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How to Build a Chickadee House

Chickadees are small birds often found in woodlands, old orchards, parks and residential neighborhoods. Their distinctive black, buff and white markings, acrobatic flight patterns and "chic-a-dee-dee-dee" warbles often make them a welcome addition to the backyard. They nest in cavities of dead trees and stumps, but can be enticed to nest in the backyard with a properly constructed chickadee house or nesting box. When strategically placed, a chickadee house will provide a safe haven for the chickadees for many years.

Things You'll Need

One 1-inch-by-6-inch-by-4-foot piece of non-treated wood
Blueprint
Measuring Tape
Pencil
Safety glasses
Miter, table or power saw
Square
Wood glue
Hammer
Screwdriver
Nails or screws
Power drill
1 1/8-inch drill bit
¼-inch drill bit
2 Hinges with hardware
2 Screw-in hooks and eyes

Instructions

- 1
  Draw a blueprint and choose the material. Plastic and metal birdhouses are common, but wood is usually a better choice. Wood mimics the natural environment, dries quicker and keeps living quarters cooler than metal.
- 2
  Measure and mark 11 inches for the back panel, 8 ¼ inches for the roof, 8 inches each for the two side panels, 8 inches for the front panel and 4 inches for the floor. All these pieces will have 5 1/2-inch widths. A 1-by-6 has a thickness of ¾ inches and a width of 5 ½ inches, even though it is marked 1-by-6.
- 3
  Cut pieces with a power saw and discard leftover wood. Use a square to make sure corners are even. With a miter or power saw, make a 10-degree angle cut at the top of the two side panels and one end of the roof piece. This will give the roof some pitch and allow for water runoff.
- 4
  Drill a 1 1/8-inch entry hole 1 inch from the top of the front panel, making sure to center the hole. Do not drill the hole larger unless you want sparrows and starlings to take up residence.
- 5
  Place the back panel on a flat surface and attach the right side panel 1 inch from the bottom, making sure the angle is sloping toward the front. A 2-inch clearance at the top of the back panel will allow room for the hardware needed to attach the roof. Apply wood glue to the seam and secure with nails or screws. Add the second side panel and floor, making sure seams are flush before securing.
- 6
  Take the 8-inch front panel and align with the angled tops of the side panels. Mark and cut off excess from the bottom of the front piece, making sure the front is even with the bottom of the floor. Discard excess and secure front piece to the floor and sides panels.
- 7
  Drill four ¼-inch drainage holes in the floor and two ¼-inch ventilation holes in the top two corners of each of the side panels. These will help keep the nest dry and keep air circulating throughout the birdhouse.
- 8
  Fasten hinges to the angled end of the roof. Align roof atop the two side panels and attach hinges to the back panel. The roof will overlap the front entry and help protect the inside from the elements. Do not glue the roof to the side panels. Attach hook and eye sets to the roof and side panels for easy access.
- 9
  Leave natural, decorate the outside with natural bark, or paint the birdhouse with lead-free paint. Waterproof with polyurethane. Pack the floor with sawdust or wood shavings to make chickadees feel more at home.
- 10
  Mount the chickadee birdhouse on a tree or pole 6 to 15 feet above ground. Place within 15 feet of protective cover and keep them at least 20 feet from bird feeders and other birdhouses.

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