Initially, some of these birds were imported from England, hoping to control certain caterpillars that harm shade trees in the U. Install the bird house roof boards. Let the nest box dry out completely before closing it. Treatment of a poisoned bird: First of all, change the cage, pots for water and give the bird a drop of milk, egg white, oat porridge or mucus of linseed. They like to make nests in the boxes too. You can d. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. How to Identify Barn Swallow Nests. European starlings are widespread across North America. Essential Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Habitat for Feathered Friends. Repeat process every year. If you are lucky enough to have tree swallows, you will want to have a pair of nestboxes, back to back, about 15 to 25 feet apart (like in the top photo). By the time Spring comes, the gourd will be ready to be cleaned and emptied, since all of its contents should be dried out. The reason being is it is meant to hold house sparrows. Try to build a roost box using plans available on the Internet. There is no bad time to put out birdhouses, and the best time to put them up is as soon as you have them available. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. The post – The smoother and straighter the post, the harder it is for cats and squirrels to climb. August is time to clean. That being said,. Setting up a motion-activated sprinkler system near the bird feeder is another strategy to keep doves away. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. Use the toothbrush to clean the inside part first, then the rest of the parts of the birdhouse. Look for little orange spots which indicate the presence of mites. Mid to late fall is the ideal time to be sure all bird houses are cleaned. Creating a welcome home for wrens, bluebirds, purple martins and many more, they are a quick and easy way to make your yard more bird friendly. You can remove the old material nesting material during the day when they aren't roosting. In fact, depending on the situation you should do it at the end of each brood and nesting boxes is a good practice to try to minimize parasites, disease, and mites. How to Clean a Bird House. Once the bird has come out of its egg, be ready for frequent feedings three to four times hourly. The scientists concluded that the birds’ bare skin helped them regulate their body temperatures because the skin rapidly loses heat. Then, drill a 1/4" hole in the birdhouse's roof to accept the dowels at 2 1/2" from the front and side. Blue tits are also avid users of nesting boxes, providing they’re mounted more than 1m off the ground and are neither too obstructed nor too. The Northern Cardinals eat mosquitoes, bugs, dragonflies, snails, stink bugs, beetles, leafhoppers, and grasshoppers. To keep bird houses safe from raccoons and cats, mount the bird houses atop metal poles. So, bluebirds will naturally build a second nest on top of their old one. A panel may. Birds needs to drink and, if possible, bathe even in the winter. Wrap the bird with a clean cloth or towel. Go to the back of the dryer and repeat the process. Open the clean-out door of your bird house and clean out any old nesting material or debris. Its essential then to always clean out your bird house to make way for roosting birds later on in the year. Tree hollows created by rot or other animals and birds (especially woodpeckers) are a go-to choice. These uniquely colored birds are extremely fun to watch as they swoop and swerve, chasing after insects. A male wren will build a nest out of sticks and perch on the branches above the house to attract a female. Then, when should you clean out bird houses?Once breeding season is over—usually by mid. So yup, i would clean it out when i knew it was 100% done being used (I agree with the wait for Sept. In general, larger species build larger ones than smaller species do. Typically, these birds make their nests in wooded areas, especially in a hole of a tree or limb. Asked March 04, 2022, 12:52 PM EST. To determine whether there is enough room for a species, measure the floor size of your bird house. The cardinals are a pretty sight with their vibrant red color and stout physique. Birdhouses are a charming addition to any garden, providing a safe haven for our feathered friends. access to water. “There’s a lot of research still to be done on nest boxes and cleaning them, and the science. Many people in the United States like to face their birdhouses east, which is usually opposite strong winds and the intense afternoon sun. The last step is to let your bluebird house dry out completely before you close it. Then, follow Bluebird Rule #2: Do everything possible to prevent house sparrows from invading. Protect the Nest. A: In hot weather, the feeder should be emptied and cleaned twice per week. Soon house sparrows showed up and tried to smash the eggs but I got them out in time. It’s best to put the birdhouse out in the yard several weeks before spring so early nesters might decide to use it. Ornithologically designed to attract bluebirds. 1. Wear gloves when cleaning out the box and take a tool to scrape old nests out. Watch out for deer mice. Carefully shine a flashlight inside to make sure there aren't eggs or chicks inside. Eastern bluebirds’ eggs are sky blue in color, or, on rare occasions, can be white ‒ in around 4-5% of females. Put your feeders out in Iowa in late April to early May. The most common rats in the United States are the Norway rat and the roof rat. A baby bird breathing fast is often a sign of a respiratory problem. Another thing that works for flea infestations and mite infestations is to kill them with heat. Mice are much smaller than rats. Then simply melt 1 cup of lard or suet in a saucepan and then mix with 2 cups of bird. Transmitter packages must weigh less than 5 percent of the weight of the bird that is to carry them—and a full-grown Ovenbird weighs just 16–28 grams. Also find 5 ways to create a cleanout door. You can definitely clean out a nest box after the fledglings leave. Featuring an easy open front panel, front slides down for checking the progress of nesting birds without disturbing them and for quick and easy cleaning. Gently place the bird into a box. Fall Bird Feeding TipsBirdhouses can be fun. Bird enthusiasts recommend a box with a larger-than-usual entrance hole—it’s easier for birds to get a good look inside and also. (or 4 in. Bluebirds build a nest within the bird house made up of dry grass and straw. 5. (Image credit: Green&Blue) These gorgeous bird house design ideas are great for modern plots. Birds Make Gracious Tenants! With a little effort and a lot of fun you will have the most popular house on your. Patience and keeping your backyard feeding area in tip-top shape will payout in the end. While it is important to clean out bird houses,. Do not use glue on the back wall, pre-drill holes and screw 1-1/2 in. Boiling water can be used to kill any parasites remaining in the box, but remember to leave the lid off for a while for it to try out. If you do not clean out your nest box, it may become filled to the brim with old nesting material. Once it's completely cleaned out, let it sit for a day or two in the sun until it's dry. Nestboxes should face away from prevailing winds, which generally means facing south. To make cleaning as easy as possible, look into buying a birdhouse with one side that easily opens. Using seven pieces of cut cedarwood, this house can be put together and placed outside within the span of a few hours. In cooler weather, once per week is enough. High in fat and protein, they are great for feeding birds in winter. Nest removal is a necessary step to control swallows since they are attracted to previous nesting sites, but is considered futile unless other bird control methods are in place. Then, follow Bluebird Rule #2: Do everything possible to prevent house sparrows from invading. Let the nest box dry out completely before closing it. Keep the floor area around 4 x 4 inches and the height of 9 inches (inside), as it will provide enough space for birds to move freely. If your hummingbirds empty the feeder with greater frequency, clean it every. Dirty feathers lose much of their insulating properties, so a clean bird is a warm bird. Cleaning bird houses is a task that should be performed at least once a year. All that’s left to do now is reassemble the birdhouse back together. I hope that this helps. Dream a Little Bigger. Not all birds clean house. Plus, adjusting the height of the houses can further discourage unwanted nesters. ; Remove all old nesting material and scrape out any feces or clumped matter. Should you clean out bird houses? Bird houses should be thoroughly cleaned after the nesting season ends and the last young birds have left the nest. Coat the Cone With Peanut Butter. While I do suggest having your nest boxes set up by February 15th so that bluebirds can find it be early spring, any time will work. Water: All birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, and a clean water source can make a yard even more attractive for nesting birds. California’s official state bird is the California quail, and this avian species is beautiful enough to become human pets. Cleaning out bird boxes and letting the birds “start fresh” each nesting season doesn’t hurt; if anything, it helps! Old nesting material can rot or decompose, and may hold parasites like mites. The emergence of a Predator. How to choose a bird table. Birds will always look for somewhere safe to build their nests so if your bird house is vulnerable to predators such as cats, squirrels or rodents they will not use it. Leave it outside to dry with the nest box door open for about 24 hours. It's a good idea to clean out your nest box once the young birds have fledgedfledgedFledging is the stage in a flying animal's life between hatching or birth and becoming capable of flight. 5. Do not wait until the winter to clean out nest boxes as birds may already be roosting in them. Nest removal is a necessary step to control swallows since they are attracted to previous nesting sites, but is considered futile unless other bird control methods are in place. Orioles love the sight and sound of moving water. Diy Bird Bath. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. It’s a good idea to clean out your nest box once the young birds have fledged. Birdhouses provide a safe haven for birds by giving them a place to build their nests that is out of reach from these predators. When should you clean out your bird house? We recommend that you clean your birdhouses out a minimum of once a year. Bluebirds produce 2-3 broods of young throughout the nesting season, so if you put up your nest box in mid-to-late summer, you might still attract a pair to. You have to reach a certain temperature, however, to really kill them. Attach the wood pieces using a combination of nails and non-toxic glue. Vinegar solution – First, be sure to clean out old nests from your birdhouse and give it a dry brushing to remove debris. When that happens, though, do not intervene. We recommend disposing of those eggs, deceased young, and/or nest materials (e. Fix low humidity by misting the plant or using a humidifier to prevent drooping and the death of leaves of bird of paradise. Nests of invasive birds, such as house sparrows or European starlings. Bird Baths and Bird Houses; Planters and Pots; SPRING GARDEN PLANT CARE. We generally do not clean in between nesting periods as birds like to roost in the boxes too. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Do not wait until the winter to clean out nest boxes as birds may already be roosting in them. ): Rufous, Ruby-throated, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. Fertilize. The purple martin houses will get pretty dirty both inside and out from them sitting on top of it. After that, give him 2 drops of castor oil for discharge. Assessing frequency is crucial when maintaining a birdhouse. Check for signs of mold or mildew. A fountain or solar bubbler will do the trick. For birds that have multiple broods per season, such as bluebirds, it's a good idea to clean out nesting material between broods. Here are 13 Reasons why birds won’t use your birdhouse: You Set It Up During The Wrong Season. You certainly want to get one up and ready for early spring (late January). Photos courtesy of Denise Payne. Cover the ceiling with a coating of soap, and extend it slightly down the walls too. Get rid of all old nesting materials, make a solution of nine parts water and one part bleach, and rinse it with the solution pretty well. Meanwhile, others claim you can lend a helping hand to birds by cleaning the birdhouse of any buildup that could cause parasites. This will help break the bears’ habit. Remember to replace the sugar-water solution at regular intervals, even if it's still full. comment). Be proactive and do all you can to help garden wildlife. holes in the base for drainage. It’s best to put the birdhouse out in the yard several weeks before spring so early nesters might decide to use it. Generally, small songbirds need small houses; large birds require large houses. Mountain Bluebirds are migration birds, but have a small year round area. To protect chickadees from invading bird attacks or eviction, you can add a hole reducer over the entry hole which will make the hole size smaller – 1-1/8 inch. RELATED: AVOID These 5 “Filler” Foods Found in Birdseed Mixes! #2. Make a hole large enough for a bird near the bottom of the gourd, then hang from a tree using heavy-duty string or twine. A: In hot weather, the feeder should be emptied and cleaned twice per week. Many species are protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which “makes it illegal for anyone to take,. Should you clean out the nest. your birdhouse could be placed at a height that is either too low or too high for the cavity-nesting birds in your area. Homemade Bird Houses. Therefore we needed additional. into the ground, screw the pipe flange and. Understanding when to clean out bird nest boxes can be a little tricky, but that's why we're diving headlong into it today. These small birds have a very beautiful and distinct song and you will often hear. This house has a 1. There is much good news about Bluebirds and their resurgence. According to the Cornell University All About Birds, the The first large introduction of these birds was in 1851 - 1852. Birdhouses and nesting boxes should be cleaned at least once each year. We recommend wearing a pair of garden gloves or rubber dish-washing gloves when handling old nest material as it can contain bacteria and mites. 125" opening to accommodate both house wrens and chickadees while keeping. Comments. Then, leave the nest box door open to let it air dry. You find the perfect spot to put them and your winged neighbors build their nests inside and raise their families. 4. A short stubby perch will be too small to assist most predators. High in fat and protein, they are great for feeding birds in winter. 8 Ways to Attract Birds to Your Bird Bath. More often, birds will clean it out themselves, it would. Here's one trick of the trade. Although bluebirds can start nesting as early as February, the best time to see them is in April, May, or even June. And it can actually accommodate up to three breeding pairs. We recommend disposing of those eggs, deceased young, and/or nest materials (e. House wrens are happy with an 8-inch-tall house with a 4- by 6-inch base, while a chickadee birdhouse should be 8-inches tall with a 5- by 5-inch base. Use the knife or spreader to coat the cone with a layer of peanut butter, as thick or thin as desired. MSU Extension’s Elliot Nelson says there’s no clear-cut answer, but basic maintenance of nest boxes is necessary. [1] The side panels will be slanted at the top to create the classic bird box shape. The houses should be mounted according to the recommendations above. holes about 3 in. A door to clean out would be really nice, since some birds will go back or other birds will find it. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? Don’t disturb If a nest is disturbed or destroyed it can be extremely distressing for the adult birds and they will often abandon the site. I like to scrub mine down entirely. Final Thoughts Do Birdhouses Need To Be Cleaned Out? (FULL Answer!) Okay, so you know the simple answer, and the answer is yes! Let me explain to you why:. Your Birdhouse Is Placed At The Wrong Location. Nest boxes – The autumn is a great time to clean out bird houses and nest boxes of the bedding placed inside during the breeding season. Finish pruning any fruit trees after the last fruit is removed. Scrub the house thoroughly with a weak bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to nine parts warm water). Most bird experts will tell you that the best time to clean out bird nest boxes is during autumn, when birds are no longer using the box. Birdhouses can provide a great environment to escape from the cold, and are often called “roost boxes” during the winter months. 25" x 13". First of all, never blindly reach into any box. Finally, bury a length of threaded pipe 16 in. Put things away: At night, use a laundry basket to collect all toys, blankets, clothing, etc. It is nice to have the feeders completely clean and ready a couple of weeks before hummingbird season. Always wait until the end of the breeding season, ensure the box is empty and all the birds have flown. Audubon Red Cedar Bird House$21. Blue tits prefer to nest in practically any hole, crack, or crevasse around 1 to 5m off the ground. Birds tend to avoid bright,. Stay away from any birdhouse with an outside perch. Step 1: Semi-Annual Clean Out. These Bird Feeders work! Easy to Fill, Easy to Clean - Feed the birds with this handcrafted Mason Jar time tested bird feeder! (456) $29. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. It's best to drill the back holes about 30-degrees and the front around 40, to welcome the angle of the roof. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. So now’s the perfect time to go and clean out any existing. Regularly check the birdhouses and remove any nesting materials left by intruders. A. 1 – 5-1/2 in. Not every type of bird uses a birdhouse. I had no idea birds could scream so. Conclusion. So grab a face mask, a pair of gloves, long sleeves, and long pants before you handle the nest. Here's one trick of the trade. Cleaning is made easy thanks to the the slide out metal tray at the bottom of the cage and convenient access to the interior space through the large main door. Most of these birds are protected by the law, so preventing them from nesting in your hanging basket is the best action you can take before it is too late. ) Avoid inhaling dust/detritus (wear a face mask) and sanitize hands immediately after handling a nest. Keep the water level shallow. Size – 3-4 square feet is ideal. If you paint your birdhouse, birds aren’t picky about color, but stay away from black or. 84. Step #7: Provide food and water. It is advised to give him 2-3 drops of coffee for strengthening the heart. FAQS. Coat the ceiling of the nest box with bar soap to deter wasps. But it takes energy to melt snow. 3. Birds find water sources in nature the same way they will find your birdbath—through the sight and sound of moving water. First, remove all the nesting material from the house and scrape off any residue from the sides of the wall. Between 3 and. hundred, one hundred feet away, ninety, eighty, seventy, Montag gasping, flailing his hands, legs. Your food isn’t fresh. A regular routine of feeder cleaning will really help them through the winter. 'Wood is the best material for bird houses, the. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Step #9: Contact a licensed animal rehabilitator. Position your bird box out of reach of predators and you could include safety features such as baffles to help protect birds using it. What time of the year do you clean out bird houses? Bird houses should be thoroughly cleaned after the nesting season ends and. As there are only 2 eggs, I’d guess it’d be fine to let them be cool, they have probably not started to. Because wasps, mice or other things that are potentially harmful may be in the box, never stick your hands inside if you can’t see the interior clearly. Regularly Monitor Nest Boxes. The house wren species doesn’t migrate very far, with many staying in the southern United States during the winter months. How many chambers does a bird’s heart have? Well, this should surprise you that, like humans, a bird’s heart also has 4 chambers. The short answer… yes, House Sparrows and European Starlings are known for invading and taking up residence in Purple Martin birdhouses. But if you give it a few more. Do not glue, remove screws to clean out the inside of the bird house. Bluebirds build a nest within the bird house made up of dry grass and straw. Final Thoughts. I also clean my nests out after they have fledged and have had bluebirds return to nest and other birds use the boxes after the blue birds. Decorative Bird Houses. But you can get rid of adult June bugs naturally by trapping them with a mixture of 1/2 cup molasses and 1/2 cup water placed in a narrow-necked container. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. S. No comments yet! Add one to start the conversation. The tree swallow is a native bird species that builds its nests in the same type of birdhouse bluebirds use. There are key differences between mice and rats. If it's sparsely feathered and not capable of hopping, walking, flitting, or gripping tightly to your finger, it's a nestling. If you want to be ready for early roosting birds in the late fall and winter. And sometimes over winter, you have a mouse as a houseguest and you want to get that nest out of there as well. There is always a need for nesting places, and bluebirds will take anything that looks suitable for nesting. Placing hummingbird feeders outside one to two weeks early can help feed the earliest migrating. Make sure the entrance hole of your birdhouse does not face prevailing winds. We recommend cleaning out the box after each brood or at the end of the year, at a minimum. This should be done in late fall or winter since some birds in Georgia may start building in late January. org. Garth Clifford has some really good tips for attracting bluebirds at worldbirds. See moreBackyard tip: Late winter is a good time to clean out bird houses and prepare them for new spring arrivals. Roosting houses (specially made) are made for wintering bluebirds. Cleaning bird houses is a task that should be performed at least once a year. Keep a close watch on the birds to make sure they have completely fledged (left the nest) before attempting to clean. Unlike inverted feeders, saucer feeders are easy to fill and clean and are more resistant to leaks. How and when to clean and prepare bird houses for spring nesting season. 1. If you’re ready to prioritize simplicity and affordability, this simple bird house plan may be the right option for you. But if you set up the birdhouse early in the spring, then you may have the chance. 1. So yup, i would clean it out when i knew it was 100% done being used (I agree with the wait for Sept. Step 4: Sanitizing the Birdhouse. Q. We have black-capped chickadees. up down out, up down out, closer, closer, hooting, calling, his eyes burnt white now as his head. That way the box will be ready in case the bird couple decides to have a second brood. Garden Birds. It is never too late or too early to put up birdhouses, but birders who know when to put up their houses will have the best success attracting the birds they want to. A permit request may be required in certain. A. It has a sturdy and durable waterproof finish and a shape that tends to attract the eyes of finch birds. He can’t guard a feeder that he can’t see. Step #2: Wear protective gear. 0. The injured bird will feel better knowing that it is being protected. If you can find the nest (it may be well hidden), put the bird back as quickly as possible. With birds being sensitive creatures, they’ve noticed this negativity near or at your home, which is a bad omen. Spray the bluebird house fully with bleach solution, making sure to cover the bottom and sides of the nest box. Wasps like to make their nests inside bird nesting boxes, however a smooth, slightly slippery coating will prevent them from being able to. A few species of birds are nocturnal feeders or birds that go out and forage for food at night. BLUE TIT NEST BOX – CUTTING. We carry a bucket around the yard and place the. . I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Then mix 8 parts water to 2 parts white vinegar (80% water, 20% vinegar) into a small bucket or an old bowl. Depending on the style this may require loosening some screws or just pulling a nail to release a door. 1. Hygiene is important for hummingbird feeders at any time of year. Make a hole large enough for a bird near the bottom of the gourd, then hang from a tree using heavy-duty string or twine. However, it is never too early or late to put up a nest box, as some birds will use them to roost in during the winter months. . Some people have a martin house up for several years before attracting the desired residents. Birds don't really give out enough body heat to warm up a bird house more. This isn’t absolutely necessary; often birds will clean it out themselves, but you can lend them a. Empty the dishwasher: Run the dishwasher at night and unload it in the morning. You’ll recognize the approximately 6-1/2-inch long barn swallow (scientific name Hirundo rustic) by its reddish face and throat, it’s glossy, cobalt blue upperparts and breast band (more prominent on the male of the species), and its. 20 is a lot to have around but families may stick together. 4. Don’t be surprised to find eggs in. photo courtesy of 100 things 2 do. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Bird control is not as simple as just trying to figure out how to get rid of a birds nest. by Esther. Quick Tips: Clean out nestboxes as soon as the baby birds fledge, or at a minimum at the end of the nesting season. Prepare to experiment with different plants. Late in the nesting season, it is possible (though not common) that there may still be tenants present. Birds which use a bird house or a roosting box will have no problem getting in or out without a perch at the front door. Solution #2: Eliminate their nest. Completely rinse out all traces of the bleach solution with water. Red Church Bird House Plan : This plan will build you a bright red church for your birds. Barn swallows are excellent for keeping insect populations at bay. Step #4: Find the nest. The placement of key wildlife features such as your bird house and bird bath plays a. Birds and dirt just don’t mix well. This one comes recommended by Bell (who, full disclosure, works for Audubon). In fact, depending on the situation you should do it at the end of each brood and nesting boxes is a good practice to try to minimize parasites, disease, and mites. The one drawback to a bluebird house, which is easily remedied, is hole size. Roosting during the winter is an effective method to survive the extreme cold. Day 2: Bluebird hatchlings are 1 day old. This may be in part due to, adult birds establishing territory, building nests, and taking turns sitting on the eggs. Press some peanut butter between rows of scales, filling in larger gaps. 3. We agree with Julie Zickefoose in her phenomenal book, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds. The remnants of a Bluebird nest from last. Each features a 1. Nest boxes should be cleaned out each spring and disinfected to prevent the spread of avian diseases. To clean bird houses, follow these steps: Open up the bird house. Chickadees have unique yet natural nesting habits. When to Clean Out Bluebird Houses When to clean out bird houses. You can remove the old material nesting material during the day when they aren't roosting. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Then they leave you with an old, dirty, sticky box when they. And in fact, it’s not as easy to answer as yes or no. Scouting: February to Mid-March: Bluebirds start checking out nesting sites. Abundant Food – Please do not use pesticides and deprive Bluebirds of their natural food source-insects. No doubt about it, you absolutely must clean out your Bluebird bird house, with the only time not to is if you can be sure it wasn't used to begin with. If not, add more flour or melted suet if necessary. Some birds might watch a birdhouse for a few weeks before using it to see that it’s safe. Find out more: BTO is a Registered Charity, Number 216652 (England & Wales), SC039193. Remove old nesting material and scrub the house with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. For altricial birds, those that spend more time in vulnerable condition in the nest, the nestling and fledging stage can be the same. comment). Some birdhouses have hinged lids, which make cleaning very easy! Wear garden gloves to protect your hands. A painted, decorated birdhouse may be cute, but unvarnished cedar, pine or redwood will get more use. Many people in the United States like to face their birdhouses east, which is usually opposite strong winds and the intense afternoon sun. Learn When and How. But in performing this task, you need to protect yourself, too. g. May 2, 2021 by Birds & Wild Should birdhouses be cleaned out? I hear you ask. CONTENTS :Birds face many dangers in their environment, and predators are one of the biggest threats to their safety. Do you put food in bird houses? You should not put food in a birdhouse Food in birdhouses will attract unwanted predators and animals such as squirrels, rats, and snakes which will bring danger to the. Regularly clean feeders and bird baths once a week to prevent disease spread. If you are trying to attract bluebirds then definitely clear the old nests out as they build different nests from different materials. In nature, when bluebirds find a natural cavity to nest in (such as in an old tree or fence post), no one is going to clean out their old nest.