Did you know that seeing birds can help manage depression?
Animals can help give you companionship, love, and comfort. Birds can help lessen your feelings of isolation and even worthlessness. Do you want to see more birds in your yard or give your pet bird a treat?
Then it is time for you to invest in a bird house.
A wide backyard is a perfect place for a bird to roam and have more space to spread their wings. But what do you need to consider to get the right bird house for your backyard? Continue reading for the ultimate guide to choosing a bird house for your home.
Material of Your Bird House Options
Most birds would be okay with a nesting box made from any wood material. When it comes to choosing a bird house material, make sure to avoid plastics and metal, as they build up excess heat. These materials are often bad for birds, as microplastics might hurt their offspring.
When making a bird house, be sure to make it as natural as possible. Avoid using any wood that’s been stain treated or has added chemical preservatives. Always make sure to drill in drainage holes at the bottom.
These holes provide drainage that gives your birds better air ventilation. Birds prefer weathered wood over the new and polished wood. When making a bird house, you can also get creative and even recycle old wood.
Outdoor Bird House Size
When making measurements for your bird house, it is best to research the sizes of birds common in your area. This is to help ensure that the bird can actually fit inside the house you’ve made for them. The common measurements and sizes for bird houses are a 4 to 6 inches square-shaped base, and 6 to 12 inches deep.
This size will suit most common birds like chickadees, titmice, swallows, and wrens. Other bird houses, such as an owl box or a flicker house, have larger measurements. These need to be larger at the base and both deeper and taller to accommodate for the bird size.
The Size of The Hole and Its Position
Most bird species will fit in a hole with a diameter between 1 and 1/4 inches to 1 and 1/2 inches. If you want specific species like smaller birds, then make a smaller hole so bigger birds won’t enter. Certain birds are also a danger to some nests and eggs, so make sure to know what hole size they fit in.
Starling birds can enter holes bigger than 1 1/2 inches in diameter and destroy the nest inside. If you want to have several bird houses, make sure to leave a space of at least 20 feet. This is because some birds like swallows are territorial and will attack other birds.
Choose a Bird House Today
Now you know how to choose the perfect bird house for your backyard. Help out your local birds by giving them a place to stay and enjoy the tranquility of their morning songs.
Are you interested in bird watching? We’ve got you covered! Take a moment and read our other helpful guides to learn more about the local fauna in your neighborhood.
