Bird House Plans for Bluebirds, Wrens, and Other Popular Species

Bird House Plans for Bluebirds, Wrens, and Other Popular Backyard Buddies

Hey there, fellow bird lovers! Want to attract some feathered friends to your backyard? Building a birdhouse is a fantastic way to do it, and it's easier than you think! This guide will walk you through designing and building birdhouses for some of the most popular species, from the cheerful bluebird to the busy wren. We'll cover everything from choosing the right materials to ensuring your birdhouse is safe and inviting.

Understanding Your Birdhouse Tenants: Size Matters!

Before you even pick up a hammer, you need to know who you're building for. Different birds have different preferences when it comes to house size and design. Building a house that's too big or too small can actually deter birds from using it.

Bluebird Houses: The Classic Choice

Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they love to nest in holes in trees or similar spaces. For a bluebird house, aim for:

• Entrance hole: 1 1/2 inches in diameter. This is crucial to keep out larger birds like starlings that may try to bully bluebirds out.
• Interior dimensions: Approximately 5 inches wide by 5 inches deep by 8 inches high. Don't make it too spacious; they prefer a snug fit.
• Mounting height: 4-6 feet off the ground, in a sunny, open location.

Think about providing a perch just below the entrance hole, to give them a place to land before entering.

Wren Houses: For the Tiny Architects

Wrens are tiny but busy! They need a smaller house but often prefer a larger entry hole than you might expect. Consider these specifications:

• Entrance hole: 1 inch in diameter.
• Interior dimensions: 4 inches wide by 4 inches deep by 6 inches high (although slightly larger is often okay).
• Mounting height: 4-8 feet, in a sheltered, slightly shaded area.

Wrens are more tolerant of different house designs, so feel free to get a little creative with this one!

Chickadee & Titmouse Houses: A Tiny Apartment Complex

These tiny birds are equally delightful and require equally compact homes. Their houses are quite similar in size, with slight variations.

• Entrance hole: 1 1/4 inch in diameter for both.
• Interior dimensions: Roughly 4 inches square by 6-8 inches tall, although a slightly smaller version is also fine for these small species.
• Mounting height: 4-6 feet. These birds often prefer houses close to shrubs or trees for protection.

Remember that these tiny houses fill up quickly, so keep an eye on them. You might be surprised by how many eggs they can fit in there!

Choosing Your Materials: Durability is Key

You want your birdhouse to last, so choose materials that can withstand the elements. Untreated wood is ideal – cedar or redwood are excellent choices for their natural resistance to rot and insects. Avoid using pressure-treated lumber, as the chemicals can be harmful to birds. You could also recycle materials such as scrap wood.

Consider using exterior-grade wood glue and appropriate screws for a durable construction. For a more attractive finish, you can use exterior-grade paint or stain, but keep the colours natural; bright colours might actually deter birds.

Building Your Birdhouse: A Step-by-Step Guide

This is just a general guideline, and exact plans may vary depending on the chosen bird species. You can find specific plans online by searching for "[Bird Species] birdhouse plans" but most are quite similar.

Step 1: The Base

Cut your wood to the dimensions you've determined based on the chosen bird species (see above). You'll need four sides and a bottom. Assemble these using wood glue and screws to create a sturdy box.

Step 2: The Roof

Cut two pieces of wood for the roof, slightly larger than the base, so they overhang for protection from the rain. Attach them to the top of the box, either using hinges for easy access or permanently attaching them. A removable roof is particularly useful for cleaning out the house after nesting season. A slanted roof is a good idea for water runoff.

Step 3: The Entrance Hole

This is arguably the most crucial part. Use a drill bit the correct size for your chosen bird (detailed above) to carefully drill the entrance hole. Remember that the size of this hole is key to keeping out predators and unwanted guests while welcoming your intended species.

Step 4: Ventilation

It's crucial to have some form of ventilation to prevent overheating and moisture buildup inside. Small holes or slits at the top of the sides, or just slightly below the roof, help with airflow. Remember, good ventilation is just as important as keeping out rain.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once everything is assembled, you can sand any rough edges to prevent injury to the birds. If you choose to paint or stain the birdhouse, use non-toxic, exterior-grade products and avoid brightly coloured paints. Let it dry completely before putting it up.

Installing Your Birdhouse: Location, Location, Location!

Where you place your birdhouse is just as important as its design. Consider these factors:

• Protection from predators: Place the birdhouse where cats and other predators will have difficulty reaching it.
• Weather protection: A location that offers some protection from strong winds and heavy rain is best.
• Accessibility: Make sure the birdhouse is easily accessible for you to clean and monitor.
• Appropriate height: Remember the ideal heights listed above for different species.

Maintaining Your Birdhouse: Keeping it Clean

After the nesting season, it's important to clean out the birdhouse to remove old nests and droppings. This helps prevent the spread of parasites and disease. Simply remove any old nesting materials gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What kind of wood is best for a birdhouse?

A: Untreated cedar or redwood are excellent choices due to their durability and natural resistance to rot and insects. Avoid pressure-treated lumber.

Q: How often should I clean my birdhouse?

A: Clean your birdhouse after the nesting season, usually in the late autumn or early winter. This helps prevent the build-up of parasites and diseases.

Q: Can I paint my birdhouse?

A: Yes, but use exterior-grade, non-toxic paints or stains in natural colors. Avoid bright colours, as these can deter birds.

Q: What if a bird doesn't use my birdhouse?

A: Don't be discouraged! There could be many reasons why a bird didn't use your birdhouse. Try adjusting its location, or make sure you've selected the correct dimensions for the species you intended to attract.

Q: How do I keep squirrels from getting into my birdhouse?

A: Squirrels can be a challenge! Make sure the entrance hole is appropriately sized for the bird species, and that the house is securely mounted. Some people use metal baffles around the mounting post to deter squirrels.

Happy birdhouse building! Let me know if you have any other questions!