Gauteng, Northwest and the Western Cape provinces are home to numerous pairs of both Spotted Eagle Owls and Barn Owls. These owls live and breed within the green belts that wind their way through the suburbs. Many owls hunt within suburban gardens and although food is available, breeding sites are in short supply. The provision of breeding sites within suburban gardens is the aim of the Urban Owl Project. Through the positioning of owl boxes with a suitable pea gravel substrate, pairs of owls begin to utilise these artificial nest boxes in which to lay eggs and rear their young. The resident owls occupying these nest boxes contribute to the control of rodents as well as numerous insect species.


Duration:
The Urban Owl Box Project is to be undertaken over a five-year period. This will allow for young owls fledged from the nesting boxes to take up residency in boxes of their own. Young owls raised in owl boxes have a strong predisposition (“natal recognition”) towards nesting boxes when they reach maturity (2-3 years). Owls generally breed once a year and usually rear between 2 and 5 youngsters.

Information about your installation:
Eco-Solutions is responsible for the installation and the running of the Urban Owl Box Project. The Owl box installation generally takes between 45 minutes to an hour.

Maintenance:
The owl boxes are constructed from weatherproof plywood (13mm marine ply) and are then sealed with an industrial wood sealant. The thickness of the wood as well as the wood sealant used is designed to give the box an outdoor lifespan of five years. Although the box is of a hardy construction an annual maintenance visit is required to re-varnish, replace pea gravel, check for signs of wear and monitor occupancy. In occupied boxes, the measuring and ringing of young owls is also undertaken during the service.
Annual services cost R390 and this fee includes membership renewal of the Urban Owl Box Project.

* Includes one year of Owl Box Project membership

To place an order for an Owl Box - click here.

 

 

Our office hours are 08h00 – 17h00, Monday to Friday