Are you looking for more ways to invite nature into your yard? Do you enjoy seeing birds of all different colors and sizes flying through your property? If so, then you need to invest in one of the best bird houses to give them a warm welcome.
Birdhouses give an important boost to the nature of your community. Generally, birds are left to create nests in places where they’re left vulnerable to predators. Birdhouses provide safety from all of that.
See below for an in-depth guide with several helpful tips you can use to find the best birdhouses for your property.
1. Know the Dimensions
Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just place any old birdhouse out on your yard and expect birds to take to it. In fact, our bird friends are quite picky when it comes to their housing arrangements.
There are three key factors you’ll want to consider with the birdhouse’s dimensions: hole size, box size, and height. Each three of these components create a healthy balance for the bird.
For the hole size, you’ll want to stay between 1.25 inches and 1.5 inches. That might seem small, but birds prefer it that way! It’s a security measure (pun intended) for them. The smaller the hole, the fewer other birds are likely to try and steal their residence.
Next, you have the box size. The birdhouse’s actual size goes a long way in determining which species of bird will likely take it up. If you’re wanting to increase your chances of a certain bird, then consider their size. The smaller the bird, the smaller the box needs to be, and vice versa.
Your most common backyard birds enjoy something with a square base around 4 inches long and wide, and that’s anywhere between 6 inches to 12 inches deep.
Lastly, for height, you’ll want to keep your birdhouses (regardless of their size) around 4 feet to 6 feet above the ground, so that clever little thieves (like foxes) can’t get to them. For more information on birdhouses, be sure to visit Nature-niche.com.
2. Consider the Viewing
If we’re being honest here, there are two primary reasons that you’re interested in birdhouses for your yard. First, you want to provide safe havens for local backyard birds. However, you’re also doing it for your viewing pleasure!
For that reason, you’ll want to place your birdhouses in premier spots. The first thing you should consider is keeping the birdhouses spread out from each other. Second, think about how you’ll be able to take them all in.
Where do you usually sit when you look outside? What areas can you place the birdhouses in so that you can see them all from that one spot?
Most importantly, you need to put the birdhouses in spots where you won’t be disturbing them, other than occasionally mowing around the birdhouse, perhaps.
That way, when you need to find a way to relax, you can simply go outside, kick back, and watch your birdhouse tenants do their thing. It’s sure to provide hours of entertainment. You might even consider taking up birding (bird watching)!
3. DIY or Professionally-Made?
This is the ultimate question when it comes to installing birdhouses in your yard. Should you take up the opportunity to make one yourself or purchase one that’s been created by an expert? We say both!
If you’re going to go the DIY route, then you can turn it into a fun project for you, your children, your grandchildren, and so on. There are multiple DIY birdhouse building kits you can purchase online or at your local hardware store, or you can find instructions online for how to make the entire thing from scratch.
For those of you that prefer to purchase one that’s already made, be sure you’re supporting a noble birdhouse maker. Learn a bit about the person you’re buying from. You can even use sources like Pinterest and Etsy to find superior birdhouse makers.
4. Factor in the Maintenance
This is one of the most overlooked aspects of buying a birdhouse. In fact, most people don’t realize they’ll have to clean their birdhouses every season or two.
We recommend finding a birdhouse that has an opening around the roof (top) of the birdhouse. That way, you can merely open it up and wash it out. Birds are just like humans. They have no interest in setting up shop inside dirty living space. They want cleanliness!
But when is the optimal time for cleaning? After all the baby birds are out. The more you clean out the birdhouse, the more broods you’ll see.
5. Think About Drainage
Remember, when setting up your birdhouses, you want to make sure that the entrance (the hole) is facing away from the way the wind blows. That will prevent rain and debris from making their way inside.
That said, rain always has a way of finding its way indoors, doesn’t it? That’s why you need to make sure your birdhouse has the ability to drain itself.
Look at the area underneath the birdhouse’s roof. There should be tiny little vents that will allow for air to circulate and get through promptly.
Purchase the Best Bird Houses for Your Yard
Now that you have seen an in-depth guide on the tips you need to find the best bird houses on the market, be sure to find the right fit for your needs.
Take the time to consider all the factors we’ve listed. If you buy on impulse, you might be purchasing an impractical birdhouse that sabotages the quality of your bird’s experience.
Be sure to browse our website for more articles on birdhouses, as well as many other helpful topics that you will enjoy.