Hi Marv,
Thought I would respond to all so everyone knows this.

Our Gardening for Life Program makes this same point. Nest boxes should
ideally be made of material that has good insulating properties, yet is
"breathable." Paint prevents the wood from "breathing," and we can all
anticipate how hot it gets in there with all those chicks! Also, the nest
boxes should be free of preservatives and other toxins, and almost all paint
is toxic. Of course, small birds are much more sensitive to minute levels
of toxins than big humans are. Paint can give off fumes and fill up the
pores of the wood, lessening its insulating property.

According to Russell Link's book "Landscaping for Wildlife in the pacific
Northwest" (which I highly recommend), both cedar and redwood contain
natural preservatives that keep the wood from rotting.


-----Original Message-----
From: Marv Breece [mailto:mbreece at foxinternet.net]
Sent: Thursday, July 19, 2001 5:59 PM
To: Tweeters
Subject: painted bird houses


Can anyone shed some light for me on whether painting a bird house is an
issue? Does the paint pose a threat to the birds? I'd appreciate any
comments and will take them privately. Thanks.

Marv Breece
Seattle, WA