Plans For An Owl House : House Plans

Plans For An Owl House

Birds of prey such as owls do not build elaborate nests but make use of existing holes in trees, crevices in rocks, nooks in buildings, and thickets where they are sheltered from rain, wind, and predators and can raise their brood. As long as the owls' nesting sites are in place, the female can lay her eggs and raise her brood successfully. When there are not enough natural nesting sites for all the owls, man-made owl houses can increase their nesting success.

Owls come in different sizes and they don't all nest in the same kind of place. Small owls, nesting in tree cavities, usually select holes at least 6 inches in diameter and deep enough to accommodate their bodies. Medium-sized owls typically nest in cavities about 10 inches in diameter and 20 inches deep. The diameter of the entrance hole for large owls ranges from 10 to 12 inches, and the cavity needs to be at least 24 inches deep. It is important to provide for the variation in size of owls and their nesting requirements.

If you are considering building an owl house, refer to these plans for three different sizes of simple, but effective nesting boxes. They're all made of exterior-grade plywood. The boxes may be left unpainted, or they may be painted or stained with a non-toxic finish.

Small Owl House

This small owl house has a 6-inch diameter entrance hole, which is suitable for nesting screech owls. The inside measurements of the house are 8 inches square by 12 inches tall. Refer to the diagrams below for construction details. Start by cutting all the pieces to size. Assemble the house by first attaching the bottom to the back panel. Then attach the sides, and finally, attach the front panel. Cut a 6-inch diameter entrance hole in the front panel, centered 6 inches from the bottom. Screw a small perch below the entrance hole for the owl to land on.

Nail a cleat to the back of the house for hanging. Place the owl house about 15 to 20 feet high in a tree. Screech owls prefer nesting in deciduous trees, but coniferous trees will do.

Medium Owl House

The medium-size owl house is designed for nesting barn owls, which are medium-sized owls. The inside dimensions of the house are 12 inches square by 18 inches tall. The entrance hole is a 10-inch diameter hole cut in the front panel, centered 9 inches from the bottom.

Follow the same assembly instructions as for the small owl house. Be sure to attach a cleat to the back of the house for hanging. Place the owl house about 12 to 15 feet high in a tree near a meadow or open field, where barn owls can hunt for rodents.

Large Owl House

This large owl house is suitable for nesting great horned owls. The inside dimensions of the house are 18 inches square by 24 inches tall. Cut a 12-inch diameter entrance hole in the front panel, centered 12 inches from the bottom.

Assemble the house as described for the other two houses. Attach a cleat to the back of the house for hanging. Place the owl house about 20 to 30 feet high in a tree in a wooded area, where great horned owls can hunt for small mammals and birds.

When placing any of these owl houses, make sure the entrance hole faces away from the prevailing wind and rain. Also, do not place the house in direct sunlight, as this could cause the interior of the house to become too hot for the owls.