How to Build a Birdhouse

As summer and fall fade away, the local bird population will need some food and shelter. Building a simple birdhouse will give the birds what they need so that they will be there for you next spring.

Required Materials

• wood (dried, found or recycled) - some young birds like rough surfaces inside their house
• pole - if no tree is available
• cement - if setting a pole
• water
• hinges
• screws and nails (regular not finished)

Required Tools

• hammer
• screws
• drill with bits
• shovel
• wheelbarrow

Instructions

1. Deciding on the Bird - Your birdhouse will vary depending on the bird that you wish to cater for. A chickadee will require less floor space and a smaller entry hole, while a blue bird will require more floor space and a larger entry hole. Your first step in building a birdhouse is to determine the bird species that live around your home.
2. Constructing the House - Cut your walls to size. Measure and cut the correct hole for the bird type. Attach the front, floor and side walls with nails and glue (some may prefer pre-drilling and screwing the walls together for easier cleaning). When attaching the back wall, make sure that there is enough air space between the floor and wall for ventilation. Make sure of ventilation before attaching the front roof as well. The front roof should overhang the front for rain protection. Attach the front roof. Pre-drill one set of hinges through the roof boards. Attach hinges. The rear roof section should close tightly at the top for leak protection.
3. Ventilation - Ventilation and drainage are important elements to consider when building your birdhouse. Locate some places around the birdhouse where a hole or two can be drilled.
4. Installing a Pole - In many locations, you will need a pole on which to locate your birdhouse. Check the guide for recommended pole heights for your chosen bird species. Depending upon the bird and its pole height requirements, you can often get away with digging a hole and placing the pole in it. In high wind areas or regions with differing conditions, you may need to sink a foundation for the pole. This merely involves digging a foot or so into the ground and filling with concrete. You then need to support the pole until the cement dries. A better method entails pouring the cement and then attaching a clamp which can support the pole after the cement had dried.
5. Painting - Some people enjoy painting their birdhouses in bright colors to set them off from their surroundings. This is not actually a good idea. If the birdhouse is brightly colored, it will attract the attention of predators. Instead, choose natural colors like greens, browns and whites.