Q&A for How to Build a Birdhouse

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Question

How do I keep predators away from my birdhouse?

Jeff Jones
Bird Specialist
Jeff Jones is a Bird Specialist based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the writer of BirdOculars, a website dedicated to helping people become better birders. He has over 18 years of experience and specializes in feeding birds and wildlife. Jeff experiments to find ways to encourage birds he wants to study and his website help others to do the same.

Jeff Jones

Bird Specialist

Expert Answer

Place your birdhouse on a baffled pole, which will help keep predators away.

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Question

How can I attract birds to my birdhouse?

Community Answer

You should put some bird food in it, and you can vary the type of birdseed depending on which birds you would like to attract.

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Question

Is there an easier method for building a birdhouse?

Community Answer

Choose a stable cardboard box, one that won't fall apart. Cut out a circle on one side of it, big enough for two birds to fit inside. Sprinkle the inside with birdseed. If you want it to hang from a tree, cut out two small holes on the top and put a thick string through it. Tie the top, then hang it from the desired place. Decorate it with pretty stickers!

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Question

Do birds really start to live in the birdhouse?

Community Answer

Yes, some do. Just don't put a perch on it, and make sure it is appropriate for where you are and the species you are trying to attract.

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Question

Where should I hang the birdhouse: on a wall or under a tree or in a balcony?

Community Answer

Under the tree is ideal.

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Question

What happens if a bird laid eggs in the birdhouse and never came back?

Community Answer

Your best bet would be to contact a local bird rescue about the eggs.

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Question

What are the dimensions of a wren's birdhouse?

Community Answer

Wrens are small birds, so the dimensions mentioned above will work well. Creating a 1 inch, or 2.5cm hole will work well for wrens.

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Question

Question #1 says to put birdseed in the birdhouse to attract the kind of bird you want, but the last question says not to put birdseed in the house so as not to attract squirrels. What is correct?

Community Answer

I would put the bird seed on a table nearby, not in the box.

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Question

Would it be a bad idea to use nails instead of screws?

Community Answer

Screws make it easier to take the floor or a side off for cleaning. A nail is hard to remove, and you can't really re-nail the bottom or side in if you remove it for cleaning.

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Question

Can I add a small perch outside of the birdhouse?

Community Answer

A perch is not recommended, as predator birds can land, reach inside, and eat the baby birds.

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Question

How do you keep squirrels from eating the bird seed?

Community Answer

It is not recommended to put birdseed in a birdhouse. Birds will naturally visit your birdhouse as shelter, and bird seed will only attract predators. If you keep your birdhouse high up and on a medal pole, it will keep squirrels away.

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Question

How long does it take for birds to come to a birdhouse?

Community Answer

Sometimes it will happen the same day, sometimes it will take a week or more. They are very cautious of new things in their environment, but they will slowly adapt.

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Question

Should I put wood shavings in a birdhouse to start it? How often should I clean it out?

Community Answer

No. The birds will build their own nest without any help. Clean it out after the nesting birds have moved out.

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Question

Could I put grease on the pole to keep other animals off?

Community Answer

You can, but it's messy and could be harmful to the animals. A baffle would be preferred.

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Question

Why aren't there any perches on some birdhouses?

Community Answer

Predator birds can land on the perch and reach in to get to the babies and eat them. They can't really do that if they land on the hole.

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Question

How long does it take to make a birdhouse?

Community Answer

It depends on your skill and tools. You can usually make one in a weekend, or even a day if you stick to it. But it takes at least a day for the paint to dry. Don't paint the insides of the house, just the outside.

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Question

Can I build a birdhouse in a solid tree?

Community Answer

Sure. But I wouldn't recommend nailing the house to the tree itself. Predators could rob the nest of eggs and/or babies too easily. Hanging it from a branch is best.

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Question

How can I open the bottom of the birdhouse to clean it?

Community Answer

The screws were meant for you to be able to unscrew it with a screwdriver.

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Question

What type of birds would be attracted to a rather large birdhouse?

Community Answer

Probably doves, pigeons and other birds of a similar size. It also depends on the type of birdseed you put near it.

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