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Building a possum box is a great way to keep wildlife close - without having them move into your roof!. You can buy ready-made boxes, but we have provided some basic dimensions for those who want to make up their own boxes. These are similar to the plans provided by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and the designs suggested by the Gould League of Victoria. There are boxes for various possums and birds. We have included designs for brush-tails, ringtails, and sugar gliders. For other plans, we suggest buying the 'Nest Box Book' which is published by the Gould League of Victoria. Some construction tips that apply to all possum boxes. We have included them on this page, so we don't have to duplicate them for each plan. To get the complete instructions you need to read three pages: This one, the design page, and the 'baffle' page (Links appear below).
 | Materials
We think the best material is12mm plywood or untreated pine. These are reasonably hardy, and not too expensive (try asking for cover sheets or seconds). The wood needs to be at least 10mm to provide some insulation. Do not use wood such as chipboard that will start to fall apart after the first decent rain!
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| Fastenings
Use screws and glue to hold the construction together. They will last longer and hold greater weight than nails
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| Box Tops
While it is not essential, it is best if you can arrange the top so it can be opened for inspection, but latched closed for protection. I fasten the back of the lid to the back with an old inner tube, which provides 'hinge' and a weatherproof seal.
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| Box Bottoms
The bottom of the box should fit inside the four sides, and be screwed in from the side. This gives greater strength than if flush with the walls, and screwed in from the bottom. Drill at least four 5mm holes near the corners for drainage.
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| Finish
The wood does not have to be smooth as possums are used to roughing it. However, a good coat of sealant and/or UV resistant paint on the exterior will help the box last years longer. Be sure to seal the edges, as that is where the water gets in and damages the box. Choose a colour that blends in with the surrounding bush. (Dark browns and grens work well)
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| Baffle
This is a screen that hides the entrance hole from view, and stops Mynas and Starlings from occupying the box, as they will only choose hollows where they can fly directly into the hole. Click
HERE for details of baffles.
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| Stairs
We suggest attaching some wire mesh (no sharp edges), or other device on the inside AND outside of the box under the hole to help juveniles climb up to the exit. Alternatively, a
small branch fastened flush to the outside of the box, under the entrance hole will give the possum something to grab onto while entering and exiting his home.
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| Attachment to the tree
Possum boxes should be attached to the tree trunk in two places for security. You may well have to improvise to suit the tree, but use materials that are not going to perish or be gnawed by the possums. A loop of wire or chain over an overhanging branch is a good option for the top. Sheathing this in an old hose helps to protect the tree. The bottom can be attached using a flexible metal strip approximately 30 mm from the bottom of the box, and nailed to the tree with a couple of heavy gauge flat head nails. Don't drive these nails in all the way, allow for the growth of the tree and the possibility of relocating the possum box in the future.
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| Placement
Ideally, the box should be at least 4 meters from the ground, to provide protection from pests, and a bit of privacy! The box should face away from prevailing winds, and should not face towards the afternoon sun. (If you can avoid westerly and easterly aspects, and still avoid the prevailing wind direction, you are on a winner!) Having a baffle attached also helps where it is not possible to avoid both the winds and direct sunshine. (See above)
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| Timing
Don't let the possum near his new home until the paint smell has disappeared. If you already have a possum in captivity, let him get used to the box before transferring to the tree. If you are trying to attract a possum, you can put some fruit in the box - but remember to take it out before it goes off!! Few good homes will remain empty for long if there are possums in the area. | | | OK, now that we have the preliminaries over with, lets have a look at some box designs. Click
here for the design page. |
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