Please note, this is the main cavity only. You will also need one of the 3 front panels available, depending on desired species; Kestrel, Jackdaw or Swift.
The Multi-System can be installed in all types of buildings, whether constructed of concrete, brick or timber. Examples include bridges, industrial buildings, houses, church towers and barns. To meet the needs of various bird species, different types of front panel are available for use with the Main Cavity. This Main Cavity is supplied without a front panel which should be ordered separately. At a later stage the front panel can be changed, if desired, to accommodate or encourage a different species of bird.
The Multi-System has been used very succesfully in major urban conservation projects to assist species which have become very rare. For example, Kestrels are welcome in cities because they help to keep feral pigeons away, and are therefore encouraged to occupy historic buildings in an effort to keep them clean.
Siting: do not install below a height of 5 to 6 m. Take care to choose the side of the building that is not exposed to prevailing winds.
Installation depth: this can be varied to meet individual requirements and the type of building construction. Ideally the Main Cavity should be set 24 cm into the wall.
Density: since Jackdaws and Swifts breed in colonies, it is advisable to place a number of Multi-System boxes in close proximity to one another. Kestrels, on the other hand, do not seek the company of their own species when nesting. However, they will happily nest among colonies of Jackdaws and Swifts. One or two Multi-System boxes on a building or bridge will suffice for Kestrels, while a virtually unlimited number can be set up for the other two species.
Cleaning: the front panels can be easily removed for access. However, cleaning is not essential, which is an important factor when installing on inaccessible places such as bridges, cooling towers, etc.
The three different front panel options can be viewed here.
Material: Schwegler wood-concrete
Dimensions: Width 44.5 cm x depth 41.5 cm x height 41.5 cm
Weight: ca. 28 kg
Schwegler nests will last decades and are readily adopted by birds. This means several decades of breeding success in real life conditions. These nest boxes have been developed in close collaboration with leading ornithologists, nature conservation organisations, Government conservation agencies and forestry experts, and are backed up by decades of experience and knowledge. They are made of a unique wood-concrete material, an entirely natural product consisting of 75% wood and various additives to compensate for climatic changes. This provides insulation against temperature fluctuations, allows air to pass through the walls, and prevents the formation of condensation which often occurs in nest boxes made of plastic, stone or entirely of concrete. This material is also much longer lasting and weather-resistant than wood, and is strong enough to withstand the attention of woodpeckers.
In each nest box the size of the brood chamber, diameter of the entrance hole and many other features have been adapted to the needs and behaviour of the animals themselves. Experiments by bird protection organisations worldwide have demonstrated that the highest density of bird populations (i.e., breeding pairs per hectare) is achieved with Schwegler nest boxes.
Schwegler nest boxes have been officially recognized and approved by the following organisations and numerous others worldwide:
German Federal Biological Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (BBA)
German Nature Protection Association (NABU)
Bavarian Regional Association for the Protection of Birds (LBV)
German Environmental Protection Association (DUH)
Jordsand, Society for the Protection of Seabirds and Nature
EURONATUR/European Cultural Heritage Foundation
LPO, France
Luxemburg Association for the Protection of Birds and Nature
Blue Bird Association of North America
SEO, Spain
LIPU, Italy
Global Nature Fund
Vogelbescherming, Belgium