How to Make a Purple Martin House From Gourds

How To Make A Purple Martin House From Gourds

• 1

  Clean the gourd. Gourds that have been drying for an extended period of time will develop a layer of mold. Gently scrub the gourd clean by using a scouring pad.

• 2

  Create rear access. In the middle of the back side of the gourd, draw a 4-inch circle. Use a jigsaw to cut out the opening. Set the circular cut off to the side in effort to create the door insert.

• 3

  Clean out. Through the rear access, clean out the seeds by using a spoon.

• 4

  Close rear access. Using the circular cut out, drill a hole in the center with the 1/8-inch drill bit. Insert a 3-inch piece of wire hanger into the predrilled hole. Flatten the end of the wire, using a pair of pliers. Curve the exterior end to create a handle. Insert the circular plug and use it to check on the nesting birds.

• 5

  Make pattern. Using a piece of paper or cardboard, cut out a half moon pattern measuring a radius of 1 1/2 inches and a height of 1 3/16 inches.

• 6

  Locate the equator. The equator is found by positioning the long side of the stencil on the widest point of the bulb of the gourd. Trace the pattern.

• 7

  Drill. Create a pilot hole with a 1/4 inch drill bit. Use a jigsaw to cut out the entrance. With the same drill bit, drill five drainage holes on the bottom end of the gourd.

• 8

  Make hanger. Using the 1/8 inch drill bit, drill a hole on each side of the gourd's handle. Fold wire hanger in half and bend each end up in a 90 degree angle. Insert hanger into the holes.