birdhouse questions
I hope this is an appropriate place to ask for help. For Christmas and as congrats on my first house, I received a birdhouse from a friend. I want to put it outside, but I don't want to to be a death trap for some unsuspecting birds. I've done some reading and I see hanging it on a tree or fence is not a good idea. The opening is 1 1/2 inches wide, which sounds like a good thing. I've seen it's best to put it on a pole and to include a baffle to keep squirrels away, which do run around in my yard. I have pine trees and a fence around my backyard. Should I be looking to put the house a certain distance from the fence and trees? I just imagine squirrels leaping to the house. I've included a picture of the house. I'm also interested to know if this house should be considered a decorative house and not meant be used as an actual birdhouse. I am a cat lover, but they're not allowed outside so keeping them away from the birdhouse is not an issue. I'll take any advice, the last thing I want to do it hurt the birds while foolishly thinking I'm helping. Thank you!
Comments (8)
10 years agoRelated Discussions
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Comments (12)I second Purplemoon's comments and question (though I live in Michigan, and we do have some really pretty birds). What is that bird? It is so striking with it's teal color and sharp markings! Your jar birdhouse reminds me of some of the teapot birdhouses on this forum. I need to make some of those! Kathy...See MoreBirdhouses
Comments (1)Hi there. Im glad your asking before you put them up. Please go www.sialis.org , it is labled a Bluebird site but it is great information for all cavity nesters. Good Luck!...See MoreRelocating birdhouse and other questions
Comments (5)It depends on what type/size your birdhouse is if it would be suitable for other birds. Some of the wren houses are awfully small for a Tree Swallow or Bluebird to nest in. Bluebirds need a 1.5 inch hole, swallows prefer that too but can get in a smaller hole. Chickadees also prefer the 1.5 inch hole but can get in a 1 1/8 inch hole. A housewren will enter any size hole, not much deters them except keeping the nestboxes far away from brush and trees. House Sparrows can enter a 1 1/4 or larger hole, you would want to keep them from nesting in your birdhouse. A properly mounted nestbox is mounted on a slick metal pole with a predator baffle and at least 15-30 feet away from trees/fences/brush with no branches hanging over the box. Squirrels and or raccoons can and will get into nestboxes placed in/on trees or mounted on wooden posts. A metal plate on the front is to prevent woodpeckers from enlarging the hole. If the nestbox is mounted properly squirrels shouldn't be able to get to it to chew the opening. Here is a link to "lots" of info about cavity nesting birds..it is a bluebird site but has load of info about all cavity nesting birds and how to attract them and properly put up nestboxes for them.... Donna Here is a link that might be useful: Cavity nesting bird info.....sialis......See MoreNot your everyday paint question- birdhouse gourds
Comments (1)I don't know if it will stick to a gourd but give it a try( exterior only) why not?...See More- 10 years ago
- 10 years ago
10 years agolast modified: 10 years ago- 10 years ago
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