Add drainage holes to remove waste and water and help with ventilation. By understanding the key elements of a bird-friendly nesting spot before you build a birdhouse, you can be sure the house you create is safe, comfortable and attractive to birds. Using the correct bird house dimensions will also help to exclude undesirable decorative bird houses you buy from your local knickknack store isn't always best And what makes it even better is that it should be able to be done for around a dollar. Even children can handle a simple birdhouse plan with a little adult assistance. The video below shows you how to build a bird house from scrap pieces of wood 3. The ornithologist also explains why the Include ventilation holes to reduce heat and keep nestlings comfortable. Include ventilation holes to reduce heat and keep nestlings comfortable. the Latest Bird Watching News, Hot Birding Spots, Tips & More. Even the best birdhouse plans or easiest projects can often be adjusted to be even more bird-friendly. house sparrows and starlings. placement. Bird Feeders & Houses Lawn & Garden Furnishings Home Repair & Maintenance. Some birds will not nest in bird houses. Reread instructional manuals if needed, and always practice proper safety when using different tools. Nuthatches, Chickadees, and Sparrows will be your most likely tenants. Use a deep roof overhang or countersunk hole to keep rain out of the house. Website Directions More Info (262) 223-3805. Along with the tools you use, you also want to have the appropriate materials for the house. One-Board DIY Birdhouse – This simple DIY birdhouse is made from a single board and requires only a few tools to assemble. A birdhouse doesn't need to be complicated, but if you haven't built one before, it is best to start with a tried-and-true plan. Just as home buyers look for specific features when house shopping such as a large kitchen, enough bedrooms, or sufficient garage space, birds also need certain features in their houses. Contact Us | She has over 16 years experience writing about wild birds for magazines and websites. BBB Rating: A+. Use a deep roof overhang or countersunk hole to keep rain out of the house. design. Copyright ©2006-2020 Birdwatching-Bliss.com All Rights Reserved. sizes for the box itself, entrance holes and the species desired height Before you build a birdhouse, you need to understand what nesting birds need and how best to meet those needs with the house you construct. greatly reduced. If you follow the links below to specific bird house designs, there are more tips according to species. Building a birdhouse may seem like an easy project, but there is much more to an attractive, bird-friendly house than a wooden box with an entrance hole. 2374a W Washington … 2. Birds that build nests, for example, in between the branches of trees or shrubs such as goldfinches, cardinals, and doves, will not use a bird house. If you are lucky enough to have Bluebirds, you'll need to increase the hole size to 1&1/2 inches. In that case, you may want to consider using a birdhouse kit with pre-cut pieces to assemble. Avoid houses with perches that make it easier for. Building a Bird House. Another option is to start with a simple birdhouse and make modifications to the design to make it more bird-friendly to suit the species you hope will take up residence. species, i.e. If you are an confident woodworker with some building experience, you may even feel comfortable designing your own birdhouse with the information you've learned about what nesting birds want. You might even consider an alternative design, such as turning a mailbox into a birdhouse. With a good house, you can enjoy generations of bird families nesting nearby and reap the rewards of being a responsible bird landlord. Bluebird Bird House This ornithologically correct, traditional This ornithologically correct, traditional style Woodlink Bluebird House is designed specifically for bluebirds. Using the right dimensions for your bird house is a good start to attract certain species, but you will also want to do a little research as far as Cut out all the pieces in the cutting list (above) with a jigsaw. for the birds. Rip the solid board … There are many free birdhouse plans available online with styles and designs suitable for beginning woodworkers to experienced architects, or you can buy a book of birdhouse plans for a hard copy reference. Privacy Policy. To make a birdhouse more bird-friendly, consider the following steps and adjustments. Choose natural exterior colors that blend with the surroundings for camouflage. Factors that affect which birds will use a birdhouse or nesting box include: To build the best birdhouse, you first need to learn what cavity-nesting birds are frequent visitors in your region. placement above ground. It would be a great project to do with your kids. Constructed of durable re-forested, kiln dried, inland red cedar it is both weather resistant and insect repelling. Add drainage holes to remove waste and water and help with ventilation. 1. Building a birdhouse is a great beginner project but more details can make it a great project for a more advanced woodworker.