How to Build a Nest

Birds build nests in order to provide a safe, warm and comfortable haven to reproduce and protect their eggs until they hatch into healthy young, and also to care for the young until they are old enough to explore the world on their own. The nest may serve many purposes including hiding or camouflaging eggs and protecting the eggs from the damaging rays of the sun.

Things You'll Need

  • Softwood
  • Hand saw
  • Hand drill
  • Screwdriver or appropriate screwdriver drill bit
  • Core drilling bits
Show More

Instructions

  1. Building a Nesting Box

    • 1

      Determine the location for the nesting box. Optimal nesting conditions will greatly depend on the types of birds native to your area and which species you intend to attract to the nest box.

    • 2

      Gather all the necessary materials. You will need a piece of wood about 1 inch thick. Opt for softwood with weather resistance.

    • 3

      Measure accurately and use the hand saw to cut all the wood sides to the appropriate size. The base will typically need to be about a six inch square. The sides will need to be sloped from about seven inches tall in the back to five inches high in the front and six inches wide.

    • 4

      Mark the nesting hole(s) according to the recommended dimensions for the species you are trying to attract and bore the holes out using a drill bit. This hole will usually need to be about two inches in diameter.

    • 5

      Drill drain holes using a quarter inch drill bit. Drill one about one inch in from each corner and another hole in the center of the bottom of the nesting box.

    • 6

      Use wood glue to adhere the sides of the nesting box to one another with the exception of the top or side entrance panel. Use screws or nails periodically around the box to add further support and maintain a tight seal.

    • 7

      Attach the top or side entrance panel using a hinge to secure it in place.