How to Build a Wren Birdhouse

Wren birdhouses are not difficult to build, even if you are just a novice woodworker. When constructing a birdhouse for particular kind of bird, it is important to replicate the dimensions of its nesting space in a natural setting. Wrens prefer a small floor space with a tall interior. Also, you should not add a pedestal, ledge or perch to the exterior. A perch might look cute, but it offers a small bird no protection from predators like cats and squirrels.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 3/4-inch exterior grade
  • Jigsaw
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Wood glue
  • Hammer
  • 50 nails, 1 1/2-inch galvanized
  • Drill
  • 5 screws, 1 1/2-inch galvanized
  • Paint (optional)
  • Paintbrush (optional)
  • 2 eye hooks, 1-inch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your plywood into two 4- by 6-inch pieces,; two 5 1/2- by 8-inch pieces, one 4- by 4-inch piece, one 5- by 4-inch piece and one 5 3/4 by 4-inch piece. Measure 2 inches down from the top of the two 5 1/2- by 8-inch pieces and draw a mark on either side. Measure 2 3/4 inches in from the 5 1/2-inch side (is the center) and draw a line between each 2-inch mark and the center to create a triangular top on both pieces. Cut out along the drawn lines. Choose one of the triangular-topped pieces for the front. Cut a centered 1-inch hole that is 1 inch in diameter 6-inches up from the bottom.

    • 2

      Position the two 4- by 6-sides of the birdhouse on two opposite sides of the 4 by 4 base of the birdhouse. The sides should be at right angles to the base, and the 4-inch sides should be flush with the 4-inch sides of the base. Glue in place; let dry. Hammer nails at 1-inch intervals through the glued joint.

    • 3

      Place the front and back triangular-topped pieces abutting the ends of the side walls and the base. The side walls and the edges of the front and back pieces should form right angles at the corners. Glue in place; let dry. After the glue has dried, hammer nails at 1-inch intervals through the glued joints.

    • 4

      Position the 5- by 4-inch roof piece along one side of the top of the birdhouse. There should be a 1-inch lip over the side, and the top of the roof piece should align with the top of the triangle. Glue in place; let dry. After the glue has dried, hammer nais at each 1-inch interval through the roof piece into the triangle side.

    • 5

      Place the remaining 5 3/4- by 4-inch roof piece abutting the end of the first roof piece to form a right angle along the top of the roof. Drill five evenly spaced pilot holes through the edge of the roof piece into the nailed-down roof piece. Screw the second roof piece in place. Use screws rather than nails, so later on you can take off the roof portion for easy cleaning.

    • 6

      Paint the birdhouse if you wish. White is often used for birdhouses, as it keeps the temperature within cooler.

    • 7

      Drill a 1/8-inch hole in each corner of the base for drainage. Drill four 1/8-inch holes under the overhang of each roof side for ventilation. Screw in the eye hooks either on the sides of the birdhouse or the top of the roof for hanging.