Build a Wooden Birdhouse – More Plans for a Birdhouse

Whether you build a wooden birdhouse from a birdhouse kit or from a set of birdhouse plans and your own lumber, it's a great activity to try yourself or with the kids. Here's another set of plans to try out.

Title: How To Build A Birdhouse

Author: Joanne Jones

Article: Birdhouses are a great way to attract birds to nest in your yard. It is very relaxing to watch them come and go from their house and to hear them sing all day long. It's even better when you know that you built that house for them. Here are some simple instructions on how to build your own diamond shaped birdhouse.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you can begin building, you will first need to buy some supplies. Here is a list of supplies that you will need:

* One piece of 1/2 inch plywood, cut 3-3/8 inches wide by 5-7/8 inches long, for the bottom left side,

* One piece of 1/2 inch plywood, cut 3-3/8 inches wide by 5-3/8 inches long, for the bottom right side,

* Two pieces of 1/4 inch plywood, cut 5-7/8 inches wide by 5-7/8 inches long, for the front and back,

* Two pieces of 1/4 inch plywood, cut 7 inches wide by 5 inches long, for the roof,

* Hammer,

* Nails,

* Saw,

* Drill,

* One 1-3/8 inch drill bit,

* One 1/4 inch drill bit,

* Sandpaper,

* Waterproof glue,

* Paint,

* A wood dowel, 5 inches long, and

* A wood dowel, 3 inches long.

When you are choosing the wood for the birdhouse, make sure that it has not been treated. Treated wood contains dangerous chemicals, which can be harmful to the birds and their offspring.

Begin Building

Once you have gathered all your supplies, you are ready to start nailing the wood together. Start with the wood for the bottom sides of the birdhouse. Place the bottom right side down on your wood working table. Hold the bottom left side straight up, place it next to the bottom right side and nail them together. Next, nail the back section to the bottom sides. Sand down any rough spots on the inside of the birdhouse.

Before you nail the front section in place, you will need to do some preparation work. First, drill a hole about 1-3/8 inches wide in the middle of the front section. Below that hole, drill a smaller hole about 1/4 inch wide. This smaller hole is where the 3-inch long dowel perch will be placed. Sand the edges of the holes and any rough spots until they are smooth. Then nail the front section in place.

Now you are ready to attach the roof. Position the two pieces of wood that will be used for the roof in place. Before nailing them in place, you must make sure that the tops of the roof touch to form a "V" for the wood dowel that will go at the very top of the birdhouse. Also, check to make sure that the roof hangs over the bottom sides of the birdhouse, as this will allow rain to drain away from the inside.

Once the roof has been nailed in place, glue the 5-inch wood dowel in between the two roof sections on top of the birdhouse. Next, glue the 3-inch wood dowel in the smaller hole in the front section. This small dowel will serve as a perch for the birds.

Paint the outside of the birdhouse in colours that are pleasing to you. It is better to use lighter colours, as dark colours will attract more heat. Also, you must never paint the wood inside the birdhouse because if the paint ever flakes and the birds eat the paint, then they could die. Finally, make sure that the paint has fully dried before you place the birdhouse outside for the birds to use.

Tips:

Before building your birdhouse, read these tips in order to make it the best birdhouse on the block!

* Ensure that the birdhouse is sturdy, that rain can't get in and that there is plenty of ventilation.

* Place the birdhouse in a sheltered area, so that the wind will not come in through the openings.

* Most birdhouses have a small peg just underneath the opening for birds to get into the birdhouse. Don't worry if the peg becomes damaged and falls off. Birds are able to land in the opening and are still able to use the birdhouse.

* Never place food in the birdhouse, as this will attract insects and predators.

About the author: Please visit The Gardener's Escape at http://www.thegardenersescape.com/Articles/Birds/FoodForBirds.htm for more helpful information on birds and what types of food they like the best. While you are there, check out our Bird section at http://www.thegardenersescape.com/Shopping/Landscaping/Birds.htm for a great selection of pre-made birdhouses, bird feeders and more.