Q: Is a slot box “Sparrow Resistant?”
A: No.
Regular slot nestboxes are often marketed as being “resistant to House Sparrows.” This claim is based on some early experiments done by Dr. Wayne Davis. Unfortunately, House Sparrows will not hesitate to use a slot box. I would hypothesize that what Davis actually saw was “neophobia” – i.e., House Sparrows he observed were not used to this new design, so initially they avoided it,
In addition, House Wrens love slot boxes, probably because it is easier to manuever sticks into them. They are also difficult to use an inbox Van Ert trap in.
In my experience, the only two nestbox styles that House Sparrows do not PREFER are:
- the Gilbertson nestbox (a round PVC box), and
- perhaps a Troyer nestbox (a smaller version of a slot box.) With regard to the Troyer box, House Sparrows may be deterred by the small interior.
However, House Sparrows will use these boxes too, or may enter them for the purposes of attack. One of the reasons House Sparrows are such successful invaders is that they will nest just about anywhere – even in open gutters.
Instead, try a Sparrow Spooker (put on after the first egg is laid, removed after young fledge) or monofilament.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- House Sparrow Management
- Experiments to Deter House Sparrows
- Nestbox Styles – Pros & Cons
- Discouraging House Wrens
- When House Sparrows Attack
- Sparrow Spookers
- House Sparrow Proliferation
- Misinformation Online
- Predator & Problem ID and Solutions
- Wall of Shame – House Sparrows nesting in signs, etc.
Don’t believe everything you think
