Nest Box Design Research Articles

The value of nest boxes in the research and management of Australian hollow-using arboreal marsupials

Nest boxes have been recognised as research and management tools for arboreal marsupials in Australia for over 20 years. We review the published literature with the aim of describing the scope of studies conducted in Australia thus far and providing guidance to future research. We recognise three types of application in research: (1) detection of species, (2) study of a species’ ecology, and (3) investigation of box designs preferred by different species. Several species of arboreal marsupial may be detected more readily in nest boxes than by conventional survey techniques, allowing description of key aspects of their ecology; e.g. feathertail glider (Acrobates pygmaeus), eastern pygmy possum (Cercartetus nanus) and brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa). Identifying the most favoured nest-box design for any species has implications for detection and management uses of nest boxes. More research is needed but preliminary findings suggest that species prefer narrow entrance holes, while height of the nest box above 3 m may be inconsequential. We recognise three types of management application: (1) species introduction, (2) support of populations of endangered species, and (3) strategic placement such as to enhance habitat connectivity. Currently there have been few attempts to use nest boxes to manage arboreal marsupials but further research is needed to realise their potential as a management tool.

The use of nest boxes by arboreal marsupials in the forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria

The results are reported of a nest-box study conducted in two locations in the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests of the Central Highlands of Victoria (south-eastern Australia) to compare usage of different nest-box designs located at different heights in trees. A total of 96 nest boxes was established using a rigorous experimental design – two regions (Powelltown and Toolangi State Forests), two forest age classes (20-year post-logging regrowth and 60-year fire- and salvage-logging regrowth), two nest-box designs (large boxes with large entrance holes and small boxes with small entrance holes), and two heights at which nest boxes were attached to trees (3 m and 8 m above the ground). The study entailed setting out four nest boxes at each of 24 sites to meet the design criteria. Evidence of occupancy by vertebrates was recorded in a total of 19 of 96 boxes on 11 of 24 sites site during regular inspections over more than three years. Thirteen boxes were used by Leadbeater's possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), six by the mountain brushtail possum (Trichosurus cunninghami) and seven by the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus). The common ringtail possum and mountain brushtail possum were seen only in high–large boxes but Leadbeater's possum used all but the low–large boxes. There was evidence of spatial dependence in usage patterns, with all four boxes at a given site showing signs of eventually being occupied. Only two nest boxes located in mountain ash forest regenerating after the 1939 wildfires were occupied. Relatively limited use of nest boxes supports concerns about the use of a nest box over large scales and long timeframes as an effective recovery tool for species threatened by the loss and subsequent shortage in the numbers of naturally occurring hollows.

Artificial nest box use by the North Island saddleback: Effects of nest box design and mite infestations on nest site selection and reproductive success

The importance of artificial nest boxes for North Island saddlebacks (Philesturnus carunculatus rufusater) on Tiritiri Matangi Island has increased significantly, suggesting that “natural” nesting cavities are now a limited resource for this growing population. The design and position of artificial nest boxes directly affects the likelihood of saddleback use for nesting: small boxes (0.005 and 0.0lm3) with large (140–160 mm high) north facing openings had the highest probability of being used. One of the disadvantages of using artificial nest boxes in conservation management is the potential for parasite build‐up. Two species of mesostigmatid mites were found in the artificial nest boxes used by saddlebacks on Tiritiri Matangi Island. One was an undescribed species of Dermanyssid mite the other was Ornithonyssus bursa, the fowl mite. The numbers of mites detected increased over the saddleback nesting cycle from September to December. However, our results strongly suggest that, for saddlebacks, no negative correlations exist between mite abundance and chick weight, fledging date, or the number of fledglings produced. Mite abundance was extremely variable and did not correlate with nest box temperature or relative humidity.

Preference for various nest box designs in farmed silver foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) and blue foxes ( Alopex lagopus)

Nest box choice experiments were carried out outside the breeding season on adult silver and blue fox vixens with no previous permanent nest box experience. Nest boxes were varied in height of placement, number of rooms, presence of entrance room or platform and light conditions. Only one parameter was varied in any one experiment. Both fox species clearly preferred an elevated multi-room nest box; while silver foxes showed preference for boxes supplied with a platform, blue foxes preferred boxes with an entrance room. There was no significant box preference with respect to light conditions. The possible welfare implications of the preferences are discussed.

Use by tits of nest boxes of different designs in pinewoods

Two experiments tested the preferences by tits in pinewoods for different nest box designs. Great, Blue and Coal Tits preferred deep boxes (≈ 19 cm from base to entrance lip) over shallow ones (≈ 9 cm). Crested `Tits preferred boxes that had been filled with sawdust and wood-shaving which they removed before nesting. The excavation of a fresh nest cavity each year perhaps ensures that nests are free of fleas for Crested Tits.

Design of nest boxes for laying cages

Abstract 1. ISA Brown hens were housed in groups of 4 in cages with different designs of nest boxes provided, to determine the effects of nest box design and management on their use and on the pre‐laying behaviour shown by the birds. 2. There were 5 treatments: control (C); a wire‐floored nest box attached to the back of the cage (W); a nest box containing a fibreglass rollaway hollow (N); two rollaway nest boxes (T); a rollaway nest box, protected by a partition from the main part of the cage (P). 3. The holes in the rollaway nests in treatment N, T and P were shut initially, but the proportion of eggs laid in these nests only reached 50%. This proportion rose to over 80% when wood shavings were added daily, but fell to below 30% when rollaway holes were opened. These rollaway hollows are apparently not suitable for use in laying cages. 4. Use of nest boxes in treatment W varied between 60 and 80%. However, when pre‐laying behaviour was recorded (in 19 hens) two birds which laid in the nest boxes neverth...

Nest box design and nesting material in a deep litter house for laying hens

Abstract 1. Preferences of hens for different types of nest box were tested in two deep litter pens, each containing 300 Isabrown laying hens. Four types were offered: traditional wooden nests with litter, metal rollaway nests with plastic liners, wooden rollaway nests with artificial turf and autonests. 2. Most eggs were laid in traditional nests (70% in pen 1, 66% in pen 2). Metal rollaways were the next preferred type. These preferences were confirmed by analysis of records from individual nest boxes, and by observations of hens marked with wing tags. 3. Choice of nesting material was tested in one pen of 370 hens. Traditional nests were provided, containing either wood shavings or a mixture of buckwheat and oat husks. 4. Preferences for type of nesting material were equivocal. The majority of eggs were laid on wood shavings initially, but on buckwheat/oat husks later. Individual hens were inconsistent in their choice. A deep (100 mm) layer of nesting material was preferred to a shallow (25 mm) layer. 5. Individual, wooden nest boxes incorporating buckwheat/oat husk nesting material on a movable belt are probably the most suitable system for automation of egg collection in deep litter houses.