| Additional Notes The plywood panels are attached with screws into the softwood batons, which are glued to the edges of each panel. At least four galvanised wood screws are required along each side of the roof panels. When building do not apply glue to the front panel so that it can be unscrewed and removed when placing the box on site. There is an internal ledge which divides the box into upper and lower parts, leaving a gap on one side for the owls to move between the upper and lower parts. The ledge is positioned at the same height as the exterior landing ledge. The internal ledge needs to be fastened to the front panel with a length of baton. The back of the internal panel should rest loosely on another baton glued & screwed to the inside of the back panel This provides extra support for the panel whilst allowing the front panel to be removed when the box is placed on site No drainage holes should be drilled in the base or back of the box. A 2" screw through the batons forming the joints at bottom front angles of the box will help to keep the base secure when the front panel is removed. The whole box needs to be painted with 2-3 coats of Sadolin or Sikkens. These treatments are less harmful to owls than Cuprinol, Creosote or other preservatives.
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Detail
of apex - in this case a former was used instead of the
top two batons.
End view of front panel.
Back and inside of front panel
Complete box (before preservative)