Wildlife

Wild Blue Tit and Great Tit Nest Box Welfare

Blue tits and great tits readily use nest boxes and have been extensively studied. Understanding their breeding welfare informs garden practices and conservation management.

Key Facts

Great tit clutch size is plastic - adjusted to food availability in the local woodland
Hole size is critical - 25mm for blue tits, 28mm for great tits prevents competitor entry
Nest box parasites including blow flies can significantly harm chick welfare
Nest boxes should be cleaned in autumn to remove parasites

Welfare Considerations

Nest box welfare requires annual cleaning in autumn to reduce blow fly larvae and nest parasites. Providing caterpillar-rich gardens through native plantings ensures adequate food for chick rearing.

What You Can Do

Clean nest boxes each autumn with hot water (not disinfectants)
Plant native trees such as oak and hawthorn to support caterpillar abundance
Position boxes facing north to east to avoid overheating of chicks