FAQs
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In a large development there should be equal numbers of Swift bricks and dwellings. As Swifts like company, they should be clustered 2-3 per property in every 2nd or 3rd dwelling (average density 1:1). We would recommend more in larger buildings.
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Where there is space, we recommend a separation of at least 1 metre. Where space is limited, they can be placed closer together.
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The higher the better. Gables are particularly good, or high up under the eaves.
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With its thin-walled nest chamber it takes a small amount of space in the wall making it easy to install. Swifts can nest in a space considerably smaller than an S Brick.
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S Bricks are suitable for small cavity-nesting birds, including Swifts, House Sparrows, Starlings, Great Tits, Blue Tits and occasionally other species. In winter they may be used as a roost by Tits, Wrens, butterfiys, moths and ladybirds.
To accommodate Starlings we can increase the entrance from 65mm x 28mm to 65mm x 32mm.
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No, they make clean neighbours.
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As with any nest box, there are no guarantees, but there are sufficient Swifts and Sparrows already breeding in S Bricks to give confidence that the birds like it. Once occupied there is consistent evidence that they return every year. Moreover, the Swift Micro Caller is a device we can supply that will improve your chances of successful occupancy.
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The S Brick was originally conceived for retrofit in existing walls, which is why it fits within 1 course of bricks. It is the easiest Swift brick on the market for retrofit.
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If you play Swift calls, you can attract swifts most places. If you don't play calls you may have to wait a long time, especially if there are no local swifts. Swifts can fly a long way for food, they can live in a concrete jungle.
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A gallery of case studies is available. Additionally we can send out a demonstrator S Brick upon request.
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We build our swift bricks in a factory in Bury St Edmunds, with additional capacity in Cambridge, UK.
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The galvanised steel version of the S Brick contains no combustible materials, including the glue.
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S Brick meets the standards that will be specified in BS 42021: Integral nest boxes - Design and installation for new developments - Specification, which is due for release in 2022.
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Nest boxes are complementary to the Biodiversity Net Gain metric, endorsed by RIBA, NHBC, NPPG and others.
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If based in the UK, 7 – 10 days after receiving bricks or stones for making slips.
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Yes.
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Swifts bring in a very small amount of nest material, which is then reduced by invertebrates over the winter. Other birds may bring in more nest material, but they always leave some space. It is not unusual for Swifts to nest on top of a sparrow’s nest.
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There are many websites and Facebook pages with useful information. A good place to start is:
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Once we’ve spoken with you about your enquiry, please pay via PayPal, Bank Transfer or Cheque. For more details please visit our Enquiry Page.