Hutchings Predator Guard

In 1990 after continuing to loose bluebirds to raccoons and feral cats I designed a predator guard made of PVC pipe.

This guard can be made from a 6" long section of 4" diameter PVC pipe and a 4" diameter plastic Sewer and Drain glue on cap. I use a S&D cap because it is flatter on the top than a regular PVC cap.

This guard can be made by using a 2" hole saw to cut a hole in the top of the cap. Attach the cap to the front of the box using 3 #6x3/4" long wood screws. Insert a 6" section of PVC pipe into the cap and secure by either using a #6x1/4" long pan head screw or by using a small amount of PVC glue.

If you use a screw to secure the pipe into the cap be sure the screw doesn't protrude into the inside of the guard. The 4" diameter pipe allows plenty of room for the bluebirds to go in and out the entrance hole without any restriction, yet will not allow cats, raccoons, etc. to reach into the box.

The guard should be placed on the box before the nest is started to prevent possible abandonment, although I have installed this guard during all stages of nesting and have not had any birds abandon the nest.

Posted with permission by Don Hutchings, drawing by Sandra A Cason.