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Name: Juli
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Question:
My father is building an "apartment" for barns and swallows to enjoy. He is wondering how large to drill the holes. He believes the correct size is 1 1/4 inch. Is that correct?? Thank you!


Replies:
I am not sure what kind of bird you are asking about - barn swallows do not nest in cavities and will not use nest boxes. Purple martins, which are related and do nest in communal boxes, need a fairly large hole - I do not have a guide in front of me, but I believe the holes in the boxes we use are about 1 3/4" - I'm pretty sure 1 1/4 would be too small for martins.

J. Elliott


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