Ultimate Poly Screech Owl or Saw-Whet Owl House Nesting Box

Invite magnificent raptors into your backyard while providing a secure nesting space for small cavity-nesting owls with the JCS Wildlife Ultimate Screech Owl Nest Box. Handcrafted in Southern Indiana, this heavy-duty nesting box is designed around the nesting preferences of Screech Owls and Saw-whet Owls.

Made from weather-resistant recycled poly lumber and marine-grade stainless steel hardware, this owl house provides a durable alternative to natural tree cavities. Its design helps give small owls a protected place to nest while making installation and annual maintenance simple.

Key Features & Benefits

• Durable Recycled Poly Lumber Construction: Handcrafted from high-density recycled plastic lumber with marine-grade stainless steel hardware. The poly lumber is designed to resist warping, cracking, splitting, rotting, and fading for long-lasting outdoor use.
• Natural Insect & Rodent Control: Screech Owls are skilled 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 a convenient security latch and swings completely open for easy installation and quick access when it's time for annual cleaning.
• Integrated Landing & Climbing Slats: Textured landing grooves are cut directly into the front panel to provide adult owls with a secure grip and help fledgling owlets climb in and out of the box.
• All-Weather Drainage & Ventilation: Pre-drilled drainage holes in the floor allow moisture to escape, while air gaps beneath the overhanging roof promote airflow through the nesting cavity and help keep it dry.
• Nesting Materials Included: Screech Owls and Saw-whet Owls don't typically gather traditional nesting materials. The box includes complimentary nesting shavings to help create a suitable nesting environment right from the start.
• Mounting Hardware Included: Heavy-duty mounting screws are included, so the box arrives ready for installation.

Product Specifications

Brand: JCS Wildlife
Product Type: Heavy-Duty All-Weather Raptor Nesting Box
Model Class: Ultimate Poly Lumber Configuration
Overall Dimensions: 12" W x 14" H x 10.5" D
Entrance Hole Size: 3.5" Precision Circle
Hole Height Above Floor: 9.75"
Material: High-Density Recycled Poly Lumber & Stainless Steel Screws
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 a variety of wooded and semi-wooded environments. Proper placement can increase the chances of attracting a nesting pair.

1. Choose the Right Location: Position the box near deep woods, coniferous groves, dense evergreen areas, or mature garden borders. Locations near wetlands and other areas with a good 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 helps keep the nesting box away from many ground-level predators and pets.

3. Easy Installation: The recycled poly lumber construction provides a durable yet manageable nesting box that can be installed by one person with the included mounting hardware.

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 build traditional nests from twigs and grass like many songbirds. Instead, they typically use natural cavities containing wood chips, debris, and other material. Adding the included shavings to the bottom of the box helps recreate that type of nesting environment.

Will the deep entrance help protect young owlets?

The entrance is positioned 9.75 inches above the interior floor, creating a deep cavity beneath the opening. This gives eggs and young owlets a more protected space inside the box and makes it more difficult for animals outside the box to reach directly into the nesting area.

Why choose recycled poly lumber instead of traditional cedar?

Cedar is a popular material for outdoor nesting boxes, but it can absorb moisture and gradually weather with prolonged outdoor exposure. Recycled poly lumber is non-porous and resistant to moisture, staining, cracking, splitting, and rotting. It also makes the box easier to clean and maintain between nesting seasons.

Does the owl house arrive assembled?

Yes. The Ultimate Screech Owl Nest Box arrives fully assembled with the mounting screws and nesting shavings included, so you can add the shavings and install the box when you're ready.