Chickadee Nest Box

thingiverse

I've been crafting nest boxes for various birds this spring and thought it would be awesome to 3D print one. I found a proven design based on 3-inch PVC pipe, intended for chickadees and nuthatches, which can be accessed at http://web2.uwindsor.ca/courses/biology/dmennill/nestbox.html. This design is packed with wood shavings/sawdust up to the hole, allowing birds to excavate the shavings and create their nest. This arrangement mimics a standing dead birch tree, a preferred nest location for these cavity nesting birds. I took the basic dimensions of this design and created a 3D model with rough gripping surfaces, ventilation, and drain holes built in. The box is divided into sections that thread together seamlessly. The main section has a mounting bracket built on which can be screwed onto a tree or strapped securely in place. The lower sections can be unthreaded each season to replace the sawdust/wood shavings. I included a slight taper on the male threads and press-fit cap, ensuring that even if a printer isn't perfectly calibrated, the pieces will still fit together smoothly. The best materials for this design are ones that will last outdoors longest. ASA and PETG have decent longevity in sunlight, making them ideal choices. Painting the outside will protect the plastic from sunlight and extend its life further. PLA is not a good choice, as it may only last one or two seasons.