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Choosing a Birdhouse - Buying Guide
So, you want to hang up a birdhouse? That's great. Birdhouses are important because they give shelter and protection to birds when they are nesting. They also give us an opportunity to watch and listen to the birds and their young ones.
Whether you will be making your own or buying one, there are many things to consider before choosing what birdhouse to buy. You will need to think about things such as location, what it's made from, size of the birdhouse, the size of the opening and maintenance. As well, you will need to take note of what species of birds visit your yard. Each species has its own criteria and preferences for nest building that will determine which birdhouse they ultimately choose to nest in.
Location
When considering the location of your new birdhouse, there are many factors to consider, including where, how high and the position of the opening.
Where: You can attach a birdhouse to a tree, but to help protect its occupants from cats and other predators, it is best to place it at the top of a pole or even a post.
Height: As well, consider what other items are nearby, such as fences. That's because the birdhouse should be about 5 feet off the ground and you will have to consider what obstacles are in the way at that height.
The Opening: The surrounding area should be relatively open, so that the birds can easily fly straight to the opening on the birdhouse, where they will be delivering food. However, this opening should not face into prevailing winds that can be cold and drive rain into the birdhouse.
Finally, don't crowd your birdhouses together. Birds can be territorial and very protective of their young. Space the birdhouses out, so that there are 4 or less birdhouses in a 1-acre area.
What It's Made From
Most birdhouses are made from wood and there is a very good reason for that. Metal or plastic retain more heat than wood and even birds can suffer from too much heat. Plus, wood is natural and will attract the birds to it easier. When you choose wood, make sure that it has not been stained or treated with a preservative, as these products are toxic and harmful to birds.
Finally, ensure that there are several small drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse to allow any water to drain out. Excess water can cause the nesting materials to rot and allow mold or fungus to grow. As well as drainage holes, the birdhouse should have holes for ventilation, so that fresh air can circulate easily.
Size of Birdhouse
It's important to know what species of birds visit your yard, in order to determining the size of the birdhouse you should have. The larger the bird, the larger the birdhouse should be. For birds such as swallows, finches, starlings, chickadees and even woodpeckers, a birdhouse that has a base of 5 inches x 5 inches and is about 8-10 inches tall will do the trick. For larger birds, increase the size of both the base and the height of the birdhouse.
Size of the Opening
The opening that allows the birds to go into the birdhouse doesn't have to be very large – it just needs to be large enough so that the birds can get through it. An opening of 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter will be suitable for most species. As well, the opening should be placed in the top half of the birdhouse, about 5 inches or more from the bottom. This will allow the birds room to build a nest and still comfortably sit in it.
Maintenance
Once a year, it is important to clean out all the old nesting material. You can do it any time after the fledglings have left the nest, as long as you do it before winter. There are several reasons for cleaning out the birdhouse, including:
- Inspecting the birdhouse for damage,
- Discouraging rodents, such as mice, from spending the winter there, and
- Eliminating mites and bird lice, so that they can't bother or harm the birds who use the birdhouse next season.
Ready to choose your next birdhouse? Here's one that will meet any bird's needs!
Second Nature Birdhouse
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Ths Eco-Friendly birdhouse provides a snug home. The roof of this weathered,
reclaimed wood birdhouse is made of recycled, misprinted tin - no two alike!
Solidly built and perfectly sized for smaller birds like chickadees and nuthatches. It comes with a convenient clean-out door on back and a built-in hanger.
- Fun and functional birdhouse,
- Perfectly sized for chickadees and nuthatches,
- Easy to hang,
- Measures 6-3/4" W x 9-3/4" H x 5-7/8" D.
Final Tips
Here are a few final tips:
- Put up the birdhouse in early spring when birds are preparing to build a nest and lay eggs.
- Take note of what birds are in your area and build or select a birdhouse that will meet their needs. To find out which birdhouse will work the best, go to the US Fish & Wildlife Service - Conservation Library where you will find a table that lists what the size of the birdhouse should be, the size of the opening and how high to place the birdhouse for several different species of birds.
- Finally, remember to take time every day to enjoy watching and listening to the birds as they come and go from your new birdhouse.
