Execs: Modern design utilizing sturdy high-insulating materials. Quick access for cleansing. Accessible in a variety of kinds, colors and designs. 10 yr assure.
Cons: Somewhat on the heavy aspect… though as soon as in situ that’s not likely a problem and the burden truly makes the field extra steady. Not 100% positive of the eco-credentials of the concrete factor of the fabric used.
Value: €24.99
The Woodstone vary of nest bins by Vivara/CJ Wildlife provides an modern twist on conventional wood nest field designs. Constructed from a novel mixture of concrete and pure wooden fibres, these bins are robust, long-lasting and supply excellent insulating properties — making for happier birds and extra profitable broods.
Ranking: Extremely Beneficial
Woodstone® Seville 28mm Nestbox Full Assessment
Nest bins are available in all kinds of sizes and styles, however they’re all a lot the identical. 4 partitions, a roof, a ground and both an entrance gap or open entrance to permit entry to potential residents. It’s uncommon to see something actually modern in relation to nest bins. So I used to be intrigued after I acquired certainly one of CJ Wildlife Eire’s new Woodstone nestboxes to evaluate on the positioning.
This was in contrast to any nest field I’d ever seen.
Woodstone bins are forged from what seems to be cement or concrete, however a more in-depth look reveals there’s extra happening right here. The fabric is definitely constructed from (and I assume the clue is within the title) a intelligent mixture of concrete and sustainable FSC licensed wooden fibres. In different phrases, it’s made out of concrete, blended with sawdust.
The result’s a cloth that’s robust, hard-wearing, has excellent insulating properties and is breathable. That ticks a variety of the appropriate bins for the right nest field. An excellent nest field has to maintain birds… and their eggs and chicks, dry and at a temperature that doesn’t fluctuate an excessive amount of by way of the breeding season. An excellent nest field ought to keep cool sufficient on hot-summer days, and retain warmth when it’s cooler outdoors, or when father or mother birds are away foraging.
Wooden does an excellent job of that, which is why the overwhelming majority of nest bins available on the market are product of wooden. The one downside with wooden is that it doesn’t final, notably within the Irish local weather. As a result of you’ll be able to’t actually deal with nest bins with probably dangerous/poisonous preservatives, wood bins can deteriorate shortly. You’ll get just a few seasons out of them, possibly 4 in the event you’re fortunate, however then you definately’ll have to interchange them.
Woodstone bins are completely different. They don’t deteriorate or degrade, gained’t rot, are impervious to the Irish local weather, and, in fact, in contrast to wood nest bins, they’re impenetrable to predators. Additionally they are available in a variety of sizes and styles, a collection of colors, and with completely different entrance choices to go well with completely different chook species. There are even speciality Woodstone bins for species like swifts, home martins and even kingfishers.
So in idea, Woodstone nest bins make sense. However what about in apply?
Utilizing Woodstone nest bins.
The very first thing to notice is that this stuff are heavy. They’ve a major heft, so that you’ll have to ensure you repair them securely. Fortunately, they arrive with a tree-friendly stainless-steel hook that merely screws in, and the nest field hangs simply from that (there’s additionally a wall-plug included if you wish to connect it to a wall). Because of its weight, the nest field stays put, even in robust winds, so there’s no want for added fixings.
For cleansing, the entrance panel is removable. You merely rotate the 2 metallic fasteners anticlockwise, and take away the entrance plate, giving easy accessibility to the physique of the nest field.
Conclusion
This Woodstone Seville 28mm nest field has changed a wood nest field that had seen significantly better days right here at IWHQ. It’s been up a couple of month, appears nice, and has proven no indicators of unwell results from the wind and rain of an Irish January and February. Thus far there have been no guests, but it surely’s nonetheless just a little early but. A pair of blue tits used the earlier nest field in the identical location yearly, so I’ve excessive hopes they’ll take up residence on this upgraded des-res as soon as the breeding season kicks in.
If you happen to’re in search of a nest field improve, or only a new nest field that may face up to the rigours of the Irish local weather for a decade or extra, take a look at the Woodstone vary on the Birdfood.ie web site.