Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary

Nesting boxes for Australian animals

Please email the Melbourne Wildlife Sanctuary for all nest box enquiries.

Natural nest hollows

A high proportion of Australian birds and mammals are dependent on hollows in trees for nesting and shelter. The number of suitable nesting hollows in trees is declining throughout Victoria. Trees are dying and falling over and very few trees are becoming the age at which hollows form. It can take over 120 years for suitable hollows to develop in an eucalypt tree. There is also a huge trade in the older trees for fire wood which is recognized as a major reason for the decline in some woodland species. Nesting boxes provide an important supplement to naturally occurring hollows in urban areas. A number of native birds and mammals frequently come into urban areas to feed from native trees planted in suburban gardens. However they are unable to breed due to the lack of sufficient nesting hollows.

Native species that use nest boxes

Bats

Over 13 species of insectivorous bats occur in the Melbourne area. They all require daytime roosts, normally tree hollows. Bats are excellent at controlling insect pests around the home. These special boxes are designed for bats only and will not attract unwanted pest species such as bees or feral birds. The area below the box should also be free from obstructions to allow easy access. Boxes should be placed as high as possible and facing to the west or east to get the morning sun.

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Parrots

Parrots are amongst the most colourful of the Australian birds. Many of those in the Melbourne area feed on nectar from eucalypts (gum trees). They require hollow branches in which to breed. Some parrot species (eg Lorikeets) tend to do better when nesting close together this helps them compete with Starlings and Indian Mynahs. Two types of parrot boxes are available, vertical and horizontal.

Ducks

Several duck species are known to use hollows in trees. Wood Duck and Black Ducks use tree hollows and will use nest boxes. Other duck species, such as Chestnut and Grey Teal will use nesting boxes if they are placed over water. This box has a special entrance that prevents predators from getting eggs. Can be placed on tree or post.

Possums: large and small

The two common species of Possums in the Melbourne area are the Brushtail and Ringtail Possums. The larger Brushtail is well known for entering suburban homes. By giving them a house of its own will keep them out of yours. The smaller Ringtail possum can make its own nest in dense undergrowth, but will use nesting boxes.

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Sugar gliders

Another possum species in many parts of Australia is the Sugar Glider. These beautiful animals can live in groups of five or more. They have a diet of insects, nectar and tree sap. It has been found that eucalypts that have Sugar Gliders living on them are healthier than those without. This is because of the large numbers of insect pests that they consume. Sugar Gliders prefer small entrances to their nests.

Other bird species

Many other Australian birds use nest hollows: Tree-Creepers, Owlet Nightjars, Owls. Pardalotes and Kookaburras. There are nest boxes available for these species on request.

Looking after your nest box

Ideally boxes should be placed away from night time lights and at least three metres from the ground and located in a sheltered location. You should put a small amount of wood shavings or shredded bark in the bottom of your nesting box. This provides some insulation as well as nesting material.

Feral species

A number of introduced animals compete with Australian animals for nesting hollows. Of these the Starlings, Indian Mynahs and Honey Bees are the most destructive. They contest with native species for nesting hollows and some will even build nests over the tops of nests of native animals. Introduced species and their nests should be removed from nesting hollows and boxes. Nests built by Indian Mynahs and Starlings usually are very untidy and often contain plastic and other bits of rubbish. In the case of bees a pest strip placed in a box for a few days will kill them. All dead bees and honey comb should be removed (the honey should not be consumed).

Caution: Bees can be very aggressive. We recommend you contact your local council for advice or contact a professional pest controller.

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Research

Research is undertaken by staff of the Wildlife Reserves and by researchers from other institutions as to the effectiveness of our designs.

Nest box prices

Prices are shown in Australian dollars including GST - for larger orders wholesale rate can be applied. Installation is extra and other boxes can be made on request.

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