DIY Swift box designs

There is a wide range of commercially available Swift boxes, but for those who like DIY, here are some possible designs. All of the designs listed here are suitable for installation externally. None of the carpentry required is particularly advanced, though it helps to have some power tools such as a jigsaw, mitre saw and skill saw. We would also recommend that you visit Swift Conservation DIY page, Dutch swift box designs, Bristol Swifts nest box designs.

Note, that in some of these posts, we recommend an entrance size of 30mm x 65-75mm. As Starlings can squeeze into a 30mm slot, we now recommend an oblong or obround entrance 28mm x 65-75mm.

The Model 30
This box is suitable for any location as it has a double thickness, waterproof roof (made of uPVC). The 30° sloping roof should deter predators.
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For design details, download (pdf)
Flatpack assembly instructions (pdf)
Assembly animation: Youtube
John Stimpson now supplies this nest box: 
Email: j.stimpson1@btopenworld.com Phone: 01353 740451

Recycled water pipe Swift box
This is a low-cost, waterproof, long-lasting, low weight and aesthetically acceptable Swift nest-box.
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Zeist nest box
This box is based upon a Dutch design. Over 5000 7000 8000 10000 of these boxes have been supplied by John Stimpson. If made of plywood, they are ideal under eaves where they are out of the rain and sheltered from the sun.
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Simple shoebox designs
These designs are the simplest possible carpentry. Ideal under eaves out of the rain.
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4-box cabinet
This can be made in 2, 3 or 4-box versions.
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End box cabinet
This can be made in 2, 3 or 4-box versions
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Eaves box design tool
This tool will calculate all of the dimensions needed to make eaves boxes to fit a wide range of geometries.
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Box for open eaves with joists
These can be the most unobtrusive of all external nest boxes.
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Oostvoorne eaves box
These boxes were designed for a mitigation project in Holland
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Triangular colony boxes
We have a number of examples of triangular cabinets on gable ends. Because of the height, the top of a gable is a good location for Swift boxes.
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How to measure the slope of a roof
Sometimes when neatly fitting nest boxes under sloping eaves or a triangle in a gable, it is necessary to measure accurately the slope of the roof. This shows you how.
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