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.
    Bird Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Place your birdhouse on a baffled pole, which will help keep predators away.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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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