should i clean out bluebird house between broods

Should You Clean Out a Bluebird House Between Broods?

If you have a bluebird house in your yard, you may be wondering if you should clean it out between broods. Bluebirds can have up to three broods per season, so they may reuse the same nest multiple times. So should you give them a clean slate each time, or leave the old nesting material in place? There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Why Clean Out a Bluebird House Between Broods?

Here are some potential benefits to cleaning out bluebird nests between broods:

• Removes old fecal matter and debris. After raising one brood of nestlings the nest cup can get quite soiled. Cleaning it out provides the adults and nestlings with a fresh, sanitary nest site.

• Reduces parasites. Nest parasites like mites can accumulate over time. Removing the old nest removes these pests.

• Encourages nest building. Some experts believe providing fresh nesting materials each time stimulates natural courtship and nesting behaviors.

• Improves monitoring. With a clean nest, it may be easier to see and count eggs and monitor the progression of new broods.

• Prevents buildup. If old nests remain, they gradually build up, reducing the depth of the cavity. Cleaning keeps the box dimensions ideal.

Reasons to Leave the Nest Alone Between Broods

On the other hand, here are some of the benefits to leaving the nest intact:

• It’s natural for bluebirds. Bluebirds readily use old nests for subsequent broods rather than building an entirely new one each time.

• The parents prefer it. Studies have found that many bluebird pairs prefer to reuse an old successful nest over moving to a new site.

• Reduces their work. Reusing a nest saves the adults energy and time that they can devote to other important activities like feeding young.

• May improve success. Some research indicates reusing nests may improve nest success rates for second and third broods.

• Doesn’t harm the birds. As long as the nest is not loaded with parasites, reusing an old nest poses no health risks to the birds.

• Interference risks. Removing nests risks disturbing or interrupting the breeding birds.

Best Practices for Bluebird Nest Cleaning

If you opt to clean out your bluebird boxes between broods, here are some tips to do it properly:

• Timing is critical. Wait until you confirm the first brood has successfully fledged and the juveniles are independent. Do not clean out an active nest.

• Work quickly. The adults may start renesting rapidly, so cleaning should happen immediately after fledging.

• Remove carefully. Take the nest out gently without damaging the box. Use gloves and wash hands after.

• Dispose properly. Double bag the old nest in sealed plastic bags and discard with your household trash.

• Use mild soap. If disinfecting the box, use just a few drops of scent-free soap and rinse very thoroughly.

• Let dry completely. Allow the box to dry out for a few days before the parents attempt to re-nest.

• Add fresh nesting material. Put in new nesting materials like pine straw so the birds don’t have to start from scratch.

Always monitor closely. Make sure any new nest-building is observed so you don’t risk cleaning out a brand new nest start. Keep disturbance to an absolute minimum while there are eggs or young.

An Alternative Approach

As an alternative, some bluebird enthusiasts recommend a balanced approach:

• Clean out the box after the first brood of the season to ensure a clean start.

• For the second and third broods, reuse the existing nests to allow the parents to follow their natural inclinations.

This provides the benefits of cleanliness for the crucial first brood, while still letting the birds reuse nests later in the season.

Follow Your Observations

There is evidence on both sides of this issue, with experts advocating nest cleaning and those advising leaving nests intact. UItimately, most bluebirders decide on their own approach based on close observation of the individual birds using their boxes.

If the parents seem hesitant to rebuild after cleaning, it may be best to leave the nests. If activity declines as the season goes on, cleaning may provide a boost. Adjust based on whether the site is prone to parasites or if the old nests become overly soiled.

With watchful monitoring and some trial and error, you can determine the right nest box management to benefit the bluebirds nesting in your yard. The key is always ensuring you do not disturb them during critical egg laying and incubation. If in doubt, let the old nest remain and allow the resilient bluebirds to decide if they prefer a bit of spring cleaning or prefer things just the way they are.