Building a home for birds is a fantastic way to bring living nature to your back doorstep. But if you want to be sure that you attract the right birds to your property, your bird house plans need to follow these simple rules. First, they need to be well-designed for safety. Second, they need to be specific to the species of bird you want to attract. Third, the plans should help you build a “bird-friendly” habitat.

Birdhouses usually have sloping roofs to prevent accumulation of rainwater which can damage the house eventually if it gets drenched frequently. Providing proper and adequate ventilation is a standard for all houses. During summer, the interior of these dwellings can be scorchingly hot for our little friends and their fledglings therefore ventilation holes must be made to allow more fresh air. The entry hole should be free of any sharp protrusions which may damage the birds’ wings.

Choosing the Right Location

Keep in mind that bat house plans are not the same as bird house plans. Most bat houses are flat rectangular boxes with an opening at the bottom. This is typically the only opening, as bats are nocturnal and require darkness. Grooves must be made inside the house so that the bat will have something to grip onto and climb up.

However, when it’s placed on top of a pole, predators a much less likely to be able to get to the eggs or young birds. The bird house plans will indicate how high it should be mounted, so predators can’t get in while the owner can still view it in order to see the nest developing.

Next, you’ll need to select your building materials. There are different material options for building a bird house, but for a do-it-yourself (DIY) option, wood is typically the way to go. You’ll want wood that is decay resistant, like cedar or exterior plywood. You’ll also need to assemble the parts using a good quality exterior wood glue, nails or screws, and possibly caulking. Keep in mind, too, that if you are building from scratch you will need a saw, drill, and a Forstner drill bit that will create the correct hole size for the particular bird house you are building. And no, you won’t need a dowel for the perch. Predators will find a perch more useful than the birds will!

Bacteria flourishes in a wet environment. Presence of drainage is an important requirement in installing a birdhouse. This prevents mold growth and bacterial contamination which can harm the entire colony. Paint, most of which contains toxic fumes and substances, should not be used because chipped portions may appear as food to the birds. An ideal birdhouse should simulate the birds’ natural environment for them to feel really at home. Thus, aside from sufficient availability of food, the dwelling should be located nearby water sources for the birds to drink and bathe in. The bird bath should have a heater installed during winter to prevent water from freezing.

If you can provide a welcoming bird habitat while using bird house plans designed with your chosen species in mind, then you should be able to build a safe and warm sanctuary where nature will truly come alive for you and your family.

There are also many types of bird house kits that cater to any types of birds. There are those bird house kits that are created for single type birds. There are also others that are for a lot of birds. There are bird house kits that could be hung while there are also others which could be mounted on a post or a fence.

Other instructions included in a plan could include how to attach or place one on the top of a pole or post. This is designed to make it difficult for predators to gain access a bird’s home. Some of the predators include raccoons, squirrels, and cats. They will often climb a tree to get into the bird house, where they will proceed to eat the eggs that are inside.