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Directions for a Wren Bird House

Wrens are found across most of North America and prefer to nest in wetlands, open woodlands, and suburban areas. Watching these bustling little brown birds and listening to their melodious songs can be entertaining. They also devour large quantities of insects and caterpillars and can be a great boon in your garden. Building a wren house and posting it in your yard is a great way to attract some flighty new neighbors.

Things You'll Need

1-inch by 6-inch board, 45 inches
Drill
Saw
Hammer
Screws
Nails
Metal Hanger

Instructions

- 1
  Red cedar is an excellent wood for your wren house, but pine or other types wood will work as well. Boards measuring 1 inch thick and 6 inches wide are a good choice. Try to avoid treated, stained, or painted wood, because these can be toxic to birds. Cut one 10-inch long piece for the back, two 8-inch long pieces for front and roof. For the sides, cut two pieces at an angle so that one side measures 7.5 inches and the other 9.5 inches. Cut a 4-inch by 4-inch piece for the floor.
- 2
  Drill a 1 1/8-inch round hole about 1 inch from the end of the front piece for the entrance. Do not make the hole any larger or sparrows and other birds will be able to enter the birdhouse. Do not add a perch outside the opening, because this will help predators get into the house. Drill several quarter-inch holes in the floor piece for drainage.
- 3
  Attach the front and back pieces to the floor with galvanized screws. The entrance hole should be opposite the floor. Attach one side piece with the longer side toward the back; use screws to attach it to the front and back. Attach the second side in the same manner, but attach it with two galvanized nails at the top of the house. The nails should be level with each other; they will allow this side to pivot open so the bird house can be cleaned. Use a third nail or a latch near the base of this side to keep it closed. Attach the roof to the front and back using screws. The roof should slope down and overhang the front. There will be a gap between the roof and sides that allows for ventilation.
- 4
  Attach a metal hanger to the back side of the bird house. Use this hanger to mount the birdhouse 6 to 10 feet up in a tree or tall shrub. The house can also be mounted on a pole, but birds seem to prefer trees and shrubs for nesting. If you want to put up several houses, space them 20 to 50 feet apart.
- 5
  Clean out your wren houses after the birds have left for the year. Regular cleaning will discourage mud wasps from taking up residence and will leave the house ready for the wren's return the next spring.

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