Nesting Box Attracts Rodent-Eating Owls

Nesting Box Attracts Rodent-Eating Owls MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT Miscellaneous 32-6-32 John Gibson had a problem with gophers and squirrels on his 150-acre cherry farm near Lodi, Calif. He didn't want to use synthetic materials such as poisonous baits and liquids to solve the problem, so he started making nesting boxes for owls. They worked out so well he has turned the idea into a successful business. "It lets you control rodents in an environmentally friendly way without spending a lot of money. Owls nest in tree cavities and old woodpecker holes, but they will readily use nest boxes like the ones I provide. On average one barn owl will eat about 1,000 rodents per year," says Gibson. The Hooters Hotels Owl Box is designed for barn and horned owls. Two models are available, one measuring 24 by 36 in. and the other 24 by 28 in. The wooden boxes are designed to mount on a pole or tree 12 to 14 ft. above the ground. Cedar wood shavings should be placed in the bottom of the box for use as nesting material. A small door on one side can be opened to clean out the box once a year. Gibson recommends one nesting box for every 10 to 15 acres. A large roof provides extra protection against rain, snow and sun. Large holes are cut into the top of the box to let air in. The 24 by 36-in. owl nesting box sells for $259 plus S&H; the 24 by 28-in. model for $299 plus S&H. Gibson says he also plans to soon offer a smaller box for barns and perching in big trees. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, John Gibson, 1236 Winerose Court, Lodi, Calif. 95242 (ph 209 603-3225; jlgibsoninc@ yahoo.com; www.premiumowlboxes.com).

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