Q&A for How to Make a Sparrow Nestbox

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No, build a nest box out of reliable and strong weather-proof materials so that if it does rain, the sparrows' home won't be ruined.

Cardboard is much easier to work with than wood, but it's not practical, especially when they're outside in all kinds of weather. Wood is best and less harmful to the birds. Unless it's treated, it doesn't contain any harmful chemicals that could hurt birds. Treated wood should never be used to build bird boxes.

No, paint fumes are dangerous for birds to inhale. It could kill or harm them.

Try a shoe box. Cut a hole on a long side of the cardboard box, and hoist it onto a hook at about 10 feet from the ground.

Not really, unless that wall is right next to a tree or shrubbery. The birdhouse needs to be in a sheltered area for the protection of the box and the precious baby birds inside. A tree is more sheltered, and better protected than a wall, but of course for other birds, a nest box in an open area on a fence post is considered perfect to raise their babies in. So it just depends on the birds.

It’s better to offer a location with partial shade. Though a professionally made nestbox will offer protection and keep the temperature inside the box regulated.

You should remove the nest after each brood has fledged. Mama bird will quickly build a new nest. Old nests contain mites that will feed off the baby birds and can cause sufficient blood loss to kill them.

You can use a large bottle and cut a hole in it as smoothly as possible. Try using opaque bottles. A better alternative would be to use an old plastic box. However, it is better to stick to wood if at all possible.

The birdhouse will not scare them away; it will do the opposite. However, if you place the house away from the windowsill, the house sparrows will go away from the windowsill and nest in the nestbox instead of the windowsill.