Welcome native animals into your backyard with a wildlife nesting box.
Urbanisation and the loss of viable habitat has pushed native animals into developed areas, including our backyards. Without suitable shelter they may find their way into roofs and shed spaces not appropriate for them or their young. By purchasing an artificial nesting box, you are providing a safe place for our native animals to shelter.
Wildlife Victoria is proud to partner with the Victorian Men’s Shed Association to deliver our wildlife nesting boxes to community members across the state.
Each Men’s Shed builds these eco-friendly nesting boxes from recycled timber that would have otherwise gone to landfill. All orders must be collected by the participating Men’s Shed so please note locations and opening hours below.
Participating Men’s Sheds
Belgrave Men’s Shed
2/1A Reserve Rd, Belgrave
Opening hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday 9am to 12.30pm.
Chelsea Men’s Shed
71 Catherine Ave, Chelsea
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 1pm, Saturday 9am to 12.30pm
Leongatha Men’s Shed*
9 Wild Dog Valley Rd, Leongatha
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday 10am to 4pm
*Leongatha can provide delivery anywhere in Melbourne Metropolitan for approximately $33 per box.
Melbourne Men’s Shed (Federation Square)
Level 1 Federation Square Car Park
Opening hours: Monday and Saturday 10am to 2pm, Tuesday 10am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm
Melbourne Men’s Shed (Parkville Precinct)
3 Bedford Place, North Melbourne (rear of Atira Apartments)
Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 3pm
Vermont Men’s Shed
640 Canterbury Rd, Vermont
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday 9am to 3pm
Western Port Men’s Shed
45 Sudholz St, Bittern
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8.30am to 12pm
The box measures approximately 52 cm (H) x 25 cm (W) x 25 cm (D). The post is 80 cm long. It is made of pine timber and weighs around 8.5 kg. Sizes and weight will vary slightly due to the different timber used by the various Sheds.
Instructions for installation will be sent via email following your purchase.
Some Sheds provide boxes already painted, but if the box you collect is unpainted, you may paint it with a water-based, non-toxic paint. Do allow it to air dry completely so the paint smell is gone before installation. Also, avoid painting around the rim of the entrance as possums may chew that area.
Possums are territorial so if a possum is using the box now, it is likely to continue using it for the rest of their life. Ringtails live up to eight years, while brushtails can live up to 12 years. If for some reason a possum vacates the box, another possum is likely to move in quickly.
Please do not feed the possums residing in the possum box. Possums feed on native fruit and plants and it is important they retain this vital survival skill.
The only time you might provide food is when you are trying to lure a possum out from your roof, shed or garage. In such situations, you can leave a trail of small fruit pieces such as banana or apple from the roof to the possum box. Once the possum is out, please discontinue feeding.