Warranty and Care
The Feathers & Forage 1-Year Craftsmanship Guarantee
At Feathers & Forage Co., we take pride in building "For the Wild, At Home." Every shelter we create is handcrafted with precision and intended to provide a safe, sturdy haven for your backyard wildlife. We stand behind our work and offer a One-Year Replacement Warranty on all our products.
What is Covered
This warranty covers faulty or poor workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. This includes:
Structural failure of joints or assembly.
Failure of hardware (hinges, latches, or mounting brackets) under normal use.
Manufacturing defects that prevent the product from functioning as intended for its specific wildlife inhabitant.
What is Not Covered
Wood is a living, organic material that reacts to its environment. Because our products are intended for outdoor use, this warranty does not cover:
Lack of Maintenance: Damage resulting from wood materials being left untreated or failing to follow provided care instructions.
Natural Movement: Checking, warping, or cupping of the wood, which are natural characteristics of timber exposed to the elements.
Weather & Wildlife: Damage caused by extreme weather events (storms, fallen branches, floods) or damage inflicted by wildlife (chewing, scratching, or forced entry by predators).
Normal Wear and Tear: Fading of wood color or natural aging of the finish over time.
The Replacement Process
If you believe your product has a defect in workmanship, please follow these steps:
Contact Us: Email us at sales@feathersandforage.com with your order number and a brief description of the issue.
Provide Evidence: Include clear photos of the faulty area so our workshop team can evaluate the failure.
Resolution: If the failure is determined to be due to workmanship, we will ship a replacement product of the same model at no cost to you. If that model is no longer in production, we will provide a store credit for the original purchase price.
Product Care & Maintenance Guide
Ensuring a Lifetime of Shelter
At Feathers & Forage Co., we use high-quality timber chosen for its natural durability. However, because our products are "Built for the Wild," they face the harshest elements—sun, rain, and snow. To maintain your One-Year Warranty and extend the life of your shelter, please follow these care instructions.
1. Sealing & Treatment (Crucial for Warranty)
To prevent the warping, cupping, and splitting that occurs when wood dries out or absorbs too much moisture, your shelter must be treated.
The Golden Rule: Never use conventional paints, stains, or varnishes on the inside of a nesting box. Fumes can be toxic to birds and squirrels.
Recommended Finishes: We recommend applying a coat of Raw Linseed Oil or a specialized Wildlife-Safe Wood Sealer to the exterior surfaces only.
Frequency: Re-apply your chosen finish once a year, preferably in the late autumn before the winter dampness sets in.
2. Proper Placement
Where you hang your shelter significantly impacts its lifespan.
Avoid Ground Contact: Never place wooden shelters directly on the ground, as rising moisture leads to rapid rot.
Directional Facing: When possible, face the entrance hole away from prevailing winds and driving rain (typically North or East-facing in many regions).
Shade Matters: Intense afternoon sun can cause wood to "check" (small surface cracks). A location with dappled sunlight is ideal.
3. Annual Cleaning
For the health of the animals and the wood, clean the unit once a year after the nesting season has ended (usually late September or October).
Remove Debris: Clear out old nesting material, which can trap moisture against the floor and lead to rot.
Sanitize: Scrub the interior with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 9 parts water. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
Dry Completely: Ensure the box is fully dry before closing it back up for the winter.
4. Hardware Check
Wood expands and contracts with the seasons. Once a year, use a screwdriver to ensure all mounting brackets, hinges, and roof screws are snug. This prevents water from seeping into screw holes and softening the timber.
Care Summary Table
| Task | Frequency | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior Sealing | Annually | Prevents warping/cupping (Required for Warranty). |
| Debris Removal | Post-Nesting Season | Prevents moisture buildup and avian diseases. |
| Hardware Inspection | Bi-Annually | Ensures the shelter remains safely mounted. |
| Visual Check | Monthly | Catch "checking" or predator damage early. |
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How long do shelters last?
Quality built shelters can last for generations. here are our expected lifespans
- Cedar built: 20-40 years
- Pine built 3-7 years
- Pine built with non-toxic oil coating 7-15 years
Although pine products without treatment can last much longer, some areas and climates accelerate deterioration
NEVER apply coating to the inside of shelters.
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Can I paint my shelter or planter?
Yes! you can add your own splash of color to your planter or shelter but remember, NEVER paint or treat the inside. Our feathered fliers and foraging fur balls can get very sick from latex and harsh coatings
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Can you ship my shelter or planter?
Yes! We offer an "RTA" ready to assemble or fully assembled on some products for you. Most products can be modifies to ship so please ask. Small birdhouses and shelters may only be available in assemble so choose your option from the selection list.