Build a birdhouse in your backyard
Craft a Cozy Home for Local Birds
Introduction:
Birds make delightful additions to your backyard, and putting up birdhouses is a fantastic way to attract them. However, not all birds choose to nest in birdhouses. Only cavity-dwellers are likely to be interested in birdhouses, and they have specific preferences regarding the type of house they like. While these preferences may seem minor, they are crucial for the birds. Here are some general guidelines for building birdhouses that will appeal to your feathered friends.
Guide to Attracting and Accommodating Cavity-Dwelling Birds
Learn how to build a charming birdhouse in your backyard with this simple DIY guide. Attract various bird species to your garden and provide them with a safe, cozy shelter. This project is perfect for nature enthusiasts and a fun activity for the whole family.
Identify the Species:
First, it is important to identify the species of birds that visit your backyard. Determine which ones are cavity-dwellers as opposed to tree or burrow dwellers. Common cavity-dwellers include wrens, chickadees, bluebirds, and woodpeckers. Select one species you like best and focus your birdhouse design on it. Even if the idea of building multiple birdhouses appeals to you, refrain from doing so because birds are territorial creatures.
Determine the Dimensions:
Next, decide on the specific dimensions needed for your chosen bird species. You'll need to consider the entrance hole size, height, depth, and floor dimensions. Smaller birds like wrens and chickadees typically prefer a 4x4-inch floor and an 8-inch depth. Consult a bird book or the internet for information on the specific measurements required for your birdhouse.
Use the Right Materials:
Using untreated wood for birdhouses is better. Natural wood not only mimics the birds' natural habitat but also reduces the risk of poisoning and overheating. Treated wood, like plywood, contains preservatives such as formaldehyde, which can pose serious health risks to birds. Pressure-treated lumber often contains harmful chemicals. Avoid using paint, as chipped paint can be mistaken for food by birds. Additionally, metals and plastics are unsuitable for birdhouses since they can overheat easily. You want to provide the birds with shelter, not an outdoor oven.
Design for Safety:
When drafting or designing your birdhouse, consider the birds' safety against the elements and predators. Slanted roofs are best to prevent rain, dirt, and moisture from accumulating and rotting the wood. It's also ideal for the roofs to extend over the sides and front of the house. Perches are unnecessary since cavity-dwellers do not use them. Consider drainage and ventilation needs by drilling small holes in the floor (smaller than the bird's feet) to drain water in case of rain. Additionally, place ventilation holes along the house's walls or back to let heat escape and keep the structure cool. Mounting the birdhouse on a post can help deter predators like cats and raccoons.
Maintenance and Cleanliness:
Maintenance and cleanliness are also important factors in birdhouse building. Unkempt birdhouses can be breeding grounds for diseases. To help maintain cleanliness, add a backdoor to your birdhouse. This will allow you to easily remove old nests and clean the house. Droppings and other debris contribute to contamination, so cleaning these out will reduce the risk of disease.
Conclusion:
With these tips, you're on your way to designing and building your birdhouses. Help the birds by creating safe and comfortable homes for them. Considering their safety in your birdhouse design will ensure many enjoyable years with your feathered friends.
