Creating a Welcome Habitat for Birds

Just as bird feeding is sure to attract beautiful wild birds to your backyard, a bird house will help complete your desired bird-friendly habitat by providing a place for returning migrating birds to raise their young this season.  Bird houses provide an excellent alternative habitat for birds that nest within natural tree cavities such as chickadees, nuthatches and cardinals.  Whether you are interested in purchasing a new bird house or renovating an existing one, the following pointers will help create a safe environment in which our birds can shelter and thrive.  

Materials:  Wooden bird houses have earned their popularity by providing a comfortable and natural habitat for birds.  If your bird house contains metal parts, particularly a metal roof or sides, be sure to hang it in the shade so the interior doesn’t become too warm for your guests.

Size:  The floor of the bird house should measure a minimum of four inches by four inches to allow enough room for growing baby birds.  An entrance hole between one inch and one and one-half inches in diameter, located approximately five inches above the floor of the bird house, will welcome desired birds and frustrate predators and unfriendlies.  The roof overhang should extend a minimum of one inch over the entrance to shade the entrance and keep out rain.  Avoid bird houses with perches near the entrance as they can attract predators like squirrels, cats and even larger birds. 

Drainage and Ventilation:  If your bird house does not already have holes, make sure to drill holes in the floor for drainage and in the roof for ventilation. 

Housekeeping:  You will want to clean your bird house at least once each year, so make sure you can gain easy access to the inside of the bird house when necessary.

Once you have these basic safety guidelines covered, you can select a bird house that is right for you.  Visit your local Stein Gardens & Gifts today to view our wide selection of wooden, decorative and specialty bird houses.

Sources: www.duncraft.com/Before-Buying-a-Bird-House-W79C167.aspx, www.justbirdhouses.net/bird-house/