Owl Box - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

.270 · 01-08-2020, 09:46 PM

Hopefully, the diverse wisdom of the green screen can help. I live in north Comal Co. and wondering when is the best time to put up an owl box on the back of my property and which kind of box? Size?? Many thanks!

SmTx · 01-08-2020, 09:50 PM

Make something the size of a deer stand and pray they don't get in it and you'll be covered up in no time

Fightinaggies · 01-08-2020, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmTx

Make something the size of a deer stand and pray they don't get in it and you'll be covered up in no time

If that's not the truth! Lol

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.270 · 01-08-2020, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmTx

Make something the size of a deer stand and pray they don't get in it and you'll be covered up in no time

Yup cleaned out a few of those... but 2 springs ago buzzards got into my blind and nested.....that was...a mess to clean. Blind still stinks.

LFD2037 · 01-08-2020, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmTx

Make something the size of a deer stand and pray they don't get in it and you'll be covered up in no time

Shinesintx · 01-08-2020, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by .270

Yup cleaned out a few of those... but 2 springs ago buzzards got into my blind and nested.....that was...a mess to clean. Blind still stinks.

Cover scent?

yaqui · 01-08-2020, 10:23 PM

You want the box to be inaccessible to squirrels, and the box should face towards the east. It might take a few years for owls to move in.

18ncs · 01-09-2020, 12:42 AM

This link is not for the plans but I think you can find some on the Wild Birds Unlimited page.

https://www.wbu.com/owl-cam/

Razorback01 · 01-13-2020, 04:11 AM

This is the first owl that we have had (maybe noticed) in a year or two. In previous years they have raised owlets.

Plainsman · 01-13-2020, 05:57 AM

Cool stuff.

eradicator · 01-13-2020, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorback01

This is the first owl that we have had (maybe noticed) in a year or two. In previous years they have raised owlets.

What's the size of that hole roughly?

Razorback01 · 01-13-2020, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eradicator

What's the size of that hole roughly?

I don't recollect, should just be able to Google "screech owl box" and get the dimensions as I built it via plans on WWW.

eradicator · 01-13-2020, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorback01

I don't recollect, should just be able to Google "screech owl box" and get the dimensions as I built it via plans on WWW.

How do you keep the squirrels, woodpeckers, etc out of it?

Razorback01 · 01-13-2020, 08:03 AM

Squirrels do get in it, but the owl should win. No issue with other birds.

eastxhunter · 01-13-2020, 08:09 AM

I support those who support owls

eradicator · 01-13-2020, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Razorback01

Squirrels do get in it, but the owl should win. No issue with other birds.

Blackmouth · 01-13-2020, 08:25 AM

It's going to depend on what species of owl you are wanting to attract also.

http://www.birdsforever.com/boxdim.html

ShockValue · 03-04-2021, 04:17 PM

We put up an owl box (screech owl) this year and got our first visitor in a couple weeks. I believe we may have a nesting pair but its hard to say. I know we've had 2 in there at least once since the snow.

Kossetx · 03-04-2021, 07:49 PM

I've never got an owl in either of mine. Did see a Mexican queeler checking it out one time. Wished an owl woulda happened by right then.

oktx · 03-04-2021, 08:03 PM

That's cool. I've always wanted a bat house.

KIETHSTONE · 03-05-2021, 07:59 AM

Do you need to put any nesting material in to attract them?

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Casey · 03-05-2021, 09:06 AM

I had one at my home in Atascocita that the owls used and have had a couple here in Bulverde. I got the plans online and I think I used 1 1x12 to make the entire house.

They say the direction they face is important. The one in Atascocita faced southwest. My first one here in Bulverde faced North. I've been told any direction but north, however, we had a couple of sets of owlets hatched in that one. Above the spot where that box hung on our big oak is a big hole in the limb. It faces north as well. We've had owlets hatched in there too.

The west facing one was hung last summer and not used. Hoping that will change this spring as we can see it through the big picture windows in the back of the house.

Some past threads with pics:

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...d.php?t=533327

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...d.php?t=532813

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...ad.php?t=90366

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...ad.php?t=88248

https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...ad.php?t=83983

Some pics from last year:

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mmoses · 03-05-2021, 09:16 AM

will tag this thread. Plan on doing owl, bat and wood duck houses this year.

SaltwaterSlick · 03-05-2021, 09:18 AM

GREAT pics Casey!!

hog_down · 03-05-2021, 09:30 AM

tag as well, interested in building a few woodpecker or owl boxes.

Casey · 03-05-2021, 09:35 AM

Here is a plan similar to what I did.

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KevinAndy · 03-05-2021, 11:22 AM

I haven't had any luck with mine. Squirrels chewed a hole in the side and took it over. I plan to get a new one soon. I believe I bought it from a guy around Nacagdoches.

kurt68 · 03-05-2021, 11:54 AM

Awesome pics Casey!

Biggs · 03-05-2021, 12:26 PM

Those pictures are insane

Charles · 03-05-2021, 12:26 PM

Incredible photos Casey!

piercebronkite · 03-05-2021, 03:15 PM

I didnt know I wanted to build an owl box until now.

Casey · 03-05-2021, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piercebronkite

I didnt know I wanted to build an owl box until now.

It is a lot of fun to sit out back while they "screech", fly around, and bring babies food.

Keith · 03-05-2021, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmoses

will tag this thread. Plan on doing owl, bat and wood duck houses this year.

Me too! I've got a pond in my back yard, about 80-100 yards from the back door. I've never seen a duck on it, I'm guessing the wood duck box would never be used? I have seen bats and heard several owls.

Mule Skinner · 03-05-2021, 08:23 PM

TPWD is your friend. Bird box dimensions for several species, including owl and wood duck, here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild...ng/birdhouses/

Kossetx · 03-05-2021, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mule Skinner

TPWD is your friend. Bird box dimensions for several species, including owl and wood duck, here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild...ng/birdhouses/

The first thing I did when I looked at this was laugh. Bluebird box floor should be 5.5x5.75. I bet papa bluebird carries a tape measure.

My bluebird boxes are 5x5x15, horizontal. They ain't never complained.

hog_down · 03-08-2021, 09:50 AM

One of my projects this weekend was making owl boxes, came out with 4 so far. Going to paint or stain them before they are mounted to a tree.

3ChordTruth · 03-08-2021, 09:06 PM

Great posts and pics here, owls are just such cool birds. Tons of attitude and personality.

toledo · 03-08-2021, 10:54 PM

Are yall able to find 1x10 rough cut cedar? I ended up using fence pickets and reinforcing them.

rtjh · 03-09-2021, 05:53 AM

We put up 2 at our hunting camp. The first one was inhabited by a screech owl immediately, has been ever since. The baby owls will poke their heads out and stare at you when we mow around the nest box. The second one was first inhabited by screech owls, then barn owls, and for the last 2 years has a bee hive inside.

DRT · 03-09-2021, 06:05 AM

For a year we had a pair of great horned owls nest in the framed up house that was here when we bought the place. We dried it in and haven't seen them since. I was hoping they'd talk to the pole barn but, no luck.

I appreciate the thread and those plans. I will build a couple this weekend.

Would cedar boards work?

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

WinslowBoy · 03-09-2021, 07:08 AM

All good comments here but if you are going to build and place an owl house, do it quick. Most owls nest in late winter, early spring so a lot have all ready begun the process, especially in southern part of Texas. We have a pair in Houston area which I believe have all ready laid eggs.

Placement is important. They prefer southeast facing but any direction but North will do. They also prefer to be at least 10 or more feet above the ground. And make sure no branches in front of the entrance. For some reason, they prefer them to be in bigger, older trees. Just my observation on this one.

As with all bird houses, I would recommend AGAINST painting or staining them. Natural wood feel is preferred. I know they won’t last as long but natural wood is preferred. As also stated, lots of good building instructions online. I’ve made several small bird boxes just out of old fence pickets.

In addition to owls, other box nesting birds are looking for homes now too. Bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, wrens and whistling ducks have all been checking out boxes since the big freeze around me. Always enjoy providing boxes for various birds.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

01-08-2020, 09:46 PM	#1
.270 Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Texas Hunt In: Hill Country	Owl Box Hopefully, the diverse wisdom of the green screen can help. I live in north Comal Co. and wondering when is the best time to put up an owl box on the back of my property and which kind of box? Size?? Many thanks!

01-13-2020, 04:11 AM	#9
Razorback01 Pope & Young Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Johnson Co. Hunt In: where my Elite takes me!	This is the first owl that we have had (maybe noticed) in a year or two. In previous years they have raised owlets. Attached Images

03-04-2021, 04:17 PM	#18
ShockValue Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Flower Mound, Tx Hunt In: Hill Country	Owl Box We put up an owl box (screech owl) this year and got our first visitor in a couple weeks. I believe we may have a nesting pair but its hard to say. I know we've had 2 in there at least once since the snow. Last edited by ShockValue; 03-04-2021 at 04:19 PM.

03-08-2021, 09:50 AM	#36
hog_down Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Houston, TX	One of my projects this weekend was making owl boxes, came out with 4 so far. Going to paint or stain them before they are mounted to a tree. Attached Images

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01-08-2020, 09:50 PM	#2
SmTx Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Marcos/Hempstead Hunt In: Jim Wells	Make something the size of a deer stand and pray they don't get in it and you'll be covered up in no time

01-08-2020, 10:23 PM	#7
yaqui Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Dallas Hunt In: Eastland Co.	You want the box to be inaccessible to squirrels, and the box should face towards the east. It might take a few years for owls to move in.

01-09-2020, 12:42 AM	#8
18ncs Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Hunt In: Fayette Co., Greene Co.	This link is not for the plans but I think you can find some on the Wild Birds Unlimited page. https://www.wbu.com/owl-cam/

01-13-2020, 05:57 AM	#10
Plainsman Spike Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Cypress, Texas Hunt In: Upshur, Marion, Jasper Counties	Cool stuff.

01-13-2020, 08:03 AM	#14
Razorback01 Pope & Young Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Johnson Co. Hunt In: where my Elite takes me!	Squirrels do get in it, but the owl should win. No issue with other birds.

01-13-2020, 08:09 AM	#15
eastxhunter Banned!!! Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Houston Hunt In: The moderators favorite stand	I support those who support owls

01-13-2020, 08:25 AM	#17
Blackmouth Eight Point Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Waxahachie, TX	It's going to depend on what species of owl you are wanting to attract also. http://www.birdsforever.com/boxdim.html

03-04-2021, 07:49 PM	#19
Kossetx Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2017	I've never got an owl in either of mine. Did see a Mexican queeler checking it out one time. Wished an owl woulda happened by right then.

03-04-2021, 08:03 PM	#20
oktx Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Wise County Hunt In: Wise County	That's cool. I've always wanted a bat house.

03-05-2021, 07:59 AM	#21
KIETHSTONE Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Flint Hunt In: Jack	Do you need to put any nesting material in to attract them? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-05-2021, 09:06 AM	#22
Casey Administrator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bulverde Hunt In: Frio, Blanco Counties	I had one at my home in Atascocita that the owls used and have had a couple here in Bulverde. I got the plans online and I think I used 1 1x12 to make the entire house. They say the direction they face is important. The one in Atascocita faced southwest. My first one here in Bulverde faced North. I've been told any direction but north, however, we had a couple of sets of owlets hatched in that one. Above the spot where that box hung on our big oak is a big hole in the limb. It faces north as well. We've had owlets hatched in there too. The west facing one was hung last summer and not used. Hoping that will change this spring as we can see it through the big picture windows in the back of the house. Some past threads with pics: https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...d.php?t=533327 https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...d.php?t=532813 https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...ad.php?t=90366 https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...ad.php?t=88248 https://discussions.texasbowhunter.c...ad.php?t=83983 Some pics from last year:

03-05-2021, 09:16 AM	#23
mmoses Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: League City TX Hunt In: Texas	will tag this thread. Plan on doing owl, bat and wood duck houses this year.

03-05-2021, 09:18 AM	#24
SaltwaterSlick Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006	GREAT pics Casey!!

03-05-2021, 09:30 AM	#25
hog_down Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Houston, TX	tag as well, interested in building a few woodpecker or owl boxes.

03-05-2021, 09:35 AM	#26
Casey Administrator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Bulverde Hunt In: Frio, Blanco Counties	Here is a plan similar to what I did.

03-05-2021, 11:22 AM	#27
KevinAndy Six Point Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: The Woodlands, TX Hunt In: Jim Wells Co., TX	I haven't had any luck with mine. Squirrels chewed a hole in the side and took it over. I plan to get a new one soon. I believe I bought it from a guy around Nacagdoches.

03-05-2021, 11:54 AM	#28
kurt68 Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2006 Hunt In: Waller Co. and Rocksprings and "H"	Awesome pics Casey!

03-05-2021, 12:26 PM	#29
Biggs Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Temple	Those pictures are insane

03-05-2021, 12:26 PM	#30
Charles Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006	Incredible photos Casey!

03-05-2021, 03:15 PM	#31
piercebronkite Four Point Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Allen, TX Hunt In: Texas, Colorado	I didnt know I wanted to build an owl box until now.

03-05-2021, 08:23 PM	#34
Mule Skinner Six Point Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: San Antonio Hunt In: Eastern Edwards Co.	TPWD is your friend. Bird box dimensions for several species, including owl and wood duck, here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild...ng/birdhouses/

03-08-2021, 09:06 PM	#37
3ChordTruth Ten Point Join Date: May 2020 Location: Grapevine	Great posts and pics here, owls are just such cool birds. Tons of attitude and personality.

03-08-2021, 10:54 PM	#38
toledo Ten Point Join Date: May 2010 Location: College Station Hunt In: the road by your lease	Are yall able to find 1x10 rough cut cedar? I ended up using fence pickets and reinforcing them.

03-09-2021, 05:53 AM	#39
rtjh Six Point Join Date: Jan 2017	We put up 2 at our hunting camp. The first one was inhabited by a screech owl immediately, has been ever since. The baby owls will poke their heads out and stare at you when we mow around the nest box. The second one was first inhabited by screech owls, then barn owls, and for the last 2 years has a bee hive inside.

03-09-2021, 06:05 AM	#40
DRT Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Fort Worth, Tx Hunt In: Jones County and Missouri	For a year we had a pair of great horned owls nest in the framed up house that was here when we bought the place. We dried it in and haven't seen them since. I was hoping they'd talk to the pole barn but, no luck. I appreciate the thread and those plans. I will build a couple this weekend. Would cedar boards work? Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

03-09-2021, 07:08 AM	#41
WinslowBoy Six Point Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: The Woodlands, TX Hunt In: Trinity County, TPWD Public Hunts	All good comments here but if you are going to build and place an owl house, do it quick. Most owls nest in late winter, early spring so a lot have all ready begun the process, especially in southern part of Texas. We have a pair in Houston area which I believe have all ready laid eggs. Placement is important. They prefer southeast facing but any direction but North will do. They also prefer to be at least 10 or more feet above the ground. And make sure no branches in front of the entrance. For some reason, they prefer them to be in bigger, older trees. Just my observation on this one. As with all bird houses, I would recommend AGAINST painting or staining them. Natural wood feel is preferred. I know they won’t last as long but natural wood is preferred. As also stated, lots of good building instructions online. I’ve made several small bird boxes just out of old fence pickets. In addition to owls, other box nesting birds are looking for homes now too. Bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, wrens and whistling ducks have all been checking out boxes since the big freeze around me. Always enjoy providing boxes for various birds. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk