Building A Birdhouse: Things To Know

Written by Donald Rohde


So you want to build a birdhouse. A well-built birdhouse should be durable, keep outrepparttar rain, not overheat, and be easy to clean. Keep these requirements in mind and let's get started.

1. First, determinerepparttar 135684 types of birds you see around your backyard. Then figure out which ones will use a birdhouse. Some birds build nests in trees or bushes, such as doves, cardinals, and mockingbirds. Others may make their nests onrepparttar 135685 ground or even burrows down inrepparttar 135686 ground. Only cavity nesting birds will use a birdhouse. Examples of common cavity nesting birds are chickadees, flickers, and bluebirds. Determinerepparttar 135687 type of bird that you wish to userepparttar 135688 birdhouse.

2. Determinerepparttar 135689 dimensions ofrepparttar 135690 birdhouse. Most birds require different sizes of birdhouses as well as entrance holes. Below you will find a chart with some specs to build houses for various common cavity nesting birds:

3. When selectingrepparttar 135691 wood to use, use plain untreated lumber. Do not use exterior grade plywood (contains formaldehyde) or pressure-treated lumber (contains toxic preservatives.) Plastic and metal often overheat inrepparttar 135692 hot summer sun.

4. Almost time to pick out a birdhouse plan. First, however, remember these things about good houses: Has some type of ventilation holes or slots nearrepparttar 135693 roof so heat can escape. Normally these holes will be onrepparttar 135694 sides ofrepparttar 135695 house - NOTrepparttar 135696 roof - so rain will not drip in. •Roof is slanted enough to shed rain and extends well overrepparttar 135697 entrance hole for protection from rain and sun. •No perch. Most people think that there should be a perch underrepparttar 135698 entrance hole. However,repparttar 135699 birds nesting inside do not need a perch. The perch also invites predators or other birds to attack or botherrepparttar 135700 parents and babies inside. •Has drain holes or small slots inrepparttar 135701 bottom ofrepparttar 135702 nest box for drainage (you don't want those babies to be drowned during a storm!) •Has a door, roof, or side wall that can easily be opened to clean outrepparttar 135703 nest box. Leftover nests can attract mites and other parasites as well as make more work for new occupants who must clear outrepparttar 135704 old nest. •Inside wall beneathrepparttar 135705 entrance hole is roughed up or has some type of grooves for baby birds to climb as they get older.

Garden Accessories

Written by Johann Erickson


Nothing is more relaxing than sitting in a beautiful garden filled with flowers, greenery and garden accessories. There are so many different types of garden accessories available to enhancerepparttar beauty and ambiance of your garden. From wind chimes to Pergolas to will be able to fulfill your fantasies and create a wonderful garden where not only you will enjoy spending many hours but your favorite birds can call home.

Wind chimes are wonderful garden accessories that many people enjoy. The soothing and harmonious sound of a wind chime can be very appealing as you rest or work in your garden. Wind chimes today, come in so many different varieties and styles that you may have a hard time deciding on which one you should choose for your garden. You will be able to choose from glass, pewter, wood, or even bamboo andrepparttar 135645 styles can be from Victorian to simple. Each wind chime has a distinct personality that it will bring to your garden whether that is charming or whimsical. Alongrepparttar 135646 line of wind chimes you can also include a unique garden bell. These unique bells are so charming and inviting to behold in any garden.

Stepping stones are another way to bring your own personality into your garden. These wonderful garden accessories can be used to take your visitors through your magical array of plants and flowers. You will be able to place each stepping stone in justrepparttar 135647 right location to enhancerepparttar 135648 view of your magnificent garden. Even garden signs can be personalized to give your guests more information. You can just have your own name onrepparttar 135649 sign or sayings like bunnies crossing or maybe choose a name for each section of your beautiful garden. Withrepparttar 135650 garden signs you will be able to enhance your garden and give itrepparttar 135651 feel that you desire.



Cont'd on page 2 ==>
 
ImproveHomeLife.com © 2005
Terms of Use