5. At minimum, cleaning should be done prior to nesting season in the spring so you could wait until. Birds don't really give out enough body heat to warm up a bird house more. February and March (Southern U. Also find 5 ways to create a cleanout door. Generally, small songbirds need small houses; large birds require large houses. Stay away from any birdhouse with an outside perch. If you are lucky enough to have tree swallows, you will want to have a pair of nestboxes, back to back, about 15 to 25 feet apart (like in the top photo). Open the clean-out door of your bird house and clean out any old nesting material or debris. Photo of Mountain Bluebird eggs by Anne Elliott via Birdshare. However, it will still be too late. There are a few times a year that you will want to deep clean bird boxes: right after breeding season and right before breeding season. We recommend cleaning out the box after each brood or at the end of the year, at. Solution #4: Physical Repellant. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. Do not wait until the winter to clean out nest boxes as birds may already be roosting in them. Choosing the Right Bird Bath Height. Their models fit the criteria for a good birdhouse to the T and they’re available. Pick the perfect height. How to Build a Birdhouse: With just one plank you can build this stylish birdhouse that will last for years to come. Try to build a roost box using plans available on the Internet. Barn swallows are excellent for keeping insect populations at bay. Your Birdhouse Is Placed At The Wrong Location. Even if it is not nesting season, birds may investigate the house, learn where it is, and possibly use it as shelter. If the peanut butter is too thick to spread well, it can be warmed up slightly to make it softer, but be sure to use a microwave-safe. g. Bird like to be clean, just like us. gardens and urban parks. However, the birds that use them in the summer, are the same birds that will use them in the winter. If you’re ready to prioritize simplicity and affordability, this simple bird house plan may be the right option for you. FAQS. It is never too late or too early to put up birdhouses, but birders who know when to put up their houses will have the best success attracting the birds they want to. When Do You Clean Out Bird Houses; uncategorized. Do not use glue on the back wall, pre-drill holes and screw 1-1/2 in. You need to gently cover the broken wing and keep it against the bird’s body until you meet the veterinarian or the rehabilitator. Install a mesh or wire cover to block the opening. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. In this cleaning solutions. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Hand Woven Hanging Audubon Birdhouse. 80 (20% off) FREE shipping. These Audubon bluebird birdhouses are simple, well-built, and untreated. Solution #5: Use a white noise. They would rebuild a nest yearly. This means that they end up being a pretty early migrant, along with red-winged blackbirds and eastern phoebes. Final Thoughts. Mid to late fall is the ideal time to be sure all bird houses are cleaned. Bluebirds produce 2-3 broods of young throughout the nesting season, so if you put up your nest box in mid-to-late summer, you might still attract a pair to. Safely spring cleaning bird houses; How to protect birds and bird houses from predators; Fly through bird feeders; Species And Identification Clean your feeders about once every two weeks, more often during times of heavy use or wet weather or if there have been reports of salmonella in your area or you have seen sick birds in your yard. They eat a wide variety of foods and are willing to use a wide variety of places to nest and roost. A decaying bird will begin to smell- and that will be the first sign that something is wrong. If it's sparsely feathered and not capable of hopping, walking, flitting, or gripping tightly to your finger, it's a nestling. Birds require enough space inside the bird house to create a nest and lay eggs and for the fledglings to move around comfortably once the eggs hatch. CONTENTS :8. Drill two more 1/2-in. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. I hope that this helps. Then simply melt 1 cup of lard or suet in a saucepan and then mix with 2 cups of bird. And it can actually accommodate up to three breeding pairs. Remember, a clean house will encourage birds to come back year after year, while a dirty house can attract insects, pests, and rodents. , barns), next to farmland or open fields. We recommend wearing a pair of garden gloves or rubber dish-washing gloves when handling old nest material as it can contain bacteria and mites. What happens if you don't clean out a birdhouse? Not all Keep your house up through August; After the season: If you are in an area subject to severe winter weather, it may be best to remove your housing from its pole. Minimize yard activities, especially loud ones, in spots where nests are likely to avoid disrupting birds. Thoroughly cleaning deteriorated nests and any remnants is recommended to prevent attracting colonies in the future. Consider a wildflower garden. In some cases, a bird will begin using the house as early as January or February. 6 Ways to Keep Birds Out of Hanging Baskets What to prepare: You can prepare several of the following to make surerobins, doves, or house finches stay away from your beautiful flower baskets:The good news is, Bluebirds are very easy to get to nest successfully as long as a few basic needs can be met. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. But in performing this task, you need to protect yourself, too. When that happens, though, do not intervene. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Clean up perennials;The reason for this late afternoon peak is that birds will try to eat as much as they can before night time, so they have enough energy for fasting when they sleep. Cleaning bird houses is a task that should be performed at least once a year. These are: access to food. Wrens may have 1-2 broods per year, so keep this in mind before taking down the house. No doubt about it, you absolutely must clean out your Bluebird bird house, with the only time not to is if you can be sure it wasn't used to begin with. Pull out all that material and scrub the inside with warm soapy water. Scrub the house thoroughly with a weak bleach solution (one part chlorine bleach to nine parts warm water). Cool Bird Houses. Therefore we needed additional. I had no idea birds could scream so. And these birds are fierce competitors to the martin. We have black-capped chickadees. by 4 in. Keep the Area Clear: Snakes will often take up residence in areas where they find plenty of food sources such as rodents or insects drawn by sources such as garbage piles or compost heaps - so an important step to preventing them from entering bird houses is keeping surrounding area clear of clutter and food sources that might. 25" x 13". Attach the wood pieces using a combination of nails and non-toxic glue. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to remove or destroy any active nest from a native bird species, defined as a nest with eggs or brooding adults in it. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Guidelines: ——Place houses 200 yards or more from farms. Depending on. Click on this image for a 30-second video of mice in the box. Fertilize. Homemade Bird Houses. It is also a great way to provide wildlife a place to raise young, one of the four things you need for your outdoor area to qualify as a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. This is yet another reason why non-migratory birds use birdhouses in winter. With sheltered boxes like this, a flock is more likely to move in this time of year. Sparrows feed on grain, seeds, buds, fruit, insects and trash. (or 4 in. 5. Treatment of a poisoned bird: First of all, change the cage, pots for water and give the bird a drop of milk, egg white, oat porridge or mucus of linseed. Clean the Birdhouse. The house or English sparrow is the most common bird in cities. The House Sparrows Box. Clean out the bird house in fall, but early September is best. Birdhouses are a charming addition to any garden, providing a safe haven for our feathered friends. Make sure the entrance hole of your birdhouse does not face prevailing winds. Hummingbirds are used to sucking the nectar fresh out of the flowers, and they are not used to stale liquids. Mid to late fall is the ideal time to be sure all bird houses are cleaned. for the base), and the box should be about 8 in. A: In hot weather, the feeder should be emptied and cleaned twice per week. Use the advice above to ensure that birds will be attracted to the birdhouse. If you are serious about protecting native species like eastern bluebirds and other less aggressive birds safe from house sparrows, start by regularly inspecting each and every nest box on your property. A 1/2-Inch air ventilation gap is provided at the top and a drain hole at the base. I kept the softer material and took out the sticks so it will be warm for them in winter. Try to place the birdhouse somewhere sunny so it can dry properly. Bird House Feeder. Completely rinse out all traces of the bleach solution with water. No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. Deer Mice often make their nests in Bluebird boxes. If your hummingbirds empty the feeder with greater frequency, clean it every time it’s empty. While I do suggest having your nest boxes set up by February 15th so that bluebirds can find it be early spring, any time will work. Top 5 Hummingbird Houses and Nesters. Most of the comments don’t sound like they are really capable of caring for a bird. It's easy to identify the old canes now - they're turning brown. Always wait until the end of the breeding season, ensure the box is empty and all the birds have flown. Wear gloves and use a small brush or scraper to remove debris from the corners. Protect the Nest. A male wren will build a nest out of sticks and perch on the branches above the house to attract a female. If you’re wondering whether or not you should empty out bird houses every year, the answer is yes! Here’s why: 1. If this is the case, now is the time to start cleansing your house. Place your bird bath in the shade. Many species are protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which “makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase, or barter, any migratory bird, or the parts, nests, or eggs of such a. A baby bird breathing fast is often a sign of a respiratory problem. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. Scouting: February to Mid-March: Bluebirds start checking out nesting sites. Think bird bath ideas, too, to keep them happy. It may require a little effort. To keep bird houses safe from raccoons and cats, mount the bird houses atop metal poles. 2. Others succeed the first day the house is up. Is it too late to clean out bird houses? No, it is not too late to clean out your birdhouse, but time is running out. A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on the birdhouse in question and make sure you don't see any birds going in and out of the birdhouse for at least a week before you take it down or open it up. You should probably allow 2 to 3 inches from the bottom to the entrance hole. Size – 3-4 square feet is ideal. Finish pruning any fruit trees after the last fruit is removed. Nest boxes should be cleaned out each spring and disinfected to prevent the spread of avian diseases. Buy a no-mess blend of bird seed. Good housekeeping of the bird box is also good practice. Yes, please, after the current brood is out, make the bird house unavailable for the bluebirds. William on Jul 21, 2017. If you paint your birdhouse, birds aren’t picky about color, but stay away from black or. Cleaning out bird boxes and letting the birds “start fresh” each nesting season doesn’t hurt; if anything, it helps! Old nesting material can rot or decompose, and may hold parasites like mites. 4. Different species, of course, build different nests. Safety – Check there are no sharp edges, or moving joints in which a bird. Reach in and lift out the old nesting materials. Fall Bird Feeding TipsBirdhouses can be fun. 1 – 5-1/2 in. Even in cold areas, putting up a birdhouse up as early as January can be beneficial since birds will usually begin scouting potential nesting spots. Birdhouses will better be installed in late summer and early autumn, the prime time when the majority of birds will swarm out searching for potential nesting sites. The tree swallow has benefited from the popularity of bluebirds, because it can use the same size and style of nest box as bluebirds do. In the United States, for example, it is illegal to remove or destroy any active nest from a native bird species, defined as a nest with eggs or brooding adults in it. Cleaning is made easy thanks to the the slide out metal tray at the bottom of the cage and convenient access to the interior space through the large main door. 1. Clean out spring and summer nesting material in the late summer to make way for birds that will use a bird house through the winter. If you are trying to attract bluebirds then definitely clear the old nests out as they build different nests from different materials. The first thing to do is to figure out if it's a nestling or a fledgling. Roosting during the winter is an effective method to survive the extreme cold. A. I find the center and go about 1" below. In the next section, we’ll dive into the details of each stage. Keep a close watch on the birds to make sure they have completely fledged (left the nest) before attempting to clean. If your birdbath has a bubbler, even better. House Sparrows appear to be sensitive to disturbance during the egg-laying and early part of the incubation period, suggesting that monitoring efforts should be targeted towards the latter stages of the breeding cycle. 4. Wild birds may carry diseases, so purchasing domesticated California quails is safer. suitable habitat. If the peanut butter is too thick to spread well, it can be warmed up slightly to make it softer, but be sure to use a microwave-safe. If you have an active nest in your bird box, whether tree swallow, wren, or bluebird, you should not disturb it. There are key differences between mice and rats. Yes, please, after the current brood is out, make the bird house unavailable for the bluebirds. Maintain your nestboxes. The male is easily identified by its black “bib” and white cheeks. Then, when should you clean out bird houses?Once breeding season is over—usually by mid. Learn When and How. See moreBackyard tip: Late winter is a good time to clean out bird houses and prepare them for new spring arrivals. The houses should be mounted according to the recommendations above. Many people in the United States like to face their birdhouses east, which is usually opposite strong winds and the intense afternoon sun. Use the toothbrush to clean the inside part first, then the rest of the parts of the birdhouse. Protect the Nest. 84. Some people have a martin house up for several years before attracting the desired residents. A regular routine of feeder cleaning will really help them through the winter. Allow for any payments made for labor for caring for birds, cleaning house, etc. I was late taking the nest out of the nest box as well. g. Kansas – As with Iowa, ruby-throated are by far the most commonly seen hummers in Kansas. 100 birds were brought to Brooklyn, NY, and successfully. ) is a really good idea. You have to get prepared in advance to give them enough time to find the most appropriate shelters. Opt for a classic bird house. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Having a clean wren birdhouse is important because it helps the birds stay healthy and can attract more wrens to your yard. The post – The smoother and straighter the post, the harder it is for cats and squirrels to climb. Other than that, they can nest just about anywhere, including open garages 🙂. Essential Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Habitat for Feathered Friends. Step #2: Wear protective gear. People have long enjoyed watching that nesting cycle, and. Author Note: In the unfortunate event that a bird dies in the walls of your house, it won’t be too long until you find out about it. 2. Another important feature for a roosting shelter, as well as a bird house, is the ability to be able to clean it out from time to time. Bird houses: While not every bird. MSU Extension’s Elliot Nelson says there’s no clear-cut answer, but basic maintenance of nest boxes is necessary. First used on mammals in the late 1950s, the devices had to be radically lightened to work on birds. Reason #7: Dirty Bird Feeder. So you want to remove last year’s nest. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Cover the ceiling with a coating of soap, and extend it slightly down the walls too. Use exterior wood glue and 1in. Bird houses should be clean out in the fall as its the only time they become empty of nesting, or roosting birds. Step 4: Sanitizing the Birdhouse. Day 0: Bluebird eggs 1 day before hatching. We have a variety of bird feeders to attract birds; however, during the winter months, we have extra birds which have migrated here for the winter. Step #2: Determine the age of the baby bird. How to choose a bird table. A word of caution: When cleaning a box in the summer, you have to be certain. (My preferred opening style relies on just a single nail to secure the wall). The placement of key wildlife features such as your bird house and bird bath plays a. Empty the dishwasher: Run the dishwasher at night and unload it in the morning. Wear gloves and use a small brush or scraper to remove debris from the corners. Coat the Cone With Peanut Butter. Saving Your Tomatoes from the Birdsto clean out a bird box. Generally, small songbirds need small houses; large birds require large houses. Conclusion. Fix low humidity by misting the plant or using a humidifier to prevent drooping and the death of leaves of bird of paradise. Give the birdhouse a good scrubbing with the solution, making sure to get all corners and crevices. NestWatch suggests cleaning out nest boxes or birdhouses at the end of the breeding season. It's never too late to put up a nestbox, as they may be used for a subsequent nesting (see Number of Broods), for roosting, and are also often. Use the advice above to ensure that birds will be attracted to the birdhouse. Clean out is essential for making space for new birds in the spring, but the removal of old nesting material must be gone for this to happen. Birds needs to drink and, if possible, bathe even in the winter. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Moreover, if you see that the feathers of the baby bird are shaking continuously, then that means that the chick has a high fever. 8. Start with a clean box! Remove any debris and wash with soap and warm water, if needed. The chicks started to hatch on a Thursday and I took photos (below). the boxes should be cleaned out after the last brood has left the nest in late summer. First, remove all the nesting material from the house and scrape off any residue from the sides of the wall. There is no bad time to put out birdhouses, and the best time to put them up is as soon as you have them available. Should you clean out bird houses every year?Audubon Red Cedar Bird House$21. Mountain Bluebirds are migration birds, but have a small year round area. One of the enjoyments of spring in the Northeast is that it’s nesting season for the birds, so that bushes and trees, grasses and reeds, and even just plain gravel and stone, become home to hard-working parents supplying their young with the food of choice. Bluebird houses will usually have a 1-1/2” – 1-9/16” hole size. Starlings are cavity-nesting birds and will use vents and ducts in homes to build nests and raise young. Step 4. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Remember that every bird leaves tons of clues about its identity in its nest. Construct the birdhouse with a roof or floor that can be easily removed so that you can reach inside to clean it. No, it’s never too late to put up a bluebird house. Well, that’s a great question. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. After successfully hosting a pair of bluebirds and their multiple broods, my bluebird nest box needed some TLC. Read more: Build a one-board DIY birdhouse . Watch out for deer mice. When it comes to cleaning out nest boxes, there are a few things to keep in mind. Don't plan to keep birds any longer than the time it takes to reach the desired weight. Make sure the entrance hole of your birdhouse does not face prevailing winds. Built with a 5" x 5" base and a 1-1/2" hole centered 6" above the floor, the design corresponds with optimum bluebird dimensions. Leave it outside to dry with the nest box door open for about 24 hours. First of all, never blindly reach into. 20 is a lot to have around but families may stick together. Then simply melt 1 cup of lard or suet in a saucepan and then mix with 2 cups of bird. If you are lucky enough to have tree swallows, you will want to have a pair of nestboxes, back to back, about 15 to 25 feet apart (like in the top photo). Read more: Build a one-board DIY birdhouse . For birds that have multiple broods per season, such as bluebirds, it's a good idea to clean out nesting material between broods. They like to make nests in the boxes too. If you are serious about protecting native species like eastern bluebirds and other less aggressive birds safe from house sparrows, start by regularly inspecting each and every nest box on your property. No comments yet! Add one to start the conversation. Saving Your Tomatoes from the Birdsto clean out a bird box. When it comes to hanging birdhouses, one hard-and-fast rule is elevation. All that’s left to do now is reassemble the birdhouse back together. They can be anywhere from 13 to 18 inches in length, with tail length varying by species. Some bluebirds prefer to build new nests in a clean nest box. Never reach into a nestbox to remove an old nest if you can not see clearly inside - use a tool (like a putty knfie. Your Birdhouse Is Placed At The Wrong Location. And these birds are fierce competitors to the martin. The Bluebird Effect by Julie Zickefoose. Buy weights: Look. Bird houses provide shelter for birds during extreme weather conditions and breeding seasons. Some roost communally, others individually. Picking a Color for Your Bird Feeder or Bird House Gray, dull green, tan, or brown , are colors. Construct the birdhouse with a roof or floor that can be easily removed so that you can reach inside to clean it. feedlots, buildings, or other areas inhabited by house sparrows. This one comes recommended by Bell (who, full disclosure, works for Audubon). How and when to clean and prepare bird houses for spring nesting season. A door to clean out would be really nice, since some birds will go back or other birds will find it. This should be done in late fall or winter since some birds in Georgia may start building in late January. House wrens are happy with an 8-inch-tall house with a 4- by 6-inch base, while a chickadee birdhouse should be 8-inches tall with a 5- by 5-inch base. And make sure to wash your hands well after the job. Then, take a cleaning solution like a Purple Martin house cleaner and scrub the outside of the house and inside of each cavity. Making sure that the nectar remains fresh is vital. You will find chickadees in mixed and deciduous forests, parks, cottonwood groves, and open woods. Give the bird to someone that really cares to make the bird happy. Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House - Model BB1 7. That’s why birdhouse maintenance is crucial. 4k followers. They also like nesting in human-made birdhouses. Birds Make Gracious Tenants! With a little effort and a lot of fun you will have the most popular house on your. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it’s in the middle of the summer. Drill a hole in the shell of a coconut and tie string to make a loop. Reason #8: Noisy SurroundingWhy You Should Get It: This bird bath has a solid build as well as a neutral design and color. 4. 'Wood is the best material for bird houses, the. I also clean my nests out after they have fledged and have had bluebirds return to nest and other birds use the boxes after the blue birds. So yup, i would clean it out when i knew it was 100% done being used (I agree with the wait for Sept. Repeat process every year. Red Church Bird House Plan : This plan will build you a bright red church for your birds. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. It is also beneficial for the bird to have a spacious house with plenty of ventilation. One 1/2-Inch hole is ideal for eastern bluebirds. Bird enthusiasts recommend a box with a larger-than-usual entrance hole—it’s easier for birds to get a good look inside and also. Therefore, they should be kept clean and in good condition. For birds that have multiple broods per season, such as bluebirds, it's a good idea to clean out nesting material between broods. Boxes should face open spaces, the edge of woods is ok. Woodlink NABB Audubon Bluebird Houses. Drill a hole in the shell of a coconut and tie string to make a loop. 08 states that it is illegal to agitate birds. Birdhouses and nesting boxes should be cleaned at least once each year. Birdhouses should be mounted from a. Chickadee protection. In nature, when bluebirds find a natural cavity to nest in (such as in an old tree or fence post), no one is going to clean out their old nest. Your Birdhouse’s Previous Nest Hasn’t Been Cleaned Out. Open the clean-out door of your bird house and clean out any old nesting material or debris. The remnants of a Bluebird nest from last. Size – 3-4 square feet is ideal. S. Finally, bury a length of threaded pipe 16 in. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. For altricial birds, those that spend more time in vulnerable condition in the nest,. A. These small birds have a very beautiful and distinct song and you will often hear. Do not wait until the winter to clean out nest boxes as birds may already be roosting in them. Place tree and shrub branches on the top of the pile for warmth and protection. ): Rufous, Ruby-throated, Broad-tailed Hummingbirds. European starlings are widespread across North America. Once the bird has come out of its egg, be ready for frequent feedings three to four times hourly. Because wasps, mice or other things that are potentially harmful may be in the box, never stick your hands inside if you can’t see the interior clearly. This involves removing all nesting material and soaking and scrubbing the house with a bleach solution of one part. The SZM Wood birdhouse features premium natural materials and high-quality handcrafting. This number of grubs indicates you will probably face a few adult beetles cruising around the nighttime landscape come the following summer. Late in the nesting season, it is possible (though not common) that there may still be tenants present. At a minimum, clean at the end of nesting season (e. I had a chickadee nest in one of my bluebird houses. 3. The oil will react to oxygen to create a hard layer that won’t vaporize and harm the birds. White and terracotta suspended Birdball bird house from Green&Blue. Refrigerate: Then present to bluebirds in an open tray feeder or enclosed bluebird feeder. access to water. Baffles placed above and below the house can help deter predators such as raccoons, rats, and snakes, and the birdhouse itself should be designed to be safe. The injured bird will feel better knowing that it is being protected. Drizzle and stir in: 1 cup melted rendered suet (try to get kidney suet as it’s easier to melt). Keeping the houses clean and free from debris sends a clear message: Unwanted visitors are not welcome! I will clean that out in the spring. Garden Birds. Birds require enough space inside the bird house to create a nest and lay eggs and for the fledglings to move around comfortably once the eggs hatch. Tap on the house and listen for activity inside. Its never too late to put up a bird house either as it can be used twice yearly; once for the nesting season - then once again later in the year to roost. 1. They often take over bird houses and prevent native species like. The trick may come in handy since many vultures have to deal. Nests are a bulky arrangement of twigs on any available horizontal surface. Keeping the houses clean and free from debris sends a clear message: Unwanted visitors are not welcome!I will clean that out in the spring. While many people assume that birds have already finished nesting by this point in the year, there are actually a few reasons why it may still be beneficial to clean out your bird houses. Make a hole large enough for a bird near the bottom of the gourd, then hang from a tree using heavy-duty string or twine. First of all, never blindly reach into any box. 8 Ways to Attract Birds to Your Bird Bath. That limitation has disappeared as radio-transmitters and their batteries have shrunk. However, like any other structure, birdhouses require maintenance to ensure their longevity and usefulness. Understanding when to clean out bird nest boxes can be a little tricky, but that's why we're diving headlong into it today. Spray the bluebird house fully with bleach solution, making sure to cover the bottom and sides of the nest box. Mice are much smaller than rats. If you have made the effort to build a birdhouse or nesting box for your yard or garden, it is probably because you care for birds. 1. If you plan on leaving the house up year-round, then the house should also be cleaned at the end of winter, in anticipation of nesting birds in search of a safe place to lay eggs. I clean my houses the minute the nestlings have fledged, even if it's in the middle of the summer.