On Fences
Fences make another good spot to hang a chickadee nest box. The box should be attached to a wooden fence or post for best results. Chain link fences are not ideal since they offer less weather protection.
Place the box along a fence in a sheltered area of your yard that has some trees nearby. Point the hole away from prevailing winds. Using bushes or plantings to shelter the box can also help.
Where Not to Place a Chickadee Birdhouse
Now that we’ve covered the best spots, here are some locations you’ll want to avoid when siting your chickadee home:
- Avoid opening the box toward bright afternoon sunlight or heavy rain if possible. Chickadees like shadier protected sites.
- Do not place near busy areas like driveways or footpaths. Chickadees are shy around humans.
- Avoid areas near feeders where larger aggressive birds may bully chickadees.
- Do not mount directly on metal fences or poles. Wood is best.
- Prevent placement under low roof overhangs or dense vegetation that impedes entrance.
Tips for Attracting Chickadees
To further entice chickadees to use your birdhouse, incorporate these tips:
- Add chickadee-friendly landscaping with oak trees or native berry plants.
- Offer black oil sunflower seeds in feeders, chickadees love them!
- Include natural water sources like fountains, ponds, or bird baths.
- Allow old snags and trees with cavities to remain to provide natural food and shelter.
- Limit use of pesticides which reduce the insect food chickadees rely on.
Chickadee Birdhouse FAQs
What size hole do chickadees need?
Chickadees require a 1 1/8″ diameter circular entrance hole. This is large enough for them but excludes larger competitors.
Should I include perches on a chickadee box?
No perches or landing pads should be included. Chickadees prefer to grasp the hole edge directly.
What depth box works best?
Aim for a box depth around 6-8 inches. Chickadees do not build deep nests inside.
How much interior floor space is ideal?
Chickadees need a floor space about 4×4 inches or 6×6 inches. Too large may allow competitors.
What height should I mount the chickadee house?
Hang your chickadee birdhouse between 5-15 feet high for best results.
How can I deter larger birds?
Use the 1 1/8″ hole, avoid perches, and grease the pole to deter large birds. Monitor and block holes as needed.
Should I clean out old nests?
Yes, clean out the box each fall or winter to allow fresh nesting material in spring.
Conclusion
With a quality chickadee birdhouse installed in the optimal spot, you’ll be rewarded with the joy of chickadees nesting in your yard. Chickadees will readily accept an appropriate nest box, especially if you incorporate some additional bird-friendly practices. Place your chickadee home high on a tree, under an eave, or on a post in a sheltered spot and enjoy watching the chickadee couples make themselves at home.