Filcris Zeist Swift Box User manual

F I L C R I S
L I M I T E D
The O ld Fire S tation, B roadw a y
B ourn, C a m b ridg eshire C B 2 3 2T A
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.lcris.co.uk Email: info@lcris.co.uk
ZEIST RECYCLED PLASTIC SWIFT NEST BOX: Instructions for use
We supply the Zeist Swift Box completely assembled.We do not provide fixings to attach the box to the
wall since the substrate and the fixings needed can vary. Generally standard rawlplugs will suffice. We
do not predrill the back of the box since we cannot determine the best location, e.g. to avoid cables,
mortar etc. However the recycled plastic sheet is very easy to drill through.This will also give you
accurate makings for the fixing points.We recommend four fixing points in the back, one in each corner.
To ensure many years of use make sure that only the best quality, corrosion proof fixings are used, and
only appropriate fixings for the given wall material (stone, brickwork, timber etc). If you are in any doubt
about your ability to install the box ask a professional to do it for you. Drilling into walls at height is
potentially dangerous and great care should always be taken:
IMPORTANT:
Make sure that working conditions are safe and clear of hazards. Use only the appropriate access
equipment, tools and fixings and make sure they are all in sound condition.Take special care when
working at a high level, on ladders, scaffolding or platforms. Seek professional advice whenever
performing any task for which you have not been trained. Use the appropriate personal protective
equipment required for the task.
Place the nest box on the side of the building that gets the least direct sunshine. If possible fix it under
an overhang or the eaves, to give it more protection from weather and heat. It should be sited at least 5
metres above ground, with clear adjacent airspace so the Swifts can access it in high-speed direct flight
(they fly straight into the nest hole to avoid the risk of predation). Make sure that predators (cats,crows,
magpies, squirrels, rats and weasels) do not have easy access to the nest (eg by climbing up creepers,
sitting on nearby aerials, or flying in from nearby trees).
Choosing the Site:
Diagram reproduced with kind permission from Swift Conservation, copyright Edward Mayer/Swift Conservation.

F I L C R I S
L I M I T E D
The O ld Fire Station, B roadw a y
B ourn, C a m b ridg eshire C B 2 3 2T A
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.lcris.co.uk Email: info@lcris.co.uk
Attracting the Swifts:
It can take a long time for Swifts to find new nesting sites, but this can be speeded up if a recording
of Swift calls is played early in the nesting season (May - June) and later in the year (end July) when
Juveniles are prospecting for nest sites for the following year.The CD available from us should be played
as close as possible (see seperate instructions for details).
Maintenance:
You do not need to maintain the box at all, since it is made from maintenance free recycled plastic.You
do not need to clean out the boxes, the small amount of debris left will be consumed by insects and it will
not become cluttered.
If you do want to check on the box make sure you avoid the nesting period, April to end August.
Build on success:
If your box is successful, put up some more. Swifts are loosely colonial birds and they like a few neighbours.
In fact a busy colony is the best way of attracting more swifts to come and nest.
Monitoring:
It can also be great fun to observe the lives of your swifts.This can be done with CCTV cameras, webcams
and microphones. All equipments must be small, with minimal lighting (if any), must not emit any heat, and
must not present any risk to the birds.
Do’s & Don’ts:
Do give the birds peace and quiet and every chance to breed.
Do try to keep a diary of the birds activity.
Do try to share any CCTV footage via the internet.
Do check the box each winter to make sure it is still firmly fixed.
Don’t stand and stare at the nest box when the Swifts are around.
Don’t disturb the Swifts at any time, they will desert the nest.
Don’t handle the birds unless you are a BTO Licensed Ringer.
Don’t allow climbers to encroach on the nest - they give access
to predators like rats and weasels.
Do enjoy your Swifts!
Sections of this leaflet have been reproduced
with kind permission from Swift Conservation,
copyright Edward Mayer/Swift Conservation.
For lots more useful information about swifts
and how you can help them visit their website
at: http://www.swift-conservation.org/
Installing your swift box:
Before installing the swift box you will need to remove
the front cover to gain access to the inside.
The front cover is held in place by 2 retaining
screws as shown to the right.
These should be unscrewed using a No 2 driver bit.
After removing the cover pre drill the holes in the positions
required as shown.This is best done with the box in its actual
location.
Fix the box to the wall in a suitable location,
ensuring that it is level and firmly fixed
Re-attach cover. Ensure that the cover is pushed up
tight against the top lid.
Screw the retaining screws back in place.