Ideas for Birdhouses

When you think of a birdhouse you probably think of the traditional wooden birdhouse. You may have even made one in woodshop when you were in school. However, wooden birdhouses are not the only type of birdhouse. You can also make or buy birdhouses in different materials that vary in complexity and cost.

  1. Wooden

    • The traditional wooden birdhouse can come in different shapes and sizes. One of the more basic shapes is one with a triangular roof, four straight sides and a small round opening cut out of the front of it for an entrance. The size of the birdhouse depends on the variety of bird you want to attract.
      The basic wooden birdhouse can be left unstained or it can be painted or sealed with a wood protector. You could also decorate the bird house with stones. If you do not want to build your own but want to add your own personal touch to one, look at your local garden supply store or craft store for plain constructed birdhouse that you can decorate yourself.

    Gourds

    • Another common birdhouse is the gourd birdhouse. These are dried gourds that have been hollowed out. By cutting a small hole in the side of the gourd, the birds can come and go from the gourd as desired. They are ideal for any variety of cavity-dwelling bird. The size of the gourd and the entrance opening will determine the variety of bird that will use the gourd. Gourds birdhouses can be purchased, or you can make your own. If you choose to make your own, make sure you treat it with copper sulfate to preserve the gourd. Finished birdhouses can be decorated with paints or left natural.

    Recycled Materials

    • If you prefer to make your own birdhouse at home out of unconventional materials, recycled materials are an option. If you are handy with metal working, old license plates can be bent into a birdhouse. Just be sure to thoroughly sand any sharp edges to prevent injury to nesting birds. Another option is to use an empty milk carton or milk jug. The finished products can be painted to your liking, or you can cover them with twigs from your yard. A coffee can be turned on its side, and you can cut a hole out of the lid for the entrance. Another option is to cut a hole out of the side of a coconut using a drill. Then hollow out the flesh of the coconut and use the remaining shell for your birdhouse.