"Hi honey....I'm home" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: eyesplash Mikul (Mikul) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
Types
Choose solid wood because it lasts longest. Pine and exterior grade plywood will also work though they're not as long lasting. Writer Terry Ross recommends bald cypress and cedar in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's pamphlet, "Homes for Birds."
Features
Use 3/4 inch wood, either solid or plywood, for a bird house that is strong and well insulated. Wood also breathes, creating a healthy environment for nesting birds.
Considerations
Paint the outside of your bird house with a water-based latex paint to attract birds. Ross recommends white, tan, grey and green to attract different cavity-nesting birds. If you prefer a warm wood tone, protect your bird house from insects and the elements with a clear polyurethane coat.
Warnings
Remember not to treat the interior with stains or other sealants that give off odors that can harm birds.
Tips
Reuse wood scraps from other projects for your bird house. You'll save money and use up left over wood.
Article Written By Jacqueline Keren
Jacqueline Keren is a writer in Salem, NY. Her articles have appeared in national and regional magazines, including Sculpture, Art New England, Adirondack Life and Berkshire Living. Her short fiction has been published in print and online literary journals. She received her Master of Fine Arts from the Columbia University School of the Arts.
