Basic Birdhouse Plans
Here is one of several great birdhouse plans to start with as a beginner. I found it at Black and Decker, and it looks like a useful simple guide.
Birds like gardens with fresh water, food, and comfortable shelter.
Many birds who nest in birdhouses like them about 4 inches by 4 inches and about 8 inches tall. The tip I learned here was to build one side of the birdhouse with a hinge so you can open it up to clean it out. I’ve heard that bluebirds for instance won’t nest if they find “someone else’s stuff” in there. So my friend Tom told me to keep an eye out to see if a bird starts living there. Then if you don’t see them for a while, maybe they’ve left, so clean it out and now a new bluebird could take its place.
They recommend 1 × 6 cedar or redwood lumber so it lasts longer. The thickness provides insulation against changing temperatures and the cedar or redwood, which is weather resistant, helps the house withstand the elements for several years.
Don’t paint the inside of the birdhouse. For the outside, mellow colors such as brown, tan, and gray are good choices because they’re pleasing to many types of birds. I have seen many a fancy birdhouse in local garden stores in bright colors. I wonder if this has an effect?
4 years ago • 1 note
