How to Cut Holes in Gourds for Birdhouses

A dried, cleaned gourd makes an ideal natural birdhouse. Before you cut the opening in your gourd, research the bird species endemic to your area. The hole must be made to accommodate the species of bird you want to attract. Birds are most likely to inhabit a birdhouse with an opening that is just large enough for them to fit inside. Make the hole too large and smaller birds will not inhabit the birdhouse because they are vulnerable to predators or eviction by larger birds. Make the hole too small, and they won't be able to get in.

Drill
Hole saw bit
Goggles
Dust mask
Work gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the appropriate size saw bit to your hole saw according to the manufacturer instructions. Check the resources section for hole sizes appropriate for the type of bird that you want to attract.
- 2
  Clamp the gourd down on your work table. Or, have a friend wear a pair of thick work gloves and hold either end of the gourd firmly to steady it on the table. Both of you must wear goggles and a dust mask.
- 3
  Turn the hole saw on according to the manufacturer instructions.
- 4
  Drill a hole near the center of the widest part of the gourd at least 2 inches above the bottom of the gourd.
- 5
  Turn the drill off and pull the hole saw out of the hole. If the hole saw won't come out easily, reverse the direction of the drill while you pull it out. Don't yank or force it. You'll likely break the gourd.

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