To give little owls a helping hand, we can place nest boxes. For example, on farms where nesting opportunities have disappeared in the (recent) past, nest boxes are gratefully occupied by little owls. It is now estimated that at least a quarter to a third of the Dutch breeding population breeds in nest boxes. The following are important when placing a nest box:
- Sufficient nesting space, place as spacious a box (floor space) as possible.
- Good ventilation.
- Moisture-absorbing soil material (dry wood chips).
- Avoid soaking in rain with strong winds.
- Sustainable; a nest box should withstand weather and wind for about 10 years.
- The box should be easily accessible and openable for nest box inspection.
- Prevent access by predators such as stone martens, for example, by applying a marten-resistant lock. This also keeps out nest site competitors such as jackdaw and cave pigeon.
