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birdhouse questions

10 years ago

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!

Featured Answer

sparky_10

10 years ago

Cute birdhouse! I found this as a bit of a guide: http://www.wildlifemanagementpro.com/2010/05/19/bird-house-plans-design-ideas-to-remember/birdhouse-entrance-sizes-5192010/. Notice the height entrance; birdhouses with a low entrance height don't leave room for a nest, unless the base area is large. Sadly, a lot of decorative houses are made with low holes.

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Comments (8)

MrBlubs
10 years ago
Seems a bit more on the decorative side but seems plausible that some species could still manage to nest in there. The entrance hole is a bit low but as long as if the base is around 5×5 I don't see why a house sparrow couldn't nest in there. Or chickadees or wrens.

I've never had to deal with squirrles but to be sure I'd place it some distance from the fence and any over hanging branches. Squirrles are pretty good jumpers.

You could also attach some sheet metal around the entrance hole. That way the squirrles won't be able to chew their way in.

Good luck!
asukimmy thanked MrBlubs
asukimmy
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the advice! I really like the sheet metal idea. I think with the size of my yard and the number of trees it'll be hard to find a place that they can't jump to. I found out later after posting it is meant to be used as a birdhouse and not just a decorative piece. The builder nailed most of it together except the bottom. It's screwed on so it can be removed to clean the house. I hope the birds don't find it scary, because I kind of do, lol. Thanks again!
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Pat Z5or6 SEMich
10 years ago
Great link, sparky. Thank you!
sparky_10
10 years ago
You're welcome, Pat!
MrBlubs
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Please post pics if you get any tenants in the Spring time!

Happy New Year!
asukimmy
Original Author
10 years ago
Will do!
HU-35109297
last year
This is a question. I’m making a large bird house for aesthetics as well as titmice birds to use. Will the size of the structure be discouraging? The center section enterior specifications will accomodate the one entrance hole.

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