Barn Owl Nest Box

Barn Owl
barn-owl-nest-box-plan

Box Design for Barn Owls

Download a Barn Owl Nest Box Plan

Use natural, uncoated wood such as cedar or redwood which are more durable than pine or exterior plywood. Use at least ¾ inch boards.

Nest Box Placement

Boxes can be erected on poles in open fields, in barns, or in unused grain silos.

All boxes should be in or near good hunting ground and exit holes should face open areas with a clear line of flight.

We recommend placing boxes 20 to 25 feet off the ground, but Barn Owls will use boxes as low as 8 feet off the ground.

Barn owls are known to nest in close proximity to one another, in some cases with many pairs in one barn, however we recommend not installing boxes within 100 feet of one another.

Boxes erected in silos should ensure continued access through the silo roof or sides.

Place boxes in barns such that the opening of the box exits through the side (end) of the barn. To enhance a silo or barn, secure large branches between beams high up in the barn. These branches will be heavily used for perches.