Bird House Plans
Materials
The first step in building a birdhouse is to gather the necessary materials. Here are the items you will need:
- Wood – cedar or redwood are good choices as they are durable and weather-resistant
- Screws or nails – make sure they are rust-resistant
- Saw – to cut the wood to the appropriate size
- Drill – to make holes for the entrance and perch
- Measuring tape – to ensure accurate measurements
- Sandpaper – to smooth out any rough edges
- Paint or stain – optional, but can add some color and protect the wood
Designs
Traditional Nest Box
The traditional nest box design features a simple box shape with a small entrance hole and no perch. This design is suitable for small birds like bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens. The entrance hole should be around 1-1/2 inches in diameter and located about 6-10 inches above the floor of the birdhouse. The interior dimensions of the box should be about 4x4 inches with a depth of around 8 inches.
Purple Martin House
Purple Martins are larger birds that require a larger birdhouse. The Purple Martin house design features multiple compartments and entrances to accommodate several pairs of birds. The compartments should be at least 6x6 inches with a depth of around 8 inches. The entrance holes should be around 2-1/2 inches in diameter and located about 1 inch above the floor of the birdhouse.
Birdhouse with Porch
A birdhouse with a porch is a popular design that provides a place for birds to rest and perch outside the entrance hole. This design is suitable for small birds like chickadees and wrens. The entrance hole should be around 1-1/2 inches in diameter, and the porch should be about 2-3 inches deep.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have gathered the materials and chosen a design, it's time to start building your birdhouse. Here are the step-by-step instructions:
- Cut the wood to the appropriate size according to the design you have chosen
- Drill a hole for the entrance and perch
- Assemble the birdhouse using screws or nails
- Sand any rough edges
- Paint or stain the birdhouse (optional)
- Attach the birdhouse to a post or tree at a height appropriate for the species of bird you are attracting
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides a safe and comfortable nesting space for birds
- Can attract a variety of bird species to your yard
- Can be a fun and rewarding DIY project
Cons
- Requires some woodworking skills and tools
- May require maintenance over time to keep the birdhouse in good condition
- May attract unwanted pests like squirrels and wasps
FAQs
Q: What is the best wood to use for a birdhouse?
A: Cedar and redwood are good choices for birdhouses as they are durable and weather-resistant.
Q: What size entrance hole should I make for my birdhouse?
A: The size of the entrance hole depends on the species of bird you are trying to attract. A general rule of thumb is to make the hole 1-1/2 inches in diameter for small birds like bluebirds and chickadees, and 2-1/2 inches in diameter for larger birds like Purple Martins.
Q: How high should I mount my birdhouse?
A: The height at which you mount your birdhouse depends on the species of bird you are trying to attract. A general rule of thumb is to mount the birdhouse at least 5 feet off the ground for small birds like bluebirds and chickadees, and 15-20 feet off the ground for larger birds like Purple Martins.
Q: Do I need to clean my birdhouse?
A: Yes, it is important to clean your birdhouse between nesting seasons to prevent the spread of disease. Remove any old nesting material and wash the birdhouse with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
Conclusion
Building a birdhouse can be a fun and rewarding project that provides a safe and comfortable space for birds to nest and raise their young. By following these instructions and choosing a design that is appropriate for the species of bird you are trying to attract, you can create a beautiful addition to your yard that will be enjoyed by both you and your feathered friends.