Not Just Another Drey: Reinventing Squirrel Housing, One Box at a Time

[Dusty]

🐿️ Hello from the Squirrel Box Retired Guy!

Greetings, fellow squirrel enthusiasts from around the globe! I’m Dusty., fully retired but clearly not from mischief. My journey into squirrel housing began when my wife kindly suggested I do something useful with the mountain of wine boxes I’d been hoarding. (She said “clear them out,” but I heard “build luxury woodland condos.”)

That moment sparked a passion: not just for repurposed wood, but for understanding what makes a squirrel’s house a home. I soon realized that a drey in a tree is just the beginning—these creatures deserve options! So, I founded the Facebook group *Squirrel Box Construction*, where we explore the art and science of crafting safe, durable, and downright cozy squirrel shelters.

I’ve spent the past few months learning everything I can about squirrel architecture, from ventilation to predator protection. Wine boxes, it turns out, aren’t exactly weatherproof—but with a few tweaks and reinforcements, they’ve become the foundation for some surprisingly sturdy squirrel suites. I’ve even shared free downloadable plans for anyone who wants to build their own.

Recently, I helped spread the word about a wildlife rehab center’s need for 50 squirrel boxes—and thanks to the community, that need was met. It’s proof that when squirrel lovers unite, good things happen.

Beyond the boxes, I’m a lifelong wildlife advocate and proud supporter of [iNaturalist.org] (https://www.ted.com/talks/scott_loar..._nature_photos), a global citizen science platform where nature photos help researchers track biodiversity. One user’s photo even led to the rediscovery of a spider thought extinct for over a century—talk about a comeback!

I’d love to ask: is it possible to start a dedicated group here for squirrel box builders and habitat designers? From what I’ve seen, there’s no existing space focused on this niche, and I’d be thrilled to help fill that gap with creativity, collaboration, and a few nutty jokes.

Looking forward to learning from all of you and sharing in the joy of our beloved bushy-tailed neighbors. May your feeders be full and your nesting boxes snug!

—Dusty
Squirrel Box Builder, Wine Crate Wrangler, and Woodland Squirrel Box Architect

[CritterMom]

We do have a section for that: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...ials-and-ideas

[olorin19]

You mention wine boxes not being weatherproof. I have one nest box that has been outside for ten years and two others for five years. They are made of untreated pine boards. Before assembly, all surfaces received multiple coats of cheap vegetable oil. Safe for squirrels, and keeps the wood from rotting.

It will darken in color over time but remain solid. I apply more vegetable oil every few years, although not sure it really matters. And lots of rain and snow around here.

For the roof, I attach door mats on top. You can bend them around the overhanging edges them hold them in place with large washers from below.

[Dusty]

We do have a section for that: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...ials-and-ideas

I’m new here and still finding my way around—thanks in advance for your patience!

I’m trying to learn more about nesting box placement and reintroduction setups. Does anyone have a favorite thread or go-to resource that really helped clarify those topics?

I may be misreading things, but I’ve noticed that some complex questions get short replies, and I wonder if there’s a way to build on that.

Would it be helpful to have a more defined "GUIDE section" that lays out best practices, with follow-up questions linked to those guides?

I come from a background where structure and clarity were key, so I’m trying to understand how things flow here. I really appreciate all the knowledge being shared—it’s clear this community cares deeply.

I DID VIEW THE TOP of the Forum Section, which did show what appeared to be a guided section on TOP! Thanks for your help, as it was most informative; thank you!

[Dusty]

You mention wine boxes not being weatherproof. I have one nest box that has been outside for ten years and two others for five years. They are made of untreated pine boards. Before assembly, all surfaces received multiple coats of cheap vegetable oil. Safe for squirrels, and keeps the wood from rotting.

It will darken in color over time but remain solid. I apply more vegetable oil every few years, although not sure it really matters. And lots of rain and snow around here.

For the roof, I attach door mats on top. You can bend them around the overhanging edges them hold them in place with large washers from below.

“Introducing the latest in squirrel real estate: the Chateau du Nut! 🍷🛖 Built from only the finest upcycled wine crate, this luxury nesting box offers panoramic views, natural ventilation, and zero HOA fees. Perfect for the discerning squirrel who enjoys a little Cabernet with their acorn stash. Critics are calling it ‘nutty with a hint of oak.’”


This is one of 15 boxes, and I worked out a sketch of the box incorporated within Cyderwood to keep the spirit flowing.


This was my first skitch, idea.


This was my completed sketch showing a new cedarwood roof and siding. All of this is in good, clean fun and safe for the squirrels. Given what I've read on the safety of squirrels, the lower floor is larger and has a once-a-year clean-out door.


In my reading, I can across this mythical character and have written a few stories within my "Squirrel Box Construction" FB Group


This was my idea to buy one board and make a nesting box. I also include safety instructions in the group for building any squirrel box, as I provide completely free and easy-to-download instruction guides. Now, I have been suggesting to them to coat only the outside of the BOXES with 100% Linseed oil, which can be found at many hardware stores and instructions on tools and shop safety.


This is my 2025 Squirrel House Design, and again, all of it and the information is all completely free to anyone willing to pick up a hammer.

[Dusty]

“Introducing the latest in squirrel real estate: the Chateau du Nut! 🍷🛖 Built from only the finest upcycled wine crate, this luxury nesting box offers panoramic views, natural ventilation, and zero HOA fees. Perfect for the discerning squirrel who enjoys a little Cabernet with their acorn stash. Critics are calling it ‘nutty with a hint of oak.’”


This is one of 15 boxes, and I worked out a sketch of the box incorporated within Cyderwood to keep the spirit flowing.


This was my first skitch, idea.


In my reading, I can across this mythical character and have written a few stories within my "Squirrel Box Construction" FB Group


I provide completely free and easy-to-download instruction guides. Now, I have been suggesting to them to coat only the outside of the boxes with 100% linseed oil, which can be found at many hardware stores, along with instructions on tools and shop safety.

This is my 2025 Squirrel House Design, and again, all of it and the information is completely free to anyone willing to pick up a hammer.

This was my completed sketch showing a new cedarwood roof and siding. All of this is in good, clean fun and safe for the squirrels. Given what I’ve read on the safety of squirrels, the lower floor is larger and has a once-a-year clean-out door.