Bird House Plan
If you’re interested in building a birdhouse, here is a basic plan that you can follow:
Materials:
- 1 board of untreated wood, 1x6x4 feet
- 1/4 inch dowel, 12 inches long
- Exterior wood glue
- Screws
- Nails
Tools:
- Saw
- Drill
- 1 1/2 inch hole saw
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Measuring tape
Instructions:
- Cut the wood into the following pieces:
- One 9-inch by 6-inch piece for the back
- One 8 1/2-inch by 6-inch piece for the roof
- Two 5 1/2-inch by 6-inch pieces for the sides
- One 5 1/2-inch by 5 1/2-inch piece for the bottom
- One 1 1/2-inch diameter hole in the front piece
- Sand all the edges and surfaces of the wood to make them smooth.
- Glue and nail the sides to the back piece, making sure they are flush with the edges.
- Glue and nail the bottom piece to the sides and back, ensuring it is flush with the bottom edge.
- Drill a hole in the front piece, 1 1/2 inches in diameter, centered and 2 inches from the top of the board.
- Nail the front piece to the sides, bottom, and back pieces.
- Glue and nail the roof piece to the top of the sides and back.
- Drill a small hole on either side of the birdhouse, just below the roof.
- Insert the 1/4 inch dowel through the holes to create a perch.
- Screw the birdhouse onto a post or hang it from a tree branch, ensuring it is at least 5 feet off the ground and in a location where birds can access it easily.
Additional tips:
- Make sure the wood is untreated and unpainted, as birds are sensitive to chemicals.
- Choose a location that is sheltered from the elements, such as under the eaves of a house or in a tree with plenty of foliage.
- Clean the birdhouse regularly to prevent the buildup of parasites or mold.
Bird House Plan Information
| Bird Name | Dimension of the Floor | The Height of the House | The Height of the Hole above the Floor |
| Purple Martin | 6×6 inches | 6 inches | 1 inch |
| Blue Bird | 5×5 inches | 8 inches | 6 inches |
| Golden Fronted Wood Pecker | 6×6 inches | 12-15 inches | 9-12 inches |
| Wood Duck | 10×18 | 10-24 inches | 12-16 inches |
| House Finch | 6×6 inches | 6 inches | 4 inches |
The following are the factors that you must be focusing while building and planning the structure of the house.
- If you’re looking for more detailed information on building a birdhouse, here are some additional tips and considerations:
- Choose the right wood: Use untreated wood such as cedar, pine, or redwood for your birdhouse. Avoid using pressure-treated wood, which can be harmful to birds.
- Select the right size: The size of the birdhouse should be appropriate for the type of bird you want to attract. A general rule of thumb is to make the floor of the house about 4 x 4 inches and the height at least 6 inches. The entrance hole should be sized appropriately for the species of bird you want to attract.
- Create ventilation: Provide ventilation holes in the top of the birdhouse to allow for airflow and prevent overheating.
- Provide drainage: Drill small drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse to prevent water from accumulating inside.
- Use screws instead of nails: Screws are more secure and durable than nails and will prevent the birdhouse from falling apart over time.
- Avoid using glue: Although wood glue can be used to reinforce joints, avoid using it on the entire birdhouse as it can be harmful to birds.
- Choose an appropriate location: Hang or mount the birdhouse in a location that is safe and appropriate for the species of bird you want to attract. Keep it away from predators and in an area with easy access for the birds.
- Clean the birdhouse regularly: Clean the birdhouse out at least once a year to remove any debris or parasites. This will also help to prevent the spread of disease among birds.
By following these tips and considerations, you can build a safe and comfortable home for birds in your backyard.
See more: Bird Nest Locations