The Bottom Line
With a simple but classic design and modern, environmentally-friendly materials, the Four Seasons Roosting Box from Duncraft is an ideal way to add shelter for small backyard birds at any time of year. Neutral colors make this box attractively suited for any yard or garden decor, and the size is perfect for a range of backyard bird species that use communal roosting spaces.
Pros
- Eco-friendly materials and solid construction are durable for years of effective use in all weathers and climates.
- Large size and interior angled ladder are designed to accommodate larger numbers of small roosting birds.
- Includes all necessary mounting hardware as well as instructions for proper use, care and placement.
- Also available as a set with a mounting bracket and pole.
Cons
- Must be partially disassembled and unscrewed for periodic cleaning.
Description
- Name: Four Seasons Roosting Box (Item No. 3127; box with pole and mounting kit is Item No. 3131)
- Manufacturer: Duncraft
- House Style: Roosting Box
- Height: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) at highest point of sloped roof
- Width: 5 inches (12.7 cm) – roof is 6 inches wide (15.2 cm)
- Depth: 5 inches (12.7 cm) – roof is 7 inches deep (17.8 cm)
- Entrance Hole Diameter: 1.5 inches (3.8 cm)
- Construction: Recycled plastic and PVC, metal hardware
- Intended Birds: Chickadees, bluebirds, wrens, titmice, nuthatches and other small species
- Price: $49.95 (via Duncraft; prices from other retailers may vary) - $69.95 for box with pole mounting hardware and sectional pole
Review - Four Seasons Roosting Box
Many small backyard birds use bird roosting boxes, and the Four Seasons Roosting Box is designed to accommodate any of them with its basic but effective design. The elongated size and interior inclined ladder with three perches provides abundant room for small flocks of chickadees, nuthatches, wrens and similar birds, and up to six or more birds can fit comfortably into the house without great risk of smothering or asphyxiation.
The 1.5-inch entrance hole is positioned just 1.25 inches from the bottom of the box, the roof is tightly secured to the box and a lack of corner seams all ensure that the maximum amount of heat is conserved within the box to keep roosting birds warm. The thick roof is a dark green color that can also help attract heat if properly positioned in the afternoon sunshine, warming the box for birds to use. The non-porous PVC and recycled plastic construction is not only durable, but also impervious to moisture to keep the interior of the box dry for even better warmth. The plastic construction also resists intrusion by squirrels, rodents and other pests that could harm roosting birds.
Two sturdy metal screws attach the roof while three screws secure the bottom, and those screws must be removed for the box to be cleaned, though a birder with the proper tools may be able to add a roof hinge instead (take care not to crack the plastic if making this modification). For the easiest cleaning, both roof and base can be removed at once, and a small layer of wood shavings or fine grasses can be added to the bottom of the box to make cleaning more convenient. The interior ladder is unsecured and easily removed for proper cleaning, though it is sturdy and will not tip when properly placed for use.
The box comes with all necessary hardware for hanging on a tree trunk or wooden pole, including a small metal hook for hanging and sturdy screws for mounting. If desired, the same roosting box can also be purchased in a kit with a base mounting bracket and 72-inch sectional metal pole. The box by itself, however, does include pre-drilled holes for backyard birders who want to mount it to their own pole and already have the appropriate hardware and mounting bracket.
Many backyard birders strive to find ways to keep their favorite birds nearby year-round, and adding the Four Seasons Roosting Box from Duncraft to the yard will instantly add shelter that small roosting birds will find attractive. Simply designed but made with the birds in mind, this is a great box to add to any backyard and the birds that use it will have no reason to leave no matter what the weather.
