The Best Birdhouses

Wooden

• Probably the first type of birdhouse you think of is a wooden shelter. These houses come in simple box designs to more complex constructions that look like miniature bird hotels. The type of birds you want to attract impacts the style wooden birdhouse you choose. Purple martins, for example, like compartmentalized wooden houses. Bluebirds, on the other hand, are happy with a simple peaked roof home. When making your own, make the size hole on the front of the house at the appropriate size for the type bird you are attracting.

Gourd

• A gourd is another common birdhouse. You typically find these at farmers markets, but you can make your own at home, if you prefer. Kettle gourds are preferred for birdhouse making. Once it dries, drill a hole in the side of the gourd with a drill. Clean out the inside of the gourd using a metal spoon, then hang the gourd. There is a fibrous membrane inside the gourd that you can leave intact for the birds to use to make their nests.

Plastic

• Commercial birdhouses are also available in plastic. Many of these look just like their wooden counterparts. Alternatively, use a plastic milk jug to make your own birdhouse. If you want to make your own, thoroughly clean the inside of the jug before beginning. Then cut a hole out of the side of the jug and hang it up with twine. Decorate the outside of the jug, using acrylic paints.

Metal

• Another homemade birdhouse option is a metal coffee can with plastic lid. Cut a hole in the plastic lid using a utility knife. If you want to add a bird perch, make a hole under the entrance and insert a dowel rod. To hang the can birdhouse, insert eye screws into the side of the can and hang it up with twine. Add additional detail to the outside of the can using paint or silk flowers or leave it undecorated for a natural look. Alternatively, build a wooden house structure around the can to combine the two methods.