How to erect a pole-mounted Barn Owl nestbox by hand

An outdoor polebox for Barn Owls can be situated almost anywhere, where there is suitable foraging habitat nearby – however this is it’s only advantage over other types of nest boxes. Indoor nestboxes are best – find out why.  

If a pole-mounted Barn Owl nestbox is your only option, the photos below show how to go about putting one up by a team of at least 3 robust, fairly strong people. If possible, it is preferable to use any heavy duty lifting equipment available, or alternatively, a digger and a hefty chain. How to erect a pole-mounted nestbox by machine.

⚠ SAFETY NOTICE ⚠

• Erecting nestboxes is a potentially hazardous operation.
• Barn Owl Trust staff are trained to erect poleboxes on previously-erected poles. We have developed an unconventional method requiring three people and three ladders and have an excellent safety record, however:
  • The method shown here cannot be unreservedly recommended,
  • Your assessment of the risks involved may call for alternative methods of working at height and other ways of lifting the box, and
  • WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND that you attach the polebox to the pole BEFORE the pole is erected.