Box Location Advice Needed

[sierranomad]

I'm trying to figure out where to place the box for the birds to get out of the wind (not usually windy in the aviary location anyway, but providing it for the rare occasions that it is).

I've outlined the two spots that I have in mind. On the left is right above the hallway and would be the easiest and most aesthetically pleasing. However, I remember someone saying that finches like to roost in the highest place, and that location is not the highest.

Would the birds go there when they needed to, or would they choose instead to roost a foot higher even though it could be windy?

The spot on the right is the highest spot, but building it there would be more difficult.

I appreciate any advice. Don't want to build it where it won't be used

[Ursula]

I think I WOULD build it in the highest place. Seems to me that closest to the house should also be the warmest!?

[sierranomad]

I think I WOULD build it in the highest place. Seems to me that closest to the house should also be the warmest!?

Thanks Ursula. Yes, it should also be warmer nearer to the house, so there it will go.

[CandoAviary]

I would place it where you want but face the opening away from the north wind (that is the direction the cold wind comes in from where I live anyway)
You can install an infared or low wattage light in the box which will draw them to it and also offer some heat.

[sierranomad]

Thank you, Candace!

[monotwine]

Mmm now my opinion (excluding wind direction as I have no idea of yours) would put boxes on both sides and let the finches choose.

They would probably appreciate a few night time sleeping perching places on the highest side, but in my experience finches will breed in the oddest places and hardly ever where you think best. Since most of your aviary has a roof to protect from the weather only your wind conditions would make any impact on sites available for nesting.

Aesthetically I see your point. Nest boxes don't always look pretty although there is much done on this forum which shows how you can make them attractive with foliage etc. I personally love having a view of the nest boxes so I can see who is up to what in my aviary.

Some of the finches characters really come out when they are nesting / building and I always have giggle trying to watch some of the stuff they take into their nests. My Zebras occassionally look like father christmas with white beards when they take LOADS of feathers, or other times you see the dumb-dog in them come out as they try take a long stick into a small hole/enterance. Quite entertaining for a viewer too.