How to Build a Bird House

Finally decided to get creative and learn how to build a bird house?  Here are some tips to help get you started: 

First, you'll need to decide what kind of bird you want in your bird house.  Larger birds, obviously, need a larger house than smaller birds.  And you don't want a house intended for a smaller bird to have an opening large enough for a bigger bird to fit into it.

Next, you'll need to decide what material you will use to build your bird house.  There are a variety of materials you can use, with wood being one of the most popular.

You can also look for instruction kits on the internet to help plan and build your bird house. Most bird house patterns and plans include a material list, step-by-step instructions, and detailed illustrations.  This will make building both fun and easy.

Purchase the materials you will need.  You're all set to begin!

A free bird house plan for you

If you want to build a bluebird house, here are some easy step-by-step directions:

First, pick out the wood.  Untreated lumber wood works nicely.  The dimensions of your house should be 5.5" x 13.5" (back), 5.5" x 7.5" (roof), and 5.5" x 9" (sides), 5.5" x 9" (front), and 5.5" x 4" (bottom).

Second, secure the bottom to the sides and the back with long nails or screws.  Drill 1/8" holes in the bottom for drainage. 

Secure the front of the bluebird house with long nails.  You can use a hinge if you want to, so that the door will swing open.

Next, secure the top of the house with hinge and brackets.  This will ensure that the roof can flip open for easy cleaning.  Drill a few holes at the top of the sides for ventilation.

Last, drill a 1 3/8"x 2 1/4" hole near the top of the front door.  Bluebirds like to enter their houses from a higher point than you would expect, so don't drill the hole too low.

Mount your house on a pole or tree.  Bluebirds like the open, so face the entrance toward open space.

A little decoration

If you want to make a decorative bird house, you have many options.  The exterior of your bird house can look like anything.  Try a general store, a house shaped like a church, or a lighthouse style.  For decorative purposes only, you can even use a ceramic birdhouse. Look for bird house kits online.

Remember, though, that you should never paint the inside of your birdhouse!  A bird nesting in a spot surrounding by paint fumes and chemicals can be harmful. Any paint you use should remain on the outside.

More information on  bird houses