Our most frequent question:
How do I mount my birdhouse?
When designing The Peep Show, we knew from the start that we wanted a versatile mounting system. Birds can be quite particular when selecting a nesting box, and backyard structures vary widely--fences, trees, posts and walls all offer unique challenges. We wanted a mounting system that not only accommodates a bird's natural instincts, but also adapts seamlessly to different backyard set-ups, giving you the flexibility to place your Peep Show where birds will feel most welcome.
The Do's | The Don'ts |
Choose a stable mounting option—For instance, avoid hanging a bird house as most birds dislike too much swaying or movement. | (Don't!) hang your birdhouse from a tree limb unless you’re attracting species that tolerate movement. |
Mount at the correct height for your target species (e.g., bluebirds: 5-6 feet; some swallows: 15 feet or higher). | (Don't!) place near bird feeders, which can attract unwanted visitors. Many nesters instinctively shy away from locations with too much activity. |
Provide good airflow—use the spacers that come with your Peep Show if mounting on a solid surface. | (Don't!) situate near heavily used pathways or sidewalks. If surface mounting, avoid sheds and barns with doors that may slam shut. |
Our favorite source for best-practices when choosing a location and mounting height is NestWatch https://tinyurl.com/yht34uyz
1. Surface Mounting
PHOTOS: (Left) Surface-mounting is a great option--easy to install, and this method allows you to relocate the nesting box if needed. (Center) Included spacers mount behind the Peep Show, allowing air to circulate around and through the nest. (Right) High-quality stainless steel surface mounting hardware is included in the box with your Peep Show.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Stainless steel hardware is included, is a sturdy mounting option, can be installed while the ground is frozen. Included spacers keep air circulating behind the nest.
TIME REQUIRED: We spent 20 minutes with this surface mount installation.
PRO TIP: Pre-drill holes for the included wood screws. Having an extra set of hands makes it a breeze to line up the screws with the spacers and pre-drilled holes.
Your Peep Show includes a surface-mounting kit, making it simple to attach to wood posts, shed or barn walls, or other wood structures. Use the included spacers for better airflow and avoid mounting in areas with frequent human activity, like front porches or busy sheds.
VIDEO: Watch this 90-second setup video.
2. ERVA Pole System.
Mostly good but comes with a wobble.
PHOTOS: (Left) We liked the heavy duty auger-style base. (Center) To use the ERVA pole system with the Peep Show, you will need our POLE ADAPTER sold through the Peep Show website. (Right) ERVA pole adapter, detail.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Made in the USA, easy to install, no ladder needed, easily ordered through Amazon, recommended to us by some of our customers.
TIME REQUIRED: From opening the Amazon box to final installation, we spent 30 minutes setting up the ERVA pole.
The ERVA pole requires no hole digging–just twist into the ground like a beach umbrella. It arrives in three 28" sections so you can customize the height, plus it comes apart so you won't need a ladder when you replace batteries or do your fall clean-out. The kit we bought included a feeder mount which we didn't end up using.
WHERE TO BUY: To use The Peep Show with the ERVA system, you’ll this custom adapter: https://tinyurl.com/5fy74j4p
The ERVA 80" pole kit is about $79 at Amazon. Here is an affiliate link https://amzn.to/41sPdnV
VIDEO: Watch this 60-second setup video.
3. Wild Birds Unlimited’s "Advanced Pole System"
Great customer service, and not the cheapest option.
PHOTOS: (Left) The "APS" system from Wild Birds Unlimited is sold only through their stores. (Center) To use the Peep Show mount with the APS System, you will need our adapter. (Right) With the adapter installed, it took 30 seconds to mount the nesting box.
WHY WE LIKE IT: It's versatile, requires no digging, and WBU staff are incredibly helpful!
TIME REQUIRED: We mounted ours in about 30 minutes.
The Wild Birds Unlimited's APS system also has an auger tip and installs like a beach umbrella—just twist. With lots of optional accessories like squirrel baffles and height extensions, the APS lived up to its "all purpose" name. The drawbacks? This was the most expensive option we tested. In addition, because of the narrow pole diameter and the fact that it is constructed in sections, it had noticeable wobble. It is still highly recommended for its ease and versatility, but for taller mounting options (like the 10+ feet recommended for violet green swallows), we recommend other solutions like EMT, below.
WHERE TO BUY: To use The Peep Show's aluminum mount with the APS system, you’ll need our custom adapter, available here: https://tinyurl.com/386vvact
VIDEO: Watch this 60-second setup video.
4. Using EMT Conduit as a Pole
Budget-friendly and super sturdy.
PHOTOS: (Left) The electrical industry has used EMT conduit for decades. (Center) The included Peep Show mount is perfectly sized for 1-1/4" EMT. (Right) EMT is not only rust-resistant, but also paintable, to give your Peep Show a custom look.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Inexpensive and widely available, durable in wind and extreme weather (even survived a Florida hurricane!), can be joined for extra height, paintable to match your birdhouse or home, and no adapters needed—the Peep Show mount fits perfectly on a 1.25” EMT pole.
EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) is galvanized steel pipe (also called thin-wall), commonly found at hardware stores, arguably the best-kept secret in the world of backyard birding. It is affordable (about half the cost of the other options), rust-resistant, and easy to customize. Dad has been using his EMT pole solution for 50+ years in Alaska; it is still his go-to solution. Here in Seattle where we get plenty of rain, no rust has appeared even after six years of exposure. Keeping a bird's well-being in mind, it is by far the most sturdy (read: welcoming) option.
VIDEO: Watch this 2-minute setup video.
5. EMT Sistering to a Wood Fence
Quick. No digging. Five-minute installation.
PHOTOS: (Left) From start to finish, this took us only five minutes to complete. (Center) The EMT rests directly on the ground—no digging required. (Right) You will need two EMT two-hole straps available from your local hardware store.
WHY WE LIKE IT: No digging, so you can install when the ground is frozen. No ladder needed when changing batteries or during nest clean-out, easy to remove or relocate.
TIME REQUIRED: We mounted ours in five minutes.
Any hardware store that sells EMT will also sell brackets specifically sized for your EMT. These are inexpensive (under $5/set of two) and also most often made of rust-resistant galvanized metal. You will use these brackets to anchor your EMT to a 4x4" wood fence post or other sturdy wood strucure.
PRO TIP: Avoid the need for a ladder by pre-mounting your Peep Show atop the EMT prior to attaching the pole to a wood fence. To remove, relocate, or clean the nest, just unscrew the brackets.
WHERE TO BUY: We found 1-1/4" EMT straps at our local hardwares store ($4/set). Similar straps can be ordered through our Amazon affiliate link https://amzn.to/4kdCAEQ
VIDEO: Watch this 90-second setup video.
6. EMT Sistering To an Existing Chain-Link Fence
Quick. No digging. Five-minute installation.
PHOTOS: (Left) If you (or your neighbor, but ask first) has an existing chain-link fence, this may be your easiest solution. (Center) We found these rust-proof radiator clamps with a built-in thumb screw on Amazon. (Right) Since the EMT rests direction on the ground, we were able to sister 13-foot EMT while the ground was frozen.
WHY WE LIKE IT: No digging, so you can install while the ground is frozen. No ladder needed to change batteries or for nest clean-out, easy to remove or relocate.
TIME REQUIRED: We mounted ours in under five minutes.
PRO TIP: Avoid the need for a ladder by pre-mounting your Peep Show atop the EMT prior to attaching the pole to a chain link fence. To remove, relocate, or clean the nest, just unscrew the hose clamps. That's it.
This is a great option for anyone with a chain-link fence. You will need a couple of stainless steel (non-rusting) radiator hose clamps, as shown. I chose these that didn't even require a screwdriver, and come in a variety of sizes.
WHERE TO BUY: Hose clamps can be found in most hardware and automotive stores. We found these clever 3-inch clamps with built-in thumb screws on Amazon, available with our affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4gW4x15
VIDEO: Watch this 60-second setup video.
7. EMT In-Ground Mounting
Maximum longevity and stability comes with some effort. Foam mounting is easier than cement.
PHOTOS: (Left) In-ground mounting is not the quickest or easiest method, but it can't be beat for sturdiness or curb appeal. (Center) Quick-setting cement is one option for permanent in-ground mounting. The other (Right) is expanding foam made specifically for setting fence posts, which is more easily removable.
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is our top choice for a long-term, wind-resistant mount. It requires some effort to install but offers the most stability and is the only option we recommend when mounting a Peep Show over eight feet in height. Results in a polished, professional look.
TIME REQUIRED: We spent an hour in total, including hole-digging and cement setting.
PRO TIP: Since this is a permanent mount, we recommend using a magnetic fence-post level (about $8) to ensure the post is perfectly straight. To make it extra easy, consider using newer liquid foam products instead of cement.
This is our top choice for a long-term, wind and rain-resistant mount. It requires some effor—and some dust if you use concrete mix—but offers the most stability and longevity. It's also less costly than the specialty pole systems.
WHERE TO BUY:
Expanding foam available here: https://amzn.to/4bliUdZ
Magnetic post level (our favorite) available here: https://amzn.to/4gTIIzc
VIDEO: Watch this 4-minute setup video of in-ground mounting.
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