How to Build a Bluebird House

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Before you can build a birdhouse, you need to know what type of birds that you would like to attract. It might also pay to know which ones reside and nest in your neighborhood. After this, it is important to learn a little about the nesting habits of these birds. The house that you build will have to match the type of bird and its nesting habits. Otherwise, you house may or may not attract birds. If it does, it will not attract the type that you had planned to have nesting in your backyard. Having said that, here is a plan for making a birdhouse that will usually attract bluebirds if you keep it clean and free from sparrows and other pests until the bluebirds can move into it.

Although other materials can be used to build a birdhouse, wood is traditional, functional, and cheap. You will need a piece of wood that is 1″ x 6″ and about 7 feet long. If it is longer, it is not a problem. You will also need something to make a hole that is about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A good drill with a wood bit will do this easily. If not, you may be able to do this with a sabre, jig, coping, or keyhole saw. Some of these are better than others, but you can probably use what you have. Birds are not really too picky if the hole is not perfect. A piece of 1/4 to 1/2 inch dowel stock about 3 or 4 inches long with a drill bit to match it would be great. You will also need about 25 drywall screws that are 1 1/4 inch long and something to drive them with. Get some exterior paint in the color of your choice. You will need about a pint.

If you are a little skilled with woodworking, you can cut the sides so that the top of the birdhouse will slope forward. This is not necessary. Birds like a square box just fine. For this pattern, the simple square cut birdhouse will be used. Cut three lengths of 1 foot each from your board. Cut a fourth piece that is aobut 18 inches in length. Cut 2 pieces that are 8 inches each. Make a final piece that is about 5 1/2 inches by 4 inches. A near miss on this piece is fine.