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Birdhouses -
An Alternative for a
Natural Tree
Manmade birdhouses, which can also be referred
to as nesting or nest boxes, provide a
fantastic alternative for a natural tree cavity
where a large number of nesting birds will
raise their families. Manmade birdhouses are so
effective that they have been a large factor in
the increasing number of Eastern Bluebirds,
which were on the brink of extinction.
Dimensions Play a Crucial
Role
When a birdhouse
is constructed, the dimensions play a crucial
role to attract the species of bird that you
want in your yard. You will want the entrance
hole to be big enough for that species to
enter, but small enough that the larger birds
will not be able to enter the house. A predator
guard is highly recommended to add extra
protection so that unwanted birds and other
animals, such as squirrels and cats, will not
threaten the nest.
Better
Birds uses only Premium
Western Red
Cedar
Better
Birds uses only Western Red Cedar in the
construction of all birdhouses – it is the
ultimate green product and the ideal wood to
create birdhouses. Western Red Cedar is
naturally durable and resistant to moisture,
decay and insect damage. Red
Cedar can last outside, untreated, for
years. A birdhouse should
never be
constructed out of chemically treated
wood! Although birdhouses can be stained
or painted (preferably with a light shade
to keep the birdhouse cool and with an
environmentally friendly product).
We highly recommend that you keep the
wood in it’s natural state. Western Red
Cedar is an exceptionally attractive wood
with a very pleasant and unmistakable
aroma. Beautiful birdhouses are the
result of working with cedar.
Birdhouses need Ventilation and
Drainage
It is crucial that all birdhouses will have
holes near the top of the box for ventilation,
as well as holes in the bottom corners to allow
any water to drain out and keep the nest and
babies dry. Another helpful feature is having
grooved slots on the interior door which will
help the nestlings exit the birdhouse when the
time comes.
Choosing a
Location
When you are choosing a location to hang your
birdhouse, you should ensure that the birdhouse
is placed out of direct sunlight. A good
location is on the north side of a tree, or on
the north side of the house (depending on which
type of birdhouse you have).
Cleaning the Bird
House
Every birdhouse should include an easy way to
open the box so that it can be easily cleaned
during the month of March. Better Birds houses
feature an easy twist latch to make this
process simple. When cleaning the birdhouse,
you should remove the old nesting material and
the parasites that accompany it. We highly
recommend that you use gloves when cleaning the
house.
Perches are Highly
Discouraged
Although perches are a very common feature on
birdhouses, a perch is highly discouraged as
they can provide easy access into the house for
predators such as cats, raccoons, rats and
other birds. Cavity dwelling birds have strong
claws and can hang onto vertical surfaces
effectively so they will not have any problems
entering the birdhouse.
Birding is a Very
Popular
Birding is a very popular and
enjoyable activity and can be simple when you
have the right tools. Enjoy watching the birds
as your birdhouse will give you years of
pleasure!
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