The Best Nest Boxes Birds Will Actually Use

Written by Katie Melynn Wood
Updated: March 12, 2023
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Nesting boxes are a great way to provide comfortable shelter for wild birds as well as pet birds. While many wild birds will make their own nests in a naturally sheltered location, having a nesting box available can make it easier for them. Birdhouses, while fun and cute, may not be big enough for a good nest. That’s where a nesting box can really have the advantage.

There are plenty of options out there and the best one will depend on the size and type of bird that lives in your area. With smaller options for hummingbirds and large boxes ideal for parakeets, there is an option for every feathered friend. We’ve researched and reviewed the top nesting boxes that birds actually use to give you a comprehensive list.

  1. YJJKJ Pet Wood Bird Nestng Box
    • Available in 4 sizes
    • Perfect for pet birds like parakeets
    • Made of natural wood
    • Durable
    • Top opens on a hinge for easy cleaning
    Check Amazon
  2. Skyeasure Bird Nesting Box
    • Budget-friendly
    • Made of wood
    • Has a hinged top for easy cleaning
    • Features a durable metal ring around the entrance
    • Available in small, medium, and large
    Check Amazon
  3. SunGrow Woven Nest Hummingbird House
    • Made from 100% natural woven grass fiber
    • Provides ventilation
    • Twine for hanging the nest is provided
    • Suitable for hummingbirds, finches, chickadees, and sparrow
    • Provides protection from predators
    Check Chewy
  4. Nature's Way Bird Products Bluebird Box
    • Provides shelter for outdoor birds
    • Sturdy and durable
    • Constructed from rot-resistant cedar
    • Rust-free, stainless steel hardware
    • Mesh floor keeps birds off their waste
    Check Amazon

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Nest Boxes

#1 Best Overall: YJJKJ Pet Wood Bird Nesting Box

In our review, the best nest box is the YJJKJ Pet Wood Bird Nesting Box.

This box comes in four sizes and is perfect for pet birds like parakeets. It is made of natural wood and is super durable. It attaches to the side of the cage with included hardware. This can help birds get more comfortable as well as provide the option to place it lower within the cage. Plus, the top of this box opens on a hinge to make cleaning out bedding easy. However, one of the best features is a metal ring around the circle-shaped opening to discourage chewing.

Unfortunately, you should plan for up to a month of travel time after you do order, however. Some reviewers found that their delivery came faster but overall, it did take quite a while to arrive.

Wood Box
Wood Bird Box
Wood Box
Box Opening
Wood Box
Latch

Pros and Cons of the YJJKJ Pet Wood Bird Nesting Box

ProsCons
This nest box is made from natural wood.It can take up to one month to arrive after ordering.
It has a hinged lid to make cleaning easy.
It can easily be attached to the side of a cage with the hardware which is included.
It has a metal ring around the opening to prevent birds from chewing the wood.
There are four sizes available.
Overall Best
YJJKJ Pet Wood Bird Nestng Box
  • Available in 4 sizes
  • Perfect for pet birds like parakeets
  • Made of natural wood
  • Durable
  • Top opens on a hinge for easy cleaning
Check Amazon

2. Best on a Budget: Skyeasure Bird Nesting Box

For a similar product at a slightly lower price point, consider the Skyeasure Bird Nesting Box.

It is also made of wood, has a hinged top for easy cleaning, and boasts a metal ring around the circle entrance to the box to prevent chewing. This box is made of pine, offering a nice smell for your birds (and your home) that mimics the natural environment. Plus, this option comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large.

However, some reviewers have mentioned that it can be tricky to attach to the cage.

Pros and Cons of the Skyeasure Bird Nesting Box

ProsCons
This box is made from pine.It can be difficut to attach to the cage.
The lid is hinged which means the box is easy to clean.
It has a metal ring around the entrance to prevent birds from chewing it.
There are three sizes available,
Best on a Budget
Skyeasure Bird Nesting Box
  • Budget-friendly
  • Made of wood
  • Has a hinged top for easy cleaning
  • Features a durable metal ring around the entrance
  • Available in small, medium, and large
Check Amazon

3. Best for Hummingbirds: SunGrow Woven Nest Hummingbird House

To provide shelter for nesting hummingbirds, the SunGrow Woven Nest Hummingbird House is our top pick.

This nest box is teardrop-shaped to provide a natural place for hummingbirds to make their nests and is made out of 100% natural woven grass fiber. This provides natural ventilation, something that is necessary for birds’ comfort and their nesting.

You can hang this nesting house indoors or outdoors using the twine included. Keep in mind that this is suitable only for smaller birds, such as hummingbirds, finches, chickadees, and sparrows. These birds can be very vulnerable to predators and having a house helps them stay safe while they nest. However, some reviewers recommend replacing the included rope hanger with something sturdier, especially if you experience extreme weather or heavy winds which could otherwise break it.

Pros and Cons of the SunGrow Woven Nest Hummingbird House

ProsCons
This nest box is teardrop-shaped.It is only suitable for smaller birds.
It is made from natural woven grass fiber.It is recommended to replace the rope hanger with something sturdier.
The design provides plenty of ventilation.
It comes with a rope hanger to attach it to trees or other structures.
Best for Hummingbirds
SunGrow Woven Nest Hummingbird House
  • Made from 100% natural woven grass fiber
  • Provides ventilation
  • Twine for hanging the nest is provided
  • Suitable for hummingbirds, finches, chickadees, and sparrow
  • Provides protection from predators
Check Chewy

4. Best Birdhouse: Nature’s Way Bird Products Bluebird Box

Often better for short-term use than actual nesting, birdhouses are still a good way to provide some shelter options for outdoor birds. Therefore, we recommend Nature’s Way Bird Products Bluebird Box which is sturdy and durable.

This box is big enough to provide a space for bluebirds and other similar-sized outdoor birds. It is made of all-natural cedar. The cedar helps it to resist rot. Plus, the rust-free hardware is made of stainless steel. These high-quality materials make it one of the longest-lasting options on our list and perfect for outdoor use. Birds go into the house using the small circular opening in the front. Inside, there is a mesh floor to keep them out of any waste and debris, as well as air vents to allow airflow. To clean the house, simply lift up the front panel.

This birdhouse doesn’t include mounting hardware, which you will need to purchase separately depending on how you plan to use it. You can mount it on metal, wood, or a tree.

Pros and Cons of Nature’s Way Bird Products Bluebird Box

ProsCons
This box is made from natural cedar wood which is resistant to rot.There is no mounting hardware included.
There is a mesh floor inside to keep birds away from waste and debris.
It has air vents to provide ventilation.
The front panel lifts up so the box can be cleaned out.
Best Birdhouse
Nature's Way Bird Products Bluebird Box
  • Provides shelter for outdoor birds
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Constructed from rot-resistant cedar
  • Rust-free, stainless steel hardware
  • Mesh floor keeps birds off their waste
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When deciding on the best nesting box for your bird or yard, consider where you want to place it, the type of bird, its durability, and its special features. We look at each of these items in more detail.

Location

For indoor use for a pet bird, cage mounting is a must. For outdoor use, choosing something that can withstand the elements is important. Before deciding on a nesting box, think about where you want to place it and any features that it will need to have. The best nesting boxes clearly state what use they are best for, whether it is indoors for pets or outdoors for wildlife.

Type of Bird

Did you know that nesting boxes are designed and made for specific types of birds? These are often based on size and some nesting boxes and birdhouses can work for different types of birds of the same size and with the same nesting habits. Smaller birds need a smaller opening while larger birds need a larger one. This helps keep out predators and makes birds feel secure.

Durability

Materials and construction are very important, especially for outdoor nest boxes. Look for items that can remain functional even in rain, wind, and other weather. Wood such as cedar is great because it is naturally rot-resistant. Metal hardware is another thing that can quickly render a nest box unusable. Look for stainless steel that is rust-proof. For indoor nesting boxes, being able to withstand the elements may not be as crucial. But you should still look for boxes that are well-made. Birds that chew can quickly cause damage to weaker boxes.

Special Features

A few standout nest boxes have features to make the birds’ lives even easier. These can include mesh floors to keep their nests elevated and ridges for baby birds to climb when it is time to leave the shelter of the nest and home. Features to make cleaning easier are also popular with bird-loving people. These can be hinged lids that can open or front openings to make cleaning a breeze.

The Different Types of Bird Nest Boxes: Pros and Cons Compared

Bird nest boxes can be divided into indoor boxes and outdoor boxes. Each has its pros and cons, discussed here. The best option for you often comes down to where you want to use it and the type of birds you have.

Indoor Bird Nest Box

ProsCons
It can attach to a cage.They can become worn quicker.
They are usually lightweight and easy to clean.They shouldn’t be used outside.
They are often cheaper.

Outdoor Bird Nest Box

ProsCons
They are durable and sturdy.They are usually more expensive.
Most can be used indoors or outdoors .They require more complex mounting.
They are made of high-quality materials.

About the Author

Katie is a freelance writer and teaching artist specializing in home, lifestyle, and family topics. Her work has appeared in At Ease Magazine, PEOPLE, and The Spruce, among others. When she is not writing, Katie teaches creative writing with the Apex Arts Magnet Program in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. You can follow Katie @katiemelynnwriter.

The Best Nest Boxes Birds Will Actually Use FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are the differences between indoor and outdoor nest boxes?

Outdoor nest boxes are typically made from weather-resistant materials whereas indoor nest boxes are not.  Also, the mounting system may be different.

What are the most important features of an outdoor nest box?

There are many features that may be important depending on where you plan to situate the box and what type of birds you hope will use it.  However, all outdoor nest boxes should be made of good quality weather-resistant materials so that they provide somewhere warm and dry for birds to nest.  Another feature that is generally classed as being one of the most important is some way for the box to be opened and cleaned — whether by a hinged lid or an opening on the front.

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