Bird Houses & Nest Boxes

Basic Bird House Plan

Where to put a bird house, types of birds it may attract and other information are below the nest box plan.

Design and construction of your bird house or nest box is important. Just as important is where you put the bird house.

The roof of the bird house should slop so rain drains off. Let it over lap the sides and front by around 1 ½ inch. It helps to score a 1/8th inch groove in the underside of the roof about an inch from the front. This is a drip line. Attach two small shelves inside the front. This helps the young birds learning to fly. Drill several ¼ inch ventilation holes in the sides above the level of the opening. Either have one side or the top hinged for cleaning, and removal of old nests. The bird house should be cleaned at least once a year. You can use metal hinges for this or a piece of rubber or leather works for the top. If you use the side for this attach a latch to keep it closed.

Finally drill some ¼ inch holes in the bottom for drainage. Do not add a perch as this can attract predators and the adult birds may leave.

Galvanized nails or screws will last longer than ordinary nails. Gluing all the joints before you nail them will extend the life of your bird house. Seal the sides with sealant as you build, to make the box both windproof and waterproof.

Painting the box is not necessary. Some colors may even discourage birds from nesting. The dull, light colors reflect heat and are less conspicuous to predators. You should however seal the sides with sealant as you build, to make the box both windproof and waterproof. You can use a coat of linseed oil to keep the wood from drying out. Be careful because some wood preservatives can be harmful to birds. If you do us a preservative do not treat the inside.

The dimensions for this house are for Bluebirds. There are over two dozen birds in North America that will nest in bird houses.
Click here for a list of bird house dimensions for other birds.

Check out the selection of bird houses in The Nature Store.

Where to put your bird house

Try to place the bird house where it is shaded from the hot sun. A little morning sun will not hurt. Most birds like a clear flight path into the nest box. To attract birds you might try placing a small piece of dried moss inside.

Different habitats attract different birds. Observe the bird you want to attract in its natural habitat and try to recreate it. There are many things you can do in your yard. One thing you can do is provide bird feeders and water. Do not put the food to close to the bird house or they may not use it for fear of predators. You may even want to plant certain trees or flowers.

Preditors

Not all birds will use a bird house or nestbox. Those that do will want protection from predators and easy access to food and water. Bird houses mounted on metal poles are less vulnerable to predators than houses nailed to tree trunks or hung from tree limbs.  Birds have many predators.

Dogs may get young birds during nesting season.

Cats are always a danger.  If you have a cat try using a bell collar.

Squirrels can damage the bird house.  If they get in they can eat the eggs.  A predator guard of sheet metal added to the entrance hole will usually take care of this.

Other wild animals such as snakes, and rakoons are a danger the birds, their young and eggs.

Houses mounted on metal poles are the most difficult for predators to reach.  It also helps if you smear the poles with a petroleum jelly and hot pepper mixture.

Many insects lay their eggs and pupate in bird houses. You should inspect your bird houses for signs of gypsy moths, blow flies, ants, gnats, and bees and wasps.
Coating the inside of the roof with bar soap will help keep bees and wasps from attaching their nests.

Number of bird houses
Do not place the nest boxes to close together as it creates unwanted completion.  To many in one location can also be a problem.

Birds that will not use a nest box.

Many birds such as Cardinals or Orioles will not use bird houses. You can still attract them to bird feeders and water. If you do they may stay and nest in nearby trees.  For types of food visit our Food - Feeding page

Another good choice for a free bird house is natural gourds.  Many people grow their own and they are very attractive nest boxes.

Birdhouse posters