3 Best Owl Boxes for Large Bird Species
When choosing the best owl boxes for large species like Horned or Great Horned Owls, you want something sturdy, weatherproof, and predator-resistant, but also inviting for their natural nesting habits. Think robust cedar or recycled plastic, with sufficient interior space and predator-proof entrance holes around 3-5 inches across. Proper positioning—high enough to keep predators at bay and with good ventilation—ensures safety and comfort. But which features truly matter? Stick around, and you might find the perfect match for your feathered neighbors.
ONKO Large Horned Owl House, Wooden Owl Nesting Box, 14x10x23, Circular Opening, Suitable for Wildlife, Assembly Required
- 1.Spacious Owl House for Large Owl Species:Designed with extra-large dimensions (13.78"L x 10.24"W x 22.83"H), this premium owl nesting box for...
- Weatherproof and Durable Owl Shelter:Crafted from waterproof materials, this outdoor owl house withstands harsh weather while keeping occupants dry...
- Easy-to-Install:This spacious owl nesting box features a user-friendly design that makes installation a breeze. Despite its generous size, the simple...
If you want to give big owls a cozy home, the ONKO Large Horned Owl House is a good choice. It measures 14x10x23 inches, giving plenty of space for owls like Great Horned, Barn, and Eastern Screech Owls. Its design looks like a natural tree cavity, which helps real owls feel comfortable and want to move in. The house is made from waterproof, weather-proof wood. It can handle rain, snow, and sun without falling apart.
It’s easy to put together. The kit comes with hardware and simple instructions. You can set it up quickly. The house also has a secure latch. This makes cleaning easy and keeps the shelter fresh for the owls all year long.
Best For: Bird lovers and people who want to help wildlife. It’s perfect for large owls and lasts through many seasons.
Pros:
- Large inside space for big owls like Horned and Barn Owls.
- Made from weatherproof wood. It works well outside in all weather.
- Easy to assemble with clear instructions and hardware included.
Cons:
- Sometimes, the hardware may be missing when it arrives.
- The wooden parts could wear out or split if not weatherproofed well enough over time.
- Its big size might attract other animals, like squirrels.
This house gives owls a safe, sturdy place to rest and raise their young. It’s simple to set up and built to last outside. If you want to help local wildlife and see owls up close, this house can make a good home for them.
Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Owl House for Outside, Bird Box Kit with Screws
- Steady Durable: Made from high-quality recycled plastic, this birdhouse withstands rain snow sunlight. It ensures durability without denting,...
- Ideal for medium & small owls: Measuring 8.8x9x12.8 inches, this owl house offers ample space for owls to nest comfortably. The front panel features a...
- Easy Cleanout: This owl box includes a front door that can be easily opened for quick and effortless cleaning. This design ensures old nests can be...
The Kingsyard Recycled Plastic Owl House is a great choice if you want a strong, weatherproof home for small to medium-sized owls. It’s made from recycled plastic, so it won’t crack or break from rain, snow, or sun. The house measures 8.8 by 9 by 12.8 inches and has a 3×4 inch door opening. It gives owls a cozy spot to nest and rest.
You can easily clean the house because the front door pops off. It also has small air vents to keep the inside comfy and well-ventilated. All the screws and parts come with the house, so you can set it up without a hassle—even if you’ve never built a birdhouse before.
Best for: Bird lovers and gardeners who want a tough, eco-friendly home for small owls.
Pros:
- Made from recycled plastic, so it lasts long outside
- Front door comes off easily for cleaning
- Has vents for good airflow and safe nesting
Cons:
- Fits only small or medium owls, not bigger ones
- Needs to be secured well so it doesn’t blow away in strong winds
- No instructions included for mounting it, so some people might find it tricky to set up
This owl house is easy to use, eco-friendly, and built to last. It gives owls a safe place to nest and is simple to clean and install.
WHITEHORSE Cedar Owl House – Weatherproof Nesting Box for Screech Owls, Kestrels & More
- WEATHERPROOF - The entry hole is specifcally designed to be not too large to expose the baby owls to the elements and to prevent them from falling...
- WELL-BUILT - Made from high quality western cedar wood; A 3" roof overhang shades the entry hole and thwarts predators; Decking screws used instead of...
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE - A great owl box for outside! Included: two bags of cedar shavings, Assembly and mounting screws, A printed installation booklet as...
The WHITEHORSE Cedar Owl House is a great choice if you want a weatherproof nest box. It gives a safe space for both big and small owl species. Made from high-quality western cedar, it is built to handle rain, snow, and other weather. The recessed door and floor help keep the nest dry. The overhanging roof shields it from harsh weather and predators. The entry hole is just the right size to stop young owls from escaping or falling out. The box is easy to put together and comes with helpful accessories. It is durable and friendly to birds. It offers a cozy home for screech owls, kestrels, and more. Many seasons of safe nesting are possible with this box.
Best For: Bird lovers and people who want a tough, weatherproof nesting box for different types of owls, from small to large.
Pros:
- Made from high-quality western cedar that resists weather
- Has safety features like a proper-sized entry hole and recessed floor to protect young birds
- Easy to assemble with included parts and clear instructions, perfect for outside installation
Cons:
- The size might be too big for small gardens or tight spaces
- Larger predators might be attracted if the box is not secured right
- Building and installing might take some effort for people new to DIY projects
Factors to Consider When Choosing Owl Boxes for Large Bird Species
When choosing owl boxes for large birds, size and space are essential—you need enough room for them to move comfortably without feeling crowded. Weather resistance features, like sturdy materials and proper sealing, help the box withstand the elements (because no one likes a soggy bird). Also, consider ease of cleaning, ventilation, and whether the box suits the species you’re aiming to attract—after all, a box that’s perfect for one bird might be a cozy nightmare for another.
Size and Space
Picking the right size and space for an owl box is key to attracting big birds like owls. The inside should be about 14 to 23 inches tall. This size gives them enough room for their wings and body. Make sure the box isn’t too small or cramped. A larger space helps prevent fighting and stress. It also gives the owls plenty of room to move and build their nest.
The hole in the box should be 3 to 5 inches wide. This is big enough for owls to enter easily but too small for predators. The size of the hole helps keep the owls safe.
The total space inside the box should look like a natural tree cavity. When the box feels familiar, owls are more likely to stay and use it. A well-sized box makes the owls feel welcome and comfortable.
Weather Resistance Features
Making sure your owl box can handle bad weather is very important. Big birds like owls spend a lot of time inside these homes. Choose strong materials for the box, like cedar, recycled plastic, or treated wood. These materials can resist rain, snow, and sunlight. Think of them as armor for the birds.
Add holes for air and water to drain out. These help keep moisture from making the inside wet and muddy. Overhangs or small roofs above the door block rain and wind from getting inside. This keeps the inside dry and cozy.
Check the box often. Putting use sealant on it helps keep it weatherproof for a long time. With these simple steps, your owl box will stay safe and strong, no matter the weather. Your feathered friends will have a clean, dry place to stay, rain or shine.
Ease of Cleaning
Cleaning an owl box should be easy. When picking a box, look for one with parts that can come apart or open easily. This helps you clean inside without a hassle. Make sure the box has small holes at the bottom to let water out. This keeps it dry and prevents mold or fungus from growing. Clear instructions and simple steps to put the box together make cleaning quicker. A latch on the panels keeps the box closed while an owl is inside but opens easily for cleaning. Smooth, splinter-free surfaces are better because they don’t trap dirt and are easier to wipe clean. All these features help you clean the owl box fast and keep it fresh for the birds.
Proper Ventilation
When you choose an owl box for big birds, good ventilation is very important. It helps keep the air fresh and controls temperature and humidity. This stops mold and moisture from building up. No one wants a damp, musty nest for their birds!
You should add small holes or vents in the box. These let air flow inside while keeping predators out. A cozy home should not turn into a trap. Too little air makes moisture stay inside, which can cause rot and make the birds sick.
In warm weather, good airflow stops the inside from getting too hot. In cold weather, it helps keep temperatures steady. Some boxes have vents that you can open or close. This way, you can control the air inside and keep your birds comfortable.
Think of a well-ventilated owl box as a dry, breezy retreat. It makes a safe and comfy home for your birds to rest and lay eggs.
Suitable Bird Species
Choosing the right owl box for big birds isn’t just about making it large. You need to pick a box that fits the bird’s habits and needs. For large owls like Great Horned Owls, Barn Owls, or Eastern Screech Owls, make sure the inside is big enough for their wings and how they nest. The entrance hole should be between 3 and 5 inches wide. It needs to be big enough for the owl to get in but small enough to keep predators out. Place the box between 10 and 30 feet high. This matches where these owls usually nest in nature. Adding good ventilation and a drainage hole helps keep the inside dry and comfy. Using a bigger or custom box gives the owl plenty of space. This creates a safe place where large owls can rest and raise their young comfortably.
FAQs
How Durable Are Recycled Plastic Owl Houses Over Time?
Recycled plastic owl houses are highly durable, resisting rot, pest damage, and weathering over time. You can count on their longevity and low maintenance, making them a practical, eco-friendly choice for safe, long-lasting nesting habitats.
Are Eco-Friendly Materials Beneficial for Owl Health?
Eco-friendly materials benefit owl health by reducing harmful chemicals and creating a natural environment. You support their wellbeing, promote safety, and encourage healthy nesting habits, making your owl houses safer and more sustainable for the birds.
Can Owl Boxes Be Used Indoors or Only Outdoors?
You can use owl boxes indoors or outdoors, but they’re mainly designed for outdoor use to mimic natural nesting environments. Indoors, guarantee there’s enough space, proper ventilation, and the safety of the bird’s natural instincts.
What Cleaning Precautions Are Recommended for Large Owl Boxes?
You should wear gloves and a mask when cleaning large owl boxes to avoid any infections, pick a dry, calm day for safety, and scrub the interior with warm, soapy water, rinsing thoroughly before reinstallation.
How Do Weather Conditions Affect Owl Box Placement and Longevity?
Weather conditions greatly impact owl box placement and longevity. You should position boxes away from harsh sun, rain, or wind exposure to prevent damage, and regularly check for weather-related wear to guarantee a safe, durable nesting environment.
Kashvi is a passionate bird enthusiast and nature lover who has been fascinated by the world of birds for years. With a keen eye for detail and a love for learning, Kashvi is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and insights with fellow bird enthusiasts on Avian Enthusiasts. Through her engaging and informative articles, Kashvi aims to inspire others to join her in exploring the fascinating world of birds and to promote a deeper appreciation for these incredible creatures.
