This information is relevant across Victoria. 

• Nest boxes are not a substitute for natural hollows – prioritise protecting and regenerating natural hollows 

• Nest boxes provide temporary assistance for wildlife. Most will last around 10 years, while a natural hollow may last for 100 years 

• Each species of wildlife has its own requirements for nest boxes, including dimension of box and entrance, placement, and nesting material 

• Avoiding temperature extremes is key to nest box placement and construction 

• Nest boxes are often used by introduced species such as bees, which may need to be monitored and removed 

• Wildlife may not use nest boxes immediately, so patience is key 

• Regular monitoring is essential to maintaining nest boxes and ensuring they are safe for wildlife 

Design 

• Design elements of nest boxes include: 

• Entrance hole size – should be only just large enough for the species you wish to attract 

• Lid – an overhanging lid can provide shelter from weather. A hinged lid can allow for monitoring 

• Depth – species such as cockatoos prefer deep, vertical hollows. Bats will use narrower nest boxes with entrances underneath the box 

• Nesting material such as wood shavings or shredded bark 

• Artificial hollows can be sawn into live or dead trees to achieve more natural hollow conditions. Use an experienced arborist 

• Each species has its own requirements. Choose nest box design based on species you wish to attract. Some common requirements are listed below: 

• Use thick, untreated wood to provide insulation and construct box to avoid gaps for drafts 

• Use rough sawn wood so wildlife can grip and climb 

• Paint outside of box a dark colour with non-toxic paint 

Placement 

• Place nest boxes 3-5 metres high in trees 

• Consider the aspect. Avoid positioning the nest box toward prevailing wind and rain. Placing the nest box so it faces the south east can avoid temperature extremes 

• Consider the surrounding habitat and food and water sources 

• Securely attach the nest box to tree. If using wire, thread through hose and add spring to protect tree and allow for growth. If using nails or screws, consider using spacers to allow tree growth.  

• Nest boxes must be monitored regularly to ensure they are safe for wildlife and to avoid damage to the tree 

• Minimise opening the lid of nest box to avoid disturbing wildlife 

• A pole-mounted camera can be used to inspect inside nest boxes while minimising disturbance 

• Monitor for pests such as bees and starlings which may need to be removed 

• Record observations and placement of nest boxes to inform future management 

• Nest boxes in Victoria – Arthur Rylah Institute 
• Wildlife nesting boxes | Wildlife Victoria 
• Chainsaw Hollows: An alternative to nest boxes – Land for Wildlife