Bird House Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Bird House

Bird houses are a great way to attract wildlife to your backyard and protect your feathered friends all year round. The tips below will help you find the bird house that's best for you and the species in your area.

Types of Bird Houses

Decorative Bird House Styles
Bird houses come in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Some have a whimsical decorative theme, and others are made of plain wood and painted to blend in with their surroundings. The style of bird house you choose is entirely up to you. Just make sure it's appropriate for your climate and your birds.

Various species, various bird houses
The size and shape of your bird house should be determined by the type of species you wish to attract. The list below shows a sampling of what type of houses are needed by each species.

• Purple martins are the largest members of the swallow family. A purple martin house should measure at least 6 inches across on the inside, and should have an entry hole of about two and a half inches in diameter. Purple martin houses should be painted white on the outside.
• Wrens aren't picky about their homes and will nest in small, plain houses. A wren house is usually quite simple and fairly small on the inside. Make sure the entry holes measure about 1 inch in diameter to let the wrens in and keep predators out.
• Chickadees and nuthatches prefer homes that simulate natural environments, so a bird house made from wood or unfinished bark is best. They prefer bird houses that are deep and narrow, with entrance holes at the top so that they can nest in the bottom and feel safe.

If you're unsure what type of bird house you need, try to determine what birds live in your area and what kind you wish to attract. Or choose a general songbird house that is designed for various species.

General Bird House Tips
Whatever type of bird house you buy, there are a few general guidelines that will help keep your birds safe and your bird house in good condition.

• With few exceptions, bird houses should be made from wood. Metal houses must be hung in shady locations, or they will absorb sunlight and make the interior too hot.
• Your bird house should have drainage holes drilled into the bottom to keep rainwater from collecting inside. The top of the house should also have a few small holes to help with ventilation.
• Avoid bird houses with perches by the entrance. Perches encourage predators such as cats, squirrels, and larger birds.
• Choose a bird house that's easy to clean. Most have removable roofs or flip-down fronts that allow you easy access to the inside. Your bird house should be thoroughly cleaned once a year to remove old nest materials and make sure the house is ready for next year's inhabitants.

This basic information should help you find the perfect bird house for you and your backyard inhabitants. Have fun... and don't forget, the birds' comfort and safety should be your number one priority!