Nest Box Building

photo by spelio  (BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Why they’re needed

The widespread loss of natural tree hollows poses a serious threat to the survival of hollow-dependent wildlife. In the Toowoomba region, rapid urban expansion combined with insufficient tree protections has led to extensive clearing of mature trees, resulting in the alarming disappearance of critical tree hollows. As these natural habitats vanish, many native species are left without the resources they need to survive and reproduce. In response, nest boxes are being urgently explored as an alternative measure to provide essential refuge and mitigate the escalating impacts on local wildlife, with consideration of possible predation by domestic animals (cats, dogs).

Different designs for different species

Nest boxes come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit the specific needs of different animal species. Just as natural tree hollows vary in depth, width, entrance size, and internal structure, artificial nest boxes must be tailored to replicate these variations. For example, small birds may require compact boxes with narrow entrances to protect against predators, while larger animals need more spacious cavities and wider openings. The internal dimensions, placement height, and entrance orientation influence temperature regulation, drainage, and the safety of the inhabitants. Designing nest boxes to match the natural preferences of each species is critical to encouraging their use and ensuring the animals feel safe enough to roost or breed inside them.

Designs specific to local area/wildlife

Dimensions and designs
Small Parrot – Internal dimensions 400 (H) X 170 (W) X 170 (D) Vertical box with 65mm entrance hole.
Kookaburra – Internal dimensions 400 (H) X 200 (W) X 200 (D) Horizontal box with 180mm entrance hole.
Galah – Internal dimensions 600 (H) X 250 (W) X 250 (D) Vertical box with 120mm entrance hole.
Crimson Rosella – Internal dimensions 400 (H) X 170 (W) X 170 (D) Vertical box with 75mm entrance hole.
Brushtail Possum – Internal dimensions 400 (H) X 250 (W) X 250 (D) Vertical box with 100mm entrance hole.

Alice McGlashan’s Nest Box Tales blog offers a PDF booklet, Australian Hollow Using Species Nest Box Design Booklet, that includes a list of hollow using species from the Toowoomba region together with dimensions for suitable nest boxes.

Expected nest box costs

DIY Approach:
Construction costs for a typical timber nest box suitable for small marsupials or parrots (using durable Class 1 hardwood or exterior-grade plywood) generally range from $35 to $80 AUD for materials, depending on box size and quality.

• Smaller microbat boxes or simple bird boxes can be at the lower end of this range.
• Larger boxes for possums, owls, or cockatoos fall at the higher end.

Commercially Made Boxes:
Ready-made wildlife nest boxes from suppliers or environmental charities in Queensland typically cost $60 to $200 AUD per unit, depending on targeting species and durability.

Installation:
Professional installation (if required) may add another $40 to $80 AUD per box.

Materials & construction

Class 1 hardwood or exterior-grade plywood plus consumables.

Full details on what nest boxes are suited to where and how to build them can be found in Alice McGlashan’s Australian Hollow Using Species Nest Box Design Booklet.

Further resources

Key Wildlife and Nest Box Resources

• Species and Conservation Information:
  The Queensland Government lists key resources such as WildNet for species info, the Atlas of Living Australia for species records, and online mapping tools to identify suitable sites and species.
• Nest Box Construction and Guides:
  The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland offers practical guides for building and installing nest boxes, with details on species likely to use them in Queensland, including gliders, parrots, possums, and microbats.
• Designs for Local Species:
  Land for Wildlife provides detailed advice on nest box design tailored for native species, outlining structural tips to ensure the safety and suitability for fauna such as parrots, gliders, bats, and possums. Their recommendations also focus on materials and placement for success.

Wildlife Rescue and Care Groups

• Wildlife Queensland and associated groups cover the Downs and surrounding regions, offering rescue and rehabilitation for injured or orphaned wildlife. Group contacts can be found via the Wildlife Heroes directory and local Wildlife Rescue organisations.
• Specialist support for nest box monitoring and habitat projects is available through Land for Wildlife and regional council projects on the Sunshine Coast and other SEQ areas.

How to Access Further Information

• Visit the Queensland Government’s environment pages for interactive maps, fauna lists, and conservation status.
• Download build guides and project details from the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland.
• Explore local council, Land for Wildlife, and local environment/conservation organisations programs for technical support and species selection.
• Contact local wildlife rescue organisations if needing advice, particularly for nest box placement and monitoring.

These resources provide comprehensive support for building and installing nest boxes that will benefit local wildlife in the Downs of Queensland, along with realistic expectations for associated costs.