JCS Wildlife Cedar Screech Owl Nest Box

Provide a secure nesting space for small cavity-nesting owls with the JCS Wildlife Cedar Screech Owl Nest Box. Handcrafted in Southern Indiana, this nesting box is designed around the nesting preferences of Screech Owls and Saw-whet Owls.

The house combines a 5/8" thick natural cedar body with a durable recycled poly lumber roof. This combination provides a weather-resistant alternative to natural tree cavities while giving owls a protected place to raise their young.

Key Features & Benefits

• Premium Cedar & Recycled Poly Construction: Built with a 5/8" thick natural cedar body and recycled poly lumber roof. Cedar provides a naturally weather-resistant exterior, while the poly roof is designed to resist warping, cracking, splitting, and fading.
• Natural Insect & Rodent Control: Screech Owls are nocturnal predators that feed on a variety of insects and small animals, including mice, voles, moths, and other flying insects. Providing suitable nesting habitat can help attract these natural predators to your property.
• Easy-Access Flip-Open Front Door: The front panel features an easy-open security latch and swings completely open for convenient access during installation and annual cleaning.
• Integrated Fledgling Grip Slats: Specialized grooved cedar slats are built into the front interior wall, creating a natural ladder that helps growing owlets climb toward the entrance when they're ready to leave the box.
• Drainage & Airflow: Pre-drilled drainage holes in the bottom allow moisture to escape, while air gaps beneath the overhanging roof promote airflow through the nesting cavity and help keep the interior dry.
• Nesting Materials Included: Screech Owls and Saw-whet Owls typically don't build traditional nests from twigs and grass. Complimentary nesting shavings are included to help create a suitable nesting environment.

Product Specifications

Brand: JCS Wildlife
Product Type: All-Weather Raptor Nesting Box
Overall Dimensions: 12" W x 14" H x 10.5" D (with roof and base flare)
Box Body Only: 7.75" W x 11.75" H x 7.5" D
Inside Nest Dimensions: 6.1875" W x 11" H x 6.5" D
Entrance Hole Size: 4" W x 3" H Precision Oval
Hole Height Above Floor: 9.75"
Material: 5/8" Thick Premium Cedar Wood & Recycled Poly Lumber
Target Species: Screech Owls, Saw-whet Owls
Country of Origin: Made in the USA

Included: Fully assembled nesting box, heavy-duty mounting screws, and nesting material shavings.

Habitat & Placement Guide

Screech Owls are found across much of the United States and central Canada and may use nest boxes in residential areas, parks, gardens, and wooded environments. Proper placement can help increase the chances of attracting a nesting pair.

1. Choose the Right Environment: Position the box near deep woods, coniferous groves, dense evergreen areas, or mature garden borders. Areas near wetlands and other locations with a variety of natural prey can also be suitable.
2. Mount 10–20 Feet High: Securely mount the box approximately 10 to 20 feet above the ground on a mature tree trunk or sturdy wooden post. This height can help reduce access by ground-level predators and pets.
3. Consider Other Nesting Sites: Position the box away from active nesting sites or feeding areas used by other birds when possible. Providing some separation can help reduce potential territorial conflicts.
4. Install During the Off-Season: Late September through mid-February is a good time to install the box, giving resident and migratory owls time to discover it before the spring breeding season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are nesting shavings included with the owl house?

Screech Owls and Saw-whet Owls don't typically build traditional nests from twigs and grass. In natural cavities, they often use existing wood debris, chips, and other material on the cavity floor. Adding the included shavings helps create a similar nesting environment inside the box.

Will the deep entrance help protect young owlets?

The 4" W x 3" H oval entrance is positioned 9.75 inches above the interior floor, creating a deep cavity beneath the opening. This provides additional space between the entrance and the eggs or young owlets inside the box.

Do I need to paint or seal the cedar?

No. Natural cedar is well suited for outdoor use and can be allowed to weather naturally over time. The exterior will gradually develop a natural silver-gray appearance. Do not paint, varnish, stain, or apply chemical treatments to the interior of the nesting box, as these products can create odors or residues that may interfere with nesting birds.

Does the owl house arrive assembled?

Yes. The Cedar Screech Owl Nest Box arrives fully assembled with the required mounting screws and nesting shavings included.