Hobbies And Interests
Birdhouse Location
Birdhouses are used by cavity-nesters, or birds that normally build their nests inside tree cavities. The type of bird determines how far up the tree a nest or birdhouse needs to be. For instance, woodpeckers like to be 20 to 30 feet above ground, while a chickadee or wren prefers a lower entrance around 4 to 15 feet above the ground.
Birdhouse Walls, Entrance and Roof
Thin walls are insufficient as they provide little insulation from the cold or heat. The side and back walls of the birdhouse need to be thick wood, around three quarters of an inch, to keep the interior at a moderate temperature. The front wall that includes the entrance should be at least an inch and a half to deter scavengers from reaching in.
The entrance must also be sized appropriately or the birds themselves won't consider using it. Perches should never be a part of a birdhouse as this gives winged and four-legged predators easy access to defenseless offspring when the parents are gone.
The roof must be sloped with plenty of overhang to provide protection from the elements. Small holes drilled in the walls just under the roof will provide ventilation and a few drilled in the floor will provide drainage for any moisture that gathers.
Birdhouse Dimensions
If you are looking for a particular bird to nest in your birdhouse, the dimensions must agree with the size of the bird. A barn owl for instance needs a space 12 by 36 inches and 16 inches high, while a nuthatch only requires a tiny area around 4 by 5 inches and 8 inches high. A safe and cozy home to raise a family is the desired result.
Birdhouse Nesting Depth
Nesting depth is important for safety and ample room for growth. Entrances should be placed high on the front wall so that the floor of the house is low enough to create plenty of depth. Even the smallest of birdhouses requires a depth of at least 6 to 7 inches. Houses for larger birds will need more.