Owl box install in Exeter
Professional owl box install services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£110
Typical Duration
1-1.5 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Owl box mounted securely at height with proper orientation and access for barn owls or tawny owls. Safe nesting site to encourage these brilliant predators into your area.
Help Owls Make a Home
Barn owl numbers are slowly recovering after decades of decline, but they still need help. Loss of old barns, mature trees, and rough grassland means natural nesting sites are scarce. A properly positioned owl box gives them a safe place to breed.
💡 Pro tip: Owl boxes are species-specific. Barn owls need open-fronted boxes in buildings overlooking grassland. Tawny owls prefer enclosed boxes with entrance holes in mature trees. Get the wrong type in the wrong place and you'll just have an expensive empty box.
Why Location and Height Matter
Stick an owl box anywhere low down and it'll never get used. Owls are particular about height, access, and surrounding habitat.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| 4-6m high in suitable building/tree | Too low (predators can access) |
| Clear flight path to entrance | Branches blocking access |
| Overlooking suitable hunting habitat | No grassland or woodland nearby |
| Securely fixed with backup safety cable | Wobbly mounting or single-point fixing |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Survey | Site assessed for suitability, access, and habitat |
| Mount | Box fixed securely at correct height with proper fixings |
| Check | Stability tested, entrance clear, safety verified |
📦 You're Left With
- Owl box mounted safely and securely
- Clear flight path to entrance
- Advice on monitoring for occupancy
- Satisfaction you're supporting local wildlife
Pricing Guide
| Mounting Location | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Barn/outbuilding (straightforward) | 1-1.5 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Large tree (with ladder access) | 1.5-2 hrs | £110 |
| Complex mounting (high or awkward) | 2+ hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Very high or complex installations may need specialist access equipment - quoted separately.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Rural location - barn owls need open countryside with rough grassland
✅ Mature trees - tawny owls prefer woodland settings
✅ Seen owls hunting - they're already in the area, give them a nesting site
✅ Safe high mounting - ladder work you'd rather not tackle yourself
Why Choose Us for Owl box install in Exeter?
Mounted high enough for owl safety (4-6m)
Securely fixed to handle weather and weight
Positioned with clear flight path access
Correct size for target owl species
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Survey
I'll assess your location, check for suitable habitat (grassland for barn owls, woodland for tawny owls), identify the best mounting position, and plan safe access. If your site isn't suitable, I'll tell you honestly.
Step 2: Secure Mounting
Using appropriate fixings for the surface (building or tree), I'll mount the box at the correct height with the entrance facing the right direction. Everything gets a safety backup - these boxes are heavy and exposed to weather.
Step 3: Final Check
I'll test stability, make sure the flight path is clear (trim branches if needed), and advise on monitoring. I'll also show you the entrance angle so you know where to look from if checking for occupancy later.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to install your own owl box? This is serious height work - be safe:
🔧 What you'll need
- The owl box (species-specific!)
- Extension ladder or tree climbing gear
- Heavy-duty fixings (coach bolts/lag screws)
- Drill with long bits
- Safety harness if working at height
- Helper (essential for safety)
🦉 Choosing the location
- Barn owls: 4-6m high in buildings, entrance facing grassland
- Tawny owls: 3-5m high in mature trees, entrance facing into woodland
- Clear flight path - owls can't navigate tight spaces
- Away from busy roads and disturbance
- Sheltered from prevailing wind but not completely enclosed
🔨 Mounting securely
- Use heavy-duty fixings - owl boxes are 10-20kg when occupied
- Multiple fixing points - never rely on a single screw/bolt
- Add a safety cable as backup (especially in trees)
- Slight forward tilt helps drainage but not too much
- Check for existing nests BEFORE installing (disturbing owls is illegal)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Mounting too low (ground predators can access)
- Branches blocking the entrance (owls won't use it)
- Single-point fixing (will fail in high wind)
- Wrong box type for location (barn owl box in dense woodland = pointless)
💡 Pro trick: Install in autumn/winter when owls are prospecting for nest sites but not actively nesting. Never disturb or check the box during breeding season (March-August) - it's illegal and stresses the birds.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🦉 Will you see owls using it? Probably not immediately. Barn owls and tawny owls often investigate boxes for a year or two before committing to breeding. You might notice white droppings below the entrance or pellets on the ground - that's a great sign they're using it.
Habitat is critical: Even a perfectly installed box won't attract owls if there's no suitable hunting habitat. Barn owls need rough grassland with vole populations (farmland, meadows, field edges). Tawny owls need mature woodland with small mammals and roosting sites. I'll be honest about your chances.
Height means access equipment: At 4-6m, you're beyond standard ladder work for most people. I have the kit and experience to work safely at height. If your installation needs scaffolding or tree climbing specialists, I'll tell you upfront.
Legal protection: All wild birds (including owls) are protected during nesting. Never disturb an active nest. If you hear owlets or see adults entering repeatedly, leave it completely alone until autumn. I always check before installing.
Devon's owl population: We've got barn owls in rural areas (especially around Exmouth, Crediton, and farming areas) and tawny owls in wooded areas. If you're hearing owls at night or seeing them hunting at dusk, there's a good chance a box will get used eventually. Patience is key!
Frequently Asked Questions
How high do owl boxes need to be mounted?
Barn owl boxes need to be 4-6m high, typically in barns, outbuildings, or large trees. Tawny owl boxes can be 3-5m in mature trees. Height keeps them safe from ground predators and gives owls the clear access they prefer.
Can you install it on my tree or does it need a building?
Depends on the owl species. Barn owls prefer boxes in buildings (barns, sheds, outbuildings) facing open countryside. Tawny owls use tree-mounted boxes in mature woodland. I'll advise based on your location and what you're trying to attract.
Will owls actually use it?
If you're in the right location with suitable habitat nearby, yes. Barn owls need rough grassland for hunting voles. Tawny owls need mature trees and woodland. I'll be honest about whether your location is suitable - no point installing if there's no habitat.
Do I need special permission to install an owl box?
Not usually, but disturbing active owl nests is illegal. I always check for existing nests first. If you're in a conservation area or the tree has a Tree Preservation Order, you might need council permission. I'll advise when I see the site.
How do you make it secure at that height?
Proper fixings rated for the weight, secure anchor points, and often a safety cable as backup. Owl boxes are heavy (especially when occupied!), and they're exposed to wind. I make sure they're bombproof before leaving.
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