| For many people, there is nothing more relaxing | | | | the bird houses you make should be made for |
| than sitting on their deck or in their garden | | | | easy access for cleaning and maintenance |
| watching birds go about their daily lives. Many bird | | | | purposes. Hinged bottoms or sides serve this |
| lovers enjoy putting up bird houses and bird | | | | purpose well. You will need to make certain your |
| feeders solely to attract birds for this purpose. | | | | bird houses stay clean and free from unwanted |
| Bird houses can be purchased already built and | | | | guests, such as bees or other small animals. |
| ready to go, or you can opt to custom build one | | | | To ensure the safety of your birds, each bird |
| of your very own. | | | | house should be constructed of a non-toxic |
| If you do decide to build your own birdhouse, you | | | | material. In most cases, untreated, unpainted |
| need to keep in mind what type of birds you | | | | wood works best. Your construction should be |
| want to attract and you'll need to size your | | | | solid to provide protection from harsh weather |
| birdhouse accordingly. One mistake many people | | | | and temperature changes. Again, it is best to do |
| make in constructing their own bird house is | | | | your research before you build any bird houses, |
| making the entrance hole too large. The hole only | | | | and build for the specific type of birds you wish |
| needs to be big enough to allow the bird of choice | | | | to attract. |
| to get inside. If you make it any larger, you are | | | | You don't need to add a perch to the outside of |
| apt to be disappointed in who comes to set up | | | | your bird house, as you will only be inviting |
| residence in your new construction. You will likely | | | | predators to come visit. The single act of |
| have everything but birds living in your bird house. | | | | attaching a perch could possibly cause you to lose |
| You could have squirrels, snakes, and depending | | | | your birds to predators. Birds don't actually need |
| on how big you made it, even raccoons coming | | | | or use bird house perches, but would rather land |
| to live in your new bird house. | | | | on the opening instead. Perches provide an easy |
| If you want a specific type of bird to take up | | | | way for squirrels, raccoons and other critters to |
| residence in your birdhouse, you should do | | | | reach in and pester your baby birds, and some |
| research so you can better accommodate your | | | | may have them for lunch. |
| target bird, and build accordingly. You can do | | | | There is no set time that you should put up your |
| research at your local library, or even online to | | | | birdhouse, anytime that you are ready is fine. |
| find the perfect bird house dimensions to suit | | | | Birds are typically looking for a place to make |
| your type of birds. Although you might not think | | | | their nests towards the end of winter and |
| it, birds can be very picky when choosing a home. | | | | beginning of spring, but you can attract birds all |
| If the bird house entry point is either too large or | | | | throughout the year. It's a good idea to place |
| too small, they will look elsewhere. You may also | | | | your bird house so that it's facing away from the |
| find while doing your research that different | | | | wind, and make certain if it isn't hanging in a tree, |
| materials are needed for some birds, so keep | | | | that it is close to one. |
| that in mind as well. | | | | If you don't get any birds within the first few |
| Any bird house that you put up should have the | | | | months of putting up your house, you may want |
| proper holes for air circulation and water drainage. | | | | to consider trying it in a different location. |
| Air holes are needed to insure the bird house | | | | If you decide you would rather purchase your |
| doesn't get too hot for young birds in the | | | | birdhouse than build your own, keep in mind that |
| summer. Drainage holes are a must to prevent | | | | just because it is on the market, not every bird |
| fledglings from drowning in water which may have | | | | house may be safe for birds. Make certain they |
| pooled in the bottom of the bird house after | | | | are made of bird safe materials and are |
| rainfalls. | | | | constructed properly. Soon you should have an |
| To really enjoy and care for your new tenants, | | | | entire neighborhood of birds to enjoy! |