Ten Considerations Before You Buy A Bird House

When you decide to buy one bird house or more -- be aware that there are many designs being sold that are unsuitable for the birds. These houses may not attract any birds or the types of birds you wish, or they may actually be harmful. Many are very cute and look like little decorated houses. There is nothing wrong with these, but they are usually more appropriate as indoor decoration than as good safe homes for wild birds. Below is a checklist of the ten most important features of a good working bird house. Before you put a house out for wild birds, be sure it has these ten features. If it is decorative and still has these features, then it is fine to put it out.

The Ten Things:

1. No Perch

Tree holes in the wild have no perches, so the birds that use nest boxes do not need them. They can be a disadvantage in that they may attract House Sparrows, an invasive species that often takes over nests from our native hole-nesting birds.

2. Diameter Of Entrance Hole

Most of our common hole-nesting birds can use an entrance hole 1-1/2 inches in diameter. This size also keeps out Starlings, another invasive species that takes over nest boxes from native species.

3. Inside Flooring Dimensions

The inside dimensions of the box are important and should be at least 4 inches by 4 inches so that there is room for the young to develop.

4. Overall Height Of House

The distance from the bottom of the entrance hole to the floor of the box should be at least 5 inches. This keeps the developing young well down in the box and away from predators that might approach the entrance hole.

5. Easy Access For Cleaning

You must be able to open the box, either on the side, front, or top. This helps in two ways: to monitor the progress and health of the young; and to clean out the box at the end of the season.

6. Ventilation

There must be holes or slits at the top of the box sides or along the top of the front of the box to let hot air out when the sun beats down on the box in summer.

7. Drain Holes

The bottom of the box needs to have holes or cut off corners to allow any water to drain out of the box.

8. Mounting

Check to see if there is some way that you can attach the box to a pole, such as holes or a bracket.

9. Wood Material Of Choice

Be sure that the materials the box is made of are 3/4 inch thick wood or a similar material that will insulate the birds from cold and heat. The only exception to wood is Purple Martin Housing -- many are made out of Metal.

10. Roof Overhang

The roof should overhang the entrance hole by 1 to 2 inches. This both shades the entrance hole and keeps the rain out.

Courtesy: Cedar Creek Woodshop

Come Visit Cedar Creek Woodshop For All Your Bird House Needs!!

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


About Hummingbirds and How to Attract Them to Your Garden

Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving... Read More

Wild Flower Garden - Plan to Plant

In the previous article I discussed design for your new... Read More

Xeriscaping is Waterwise Gardening

What is xeriscaping? You may have heard of xeriscaping as... Read More

Come With Me To The Casbah!

A ripe persimmon is a thing of beauty ? sweet,... Read More

10 Free Gardening Products

One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More

With So Many Choices For Patio Furniture, Finding The Perfect Set To Complement Your Yard Is Easy

There is nothing more relaxing than kicking back with a... Read More

The Ultimate Magic Garden

Spring is the season to start planting seeds for the... Read More

Budget For Your Garden

Have you ever thought about how much it costs to... Read More

Create and Furnish Your Outdoor Room

More and more people are enjoying their time spent outdoors... Read More

Mix Perennials into Your Garden for Staying Power

Perennial plants and flowers stay around for more than just... Read More

Early Spring Garden Guide: What To Do In The Yard And Garden Now

Can't wait to get back to the garden? Use this... Read More

Online Garden Seed Exchanges

If you've been gardening for any length of time you... Read More

How to Grow Strawberries

In addition to the traditional strawberry patch, there are as... Read More

You Take The Vacation - Not Your Garden

If you are planning to go on vacation, there are... Read More

Tranquility in Your Own Back Yard

A garden fountain can add beauty and serenity to you... Read More

Cyclamen

Think of cyclamen and the chances are that Mothers Day... Read More

Bonsai Trees - Our Own Little Forest

Bonsai trees have been grown in China and Japan for... Read More

A Garden Pond in Your Landscape - Want Water in Your Yard?

A Garden Pond in your Landscape - Want Water in... Read More

Tips for Backyard Fish Ponds Care

Installing a backyard fish pond is an aesthetic addition to... Read More

Liner Ponds versus Folding Preformed Ponds

IntroductionSo you've decided to build your very own backyard water... Read More

Delavays Blueberry (Vaccinium delavayi)

Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More

Suet Facts and Tips

If you are like many people, backyard birding is a... Read More

Making Memories with Flower Gardening

Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can... Read More

Lifes a Beach--A Shore Theme in your Outdoor Space

Twentieth century American architect Phillip Johnson once said, "I hate... Read More

Want a Garden but Not Enough Room or Soil? Then Hydroponics Gardening could be for You

Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants... Read More

Light Up the Night! Quick Facts about Outdoor Lighting

When the days start to get shorter, the darkness may... Read More

Flower Meanings

Certain types or colors of flowers mean different things, and... Read More

How to Plant Tulips

Quality Dutch tulip bulbs are easy to come by and... Read More

Ladybugs, Ladybugs, Come to My Garden

Ladybugs, also called lady beetles or ladybirds, can be a... Read More

The Perfect Yellow Roses for Your Home or Garden

Yellow roses are beauties, aren't they? Don't they look beautiful... Read More

Patio Swings Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space with Comfort and Style

Are you looking for a way to spruce up your... Read More

Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

Some of the best gifts you can give to a... Read More

How to Attract Birds to Your Backyard Paradise For Less Than $100

Like many Americans, you may find bird watching to be... Read More