Common Birdhouses

Wooden Houses

• The most common kind of birdhouse is the wooden birdhouse. These houses are constructed out of boards or pieces of plywood. The style of house depends on the type of bird you wish to attract. The size of the entry hole limits the type of birds that can climb inside. For example, a small 2-inch hole is appropriate for a purple martin but a barn owl is too large to fit inside. Once you choose the style of birdhouse, the placement is the next choice. Either hang the house or mount it on a pole or tree. Make your own birdhouse using tools you have around the house or purchase one at a home improvement or garden supply store.

Dried Gourds

• Another birdhouse available at garden supply stores or you can make at home is a gourd house. These houses are constructed from dried kettle gourds. When making your own gourd, clean the outside first using a scouring pad to remove any fungus. Then cut a hole in the gourd and scrape the insides out with a metal spoon. Gourd houses need drainage holes drilled in the bottom to allow for water to flow through.

Milk Carton

• One way to make your own birdhouse at home is to use a milk jug. Make a clean plastic or paper milk carton into a birdhouse yourself or with the help of your children. Cut a hole in the side of the carton and add a few drainage holes in the bottom. Decorate the outside with sticks, leaves, rocks or acrylic paints. Then string up the milk carton and hang it from an awning or tree branch.

Coffee Cans

• Another homemade house uses clean empty coffee cans. Cut a 2-inch hole in the plastic lid for the coffee can and place it back on the can. Drill two holes in the side of the can and insert eye screws through the holes. Tie twine through the eye screws and hang the can from a tree branch. If desired, decorate the outside of the can with acrylic paint.