Build a Birdhouse

Once you've decided to build a birdhouse it's time to look for building plans, right? Actually, birdhouses can be built without any plan. Just simple instructions will work. Birdhouses are inexpensive and a fun family project. You will want your birdhouse to be waterproof, durable, and easy to get into so you can keep it clean. Selecting wood instead of metal for your birdhouse project will be the best choice. Do not use metal other than aluminum. Metals retain heat and can get extremely hot when exposed to the sun. Using rough slabs to build your birdhouse make great birdhouse and will give it a rustic look.

When you build a birdhouse you will discover that the size of house built will make a difference in which type of bird occupies the house. You can decide before hand if you prefer one bird over another, then build the house to hold that type of bird. Most birdhouses are 4 inches by 4 inches to 6 inches by 6 inches in size. The door entrances usually range form 4 to 6 inches above the floor. You will need to find the information for the specific bird you would like to occupy your birdhouse for accurate measurements.

Purchase simple latches to make a flip-top roof on the birdhouse. This will give you easy access for cleaning or placing feed inside the birdhouse. You will find when you build a birdhouse that the roof of the house should be pitched enough to shed water. Three inches overhanging should be provided to keep the inside of the birdhouse dry. Also add small holes for ventilation near the top of the house. Use screws to assemble your birdhouse, making it easy to take apart for cleaning or restoring. If you decide to build more than one birdhouse, do not place them close together. Birds need their space and if the houses are too close, you will have empty birdhouses.