Slippin’ Silo Field Testing 

Design of the Slippin’ Silo began in the spring of 2001, and the first prototype was constructed later that summer.   Four silos were installed on my own Bluebird trail for the remainder of the 2001 nesting season.  My initial evaluation of the design yielded all positive results.  The nest box functioned well, and the local birds seemed to really like it.   In early 2002, several Silos were sent to selected individuals for additional field testing.

After two nesting seasons, feedback from the other "Field Testers" revealed that most of the silos had been nested in, but not all of them had been used.  The 2005 season will be the 5th year for the four silos that were installed on my own Bluebird trail.  To this date, none of them show any signs of wear or damage due to use by the birds, by weathering, or from the sun’s rays.  The design seems to be holding up well and performing admirably.

After Silos were sent to selected individuals for field testing, inquiries began to come in from other bird enthusiasts who had seen the Silos and wanted one of their own.  Currently, 150 Slippin’ Silos have been sold and are being used in 23 states and two Canadian Provinces.  Only one report of design failure was reported and it has been corrected.  Feedback from Silo owners can be viewed by clicking here.  All Silo owners are encouraged to provide feedback of any type including suggestions for design improvement. 

The durable materials used in Silo construction should yield more years of service than conventional wooden nest boxes.  Four years of field testing have produced good results, but only time will answer the question regarding life expectancy for a Slippin’ Silo.

North American Bluebird Society (NABS) Nest Box Approval 

After my own Silo evaluation during the summer of 2001, I sought an opinion from some “experts” to see if they would sanction my nest box design.  Since NABS is recognized by most bird enthusiasts as “the authority” on Bluebirds, I sent a Slippin’ Silo to NABS for its Nest Box Approval Process in February, 2002.

Approximately 6 weeks later, I received a written endorsement for my nest box design, along with approval to apply the NABS seal to all of my Slippin’ Silo Nest boxes.  To see a sample of the NABS Seal of Approval, click here and view the bottom of the web page.  As the designer/builder of this unique nest box, I am on the Current Listing of NABS-Approved Nest Box Manufacturers, Retailers and Distributors for Bluebird housing.