Birdhouses are an easy way to have more birds around your home or in your woodlot. On this web site, are explained how to build houses for different kinds of birds and tips for setting them up.
By tailoring the bird house you build to the needs of species you want to attract will increase your chances of success.
For all houses, here are some general guidelines:
1. Provide a hinged side or roof so you can easily clean the house each spring — early March is a good time. Use rust-proof hinges to make this task easier. Keep in mind that raccoons can open a hook and eye!
2. Drill at least four ¼-inch drain holes in the bottom of every house, and two 5/8-inch ventilation holes near the top of each side of the house.
3. Provide a roof with at least a two-inch overhang on the front to protect the entrance hole from wind-driven rain, and to prevent cats from reaching in from above.
4. The sides of the house should enclose the floor to keep rain from seeping into the house and nest. Recess the floor ¼ inch up from the bottom to further prevent rotting caused by moisture.
5. Don’t put perches on any bird house. (Take them off houses that you purchase.) The only birds that prefer them are starlings and house sparrows.
6. On songbird houses keep entrance holes 1 3/8 inches or smaller to keep out starlings and house sparrows. (Purple martins are an exception.)
7. Space next boxes at least 25 feet apart (300 feet for bluebird houses) to reduce conflicts. Most birds are territorial and protect the area around their nest. Goldeneye, mergansers and wood ducks are not territorial, so you can place their houses closer together. Purple martins live in colonies and prefer "apartment houses" to single family houses.
8. Wood is the best material to use. Avoid pressure-treated lumber because when it gets wet it can give off vapors that are poisonous to birds. Preservatives, such as paint or stain, can be used on the outside of the box, especially the back, but not on the inside. Avoid using creosote as a preservative.
9. Do not use tin cans, milk cartons or metal for nest boxes. They can overheat and kill the eggs and young birds. The only exceptions are commercial aluminum martin houses.
10. Other animals may take up residence in your boxes, including mice, squirrels, bees and wasps. If unwanted, remove them (be very careful not to get stung!), otherwise put up a few extra boxes to make room for both the expected and unexpected tenants.
11. House sparrow and starling nests and eggs can be removed as they are not protected by state or federal law. You need to be persistent, removing the nest repeatedly until the birds finally give up.
12. Most houses should be attached to a post, building or tree. Bluebird boxes should not be placed on trees because of cats and raccoons.
