Building A Log Cabin Birdhouse

A log cabin nestbox needs proper ventalation, easy access for cleaning and if you choose to paint it, you need to choose the appropriate paint for your project.

These log bird houses have been built with twigs, cedar or pine and dow rods (crafts section). You can even build a birdhouse with copper tubing!! (Very Cute).

So you choose the look you desire, follow these diameters and build your own unique birdhouse!! ( DIY ).

Cutting the holes too large will enable larger birds or other predators access to the baby birds.

Entrance Hole Chart

Nuthatch (1-1.25 inches)

Chickadee (1.125 inches)

Titmouse (1.25 inches)

Beswick’s Wren (1.25 inches)

Downy Woodpecker (1.25 inches)

Bluebird (1.5 inches)

Carolina Wren (1.5 inches)

Swallow (1.5 inches)

Hairy Woodpecker (1.5 inches)

Crested Flycatcher (2 inches)

Red-Headed Woodpecker (2 inches)

Purple Martin (crescent shape)

Flicker (2.5 inches)

Mourning Dove (half side of gourd open)

Barn Swallow (half side of gourd open)

Phoebe (half side of gourd open)

Robin (half side of gourd open)

Cleaning

Bird houses need to be easy to open for cleaning. Nesting birds will not build a new nest in a house that contains last year’s nest. It must be cleaned out after every nesting season.

When building bird houses, a good plan will include a way to clean out the old nest. Usually this means one side can be opened or the roof can lift up.

This can be done by means of a pin that allows a pivotal action or with a hinge. A raccoon and squirrel proof lock must be attached, to keep them from eating the eggs or young birds.

Ventilation

When building bird houses they must be designed to allow free flowing air for good ventilation. There should be small openings in the top of the bird house, under the overhang of the roof.

This allows hot air to escape to prevent over heating and create the flow of fresh air through the bird house. When building bird houses the opening should be small enough as to not allow predators to reach inside.

Paint

Only use approved oil paints that are classified as safe for bird houses, or use exterior latex paint.

Lead-based paints or creosote are absolutely to be avoided.

Never paint the inside of a bird house. Fumes from painting the inside, or using the wrong kind of paint on the outside of the bird house, as just mentioned, can cause sickness or death to wild birds.

Reccomendation

This is a excellent link for learning how to build a log cabin birdhouse.

http://www.diy-home-makeover.com/diy-projects-plans/bird-houses.html

	Enter your search terms Submit search form
	Web www.cabins-r-us.com