Build Your Own Bluebird House: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bluebirds are a welcome sight in any garden, bringing beauty and cheerful song. Attracting these lovely birds to your backyard is easier than you might think – building and installing a bluebird house is a rewarding project that can benefit these cavity-nesting birds. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the right materials to installing the finished house, ensuring a safe and successful nesting site for your new avian neighbors.

Why Build a Bluebird House?

Eastern Bluebirds, along with other bluebird species, face habitat loss and competition for nesting sites with non-native birds like House Sparrows and European Starlings. Providing them with properly designed nesting boxes can significantly increase their breeding success and help bolster their populations. Building a bluebird house is a simple yet effective way to contribute to conservation efforts and enjoy the presence of these delightful birds in your yard.

Choosing the Right Location

Before you start building, consider the best location for your bluebird house. The placement is critical for attracting bluebirds and ensuring their safety.

* **Open Area:** Bluebirds prefer open areas with short grass and scattered trees or shrubs. This allows them to easily spot insects, their primary food source.
* **Avoid Dense Vegetation:** Steer clear of dense forests or thickets, as these areas are less attractive to bluebirds and more attractive to predators.
* **Facing Direction:** Ideally, the entrance hole should face east or southeast. This provides morning sun and protection from prevailing westerly winds and harsh afternoon sun. Avoid facing the entrance hole towards roads or areas with heavy foot traffic.
* **Height:** Mount the bluebird house on a pole or post at a height of 5 to 10 feet. This height provides protection from ground predators and allows bluebirds to easily enter and exit the house.
* **Spacing:** If you plan to install multiple bluebird houses, space them at least 100 yards apart. This helps reduce competition between bluebird pairs.
* **Predator Guards:** Consider installing predator guards to protect the bluebirds from snakes, raccoons, and other animals that might try to access the nest. More on predator guards later.

Materials You’ll Need

Using the right materials is essential for creating a durable and safe bluebird house. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

* **Wood:** Untreated cedar, redwood, or pine are excellent choices. These woods are naturally weather-resistant and don’t require painting or staining. Avoid using treated lumber, as the chemicals can be harmful to birds. ¾ inch thick wood is preferable. This provides better insulation against heat and cold.
* **Fasteners:** Use galvanized or stainless steel screws or nails. These fasteners won’t rust and will hold the house together for many years.
* **Drill:** For drilling pilot holes and attaching the various components.
* **Saw:** A handsaw, jigsaw, or circular saw can be used to cut the wood pieces to size.
* **Measuring Tape or Ruler:** For accurate measurements.
* **Pencil:** For marking the wood.
* **Sandpaper:** For smoothing rough edges.
* **1 ½ inch Hole Saw or Drill Bit:** For creating the entrance hole.
* **Ventilation and Drainage Holes:** Drill bits for creating ventilation and drainage holes.

Bluebird House Plans and Dimensions

Here are the dimensions for a typical bluebird house. These dimensions are suitable for Eastern Bluebirds. Be sure to adjust the dimensions if you are building for other bluebird species.

* **Floor:** 5 inches x 5 inches
* **Front:** 12 inches high
* **Back:** 10 inches high
* **Sides:** 5 inches wide, tapering from 12 inches at the front to 10 inches at the back.
* **Roof:** 7 inches wide x 9 inches long (provides overhang).
* **Entrance Hole:** 1 ½ inches in diameter, centered 6 inches above the floor.

These are just guidelines. You can find many free bluebird house plans online with slightly different dimensions. Just ensure that the floor size is adequate and the entrance hole is the correct size to deter larger birds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your materials and plans, let’s get started building your bluebird house.

**Step 1: Cut the Wood Pieces**

Using your chosen wood and the dimensions provided, carefully cut the wood pieces for the floor, front, back, sides, and roof. Use a saw that you are comfortable with. Accuracy in cutting will result in a more structurally sound and weather resistant bluebird house. Be sure to measure twice and cut once!

**Step 2: Drill Ventilation and Drainage Holes**

* **Ventilation:** Drill two or three ¼-inch ventilation holes near the top of each side piece. These holes will help keep the house cool in the summer and prevent moisture buildup.
* **Drainage:** Drill four ¼-inch drainage holes in the floor of the house. These holes will allow rainwater to drain out and prevent the nest from becoming waterlogged. This is crucial for the survival of the chicks.

**Step 3: Create the Entrance Hole**

Using a 1 ½ inch hole saw or drill bit, drill the entrance hole in the center of the front piece, 6 inches from the bottom. A properly sized entrance hole is vital. Too large, and it allows access to larger, competitive bird species like House Sparrows. Too small, and the bluebirds cannot enter.

**Step 4: Assemble the Sides, Front, and Back**

Attach the side pieces to the front piece using screws or nails. Ensure the tapered edges of the side pieces align correctly with the front piece. Then, attach the back piece to the side pieces, creating a box-like structure. Pre-drilling pilot holes before screwing or nailing helps prevent the wood from splitting.

**Step 5: Attach the Floor**

Attach the floor piece to the bottom of the assembled box using screws or nails. Make sure the floor is flush with the bottom edges of the sides, front, and back. Secure it firmly to create a sturdy base for the nest.

**Step 6: Attach the Roof**

Attach the roof piece to the top of the box, ensuring it overhangs the front by at least 2 inches. This overhang will provide protection from rain and sun. Secure the roof with screws or nails. Consider using hinges on one side of the roof to allow for easy monitoring and cleaning of the house (more on this later).

**Step 7: Sand Rough Edges**

Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or splinters on the exterior of the house. This will make the house safer for the birds and prevent any accidental injuries.

**Step 8: Optional – Add a Predator Guard**

Predator guards are highly recommended to protect bluebirds from snakes, raccoons, and other predators. There are several types of predator guards you can install:

* **Noel Guard:** A circular piece of metal or plastic attached around the entrance hole to prevent predators from reaching inside.
* **Baffle:** A cone-shaped or cylindrical barrier placed on the mounting pole below the house to prevent climbing predators.
* **Metal Sheathing:** Wrapping the mounting pole with smooth metal sheathing can also deter climbing predators.

Install the predator guard according to the manufacturer’s instructions or your own design, ensuring it is securely attached and effective.

**Step 9: Do Not Paint or Stain the Inside**

It’s crucial not to paint or stain the inside of the bluebird house, as the chemicals can be harmful to the birds. If you want to paint or stain the exterior, use a light-colored, non-toxic, water-based paint or stain. Dark colors can absorb too much heat and make the house too hot for the chicks.

**Step 10: Mounting the Bluebird House**

Now that your bluebird house is complete, it’s time to mount it in your chosen location. Here are a few tips for mounting:

* **Pole Mounting:** The most common method is to mount the house on a metal pole. Use a sturdy pole that is at least 6 feet long. Drive the pole into the ground until it is firmly planted.
* **Post Mounting:** You can also mount the house on a wooden post. The post should be treated to prevent rot.
* **Secure Attachment:** Attach the house to the pole or post using screws or bolts. Make sure the house is securely mounted and won’t wobble or fall.
* **Orientation:** Ensure the entrance hole faces the desired direction (east or southeast).

Maintenance and Monitoring

Regular maintenance and monitoring are essential for ensuring the continued success of your bluebird house. Here are a few tips:

* **Cleaning:** Clean the house once a year, after the nesting season is over (usually in late summer or early fall). Remove all old nesting material and debris. This will help prevent mites and other parasites from infesting the house. A hinged roof makes cleaning much easier. If your roof is fixed, you can remove the entire house from the mounting pole for cleaning.
* **Monitoring:** Monitor the house regularly during the nesting season. Observe the bluebirds’ behavior and look for signs of nesting activity. Check for any signs of predators or other problems.
* **Dealing with House Sparrows:** House Sparrows are a major threat to bluebirds. They are aggressive competitors for nesting sites and will often kill bluebird nestlings and adults. If you see House Sparrows using the bluebird house, remove their nests and eggs immediately. Be persistent, as they will likely try to nest again. Some bluebird enthusiasts recommend not providing housing at all if you cannot actively manage for House Sparrows.
* **Repair:** Check the house regularly for any damage or wear and tear. Repair any cracks or holes to keep the house in good condition.

Troubleshooting

Even with the best planning, you may encounter some challenges when trying to attract bluebirds to your house. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

* **No Bluebirds:** If bluebirds aren’t using your house, it could be due to several factors. Make sure the location is suitable, the entrance hole is the right size, and there are no competing birds. Be patient, as it may take some time for bluebirds to discover and accept the house.
* **Predator Problems:** If you see signs of predators attacking the house, reinforce the predator guards and consider moving the house to a different location.
* **Insect Infestation:** If the house becomes infested with insects, clean it thoroughly and consider using a non-toxic insecticide specifically designed for birdhouses.
* **Overheating:** If the house gets too hot in the summer, provide shade by planting trees or shrubs nearby. You can also paint the exterior of the house a light color to reflect sunlight.

Enjoying Your Bluebird House

Building and installing a bluebird house is a rewarding experience that can bring you closer to nature. Enjoy watching the bluebirds as they build their nest, raise their young, and bring beauty and song to your backyard. By providing them with a safe and suitable nesting site, you’re making a valuable contribution to their conservation and helping to ensure their continued presence in our world.

Additional Resources

* **The North American Bluebird Society (NABS):** bluebird.org – Provides information on bluebird conservation, nest box plans, and monitoring tips.
* **Cornell Lab of Ornithology:** allaboutbirds.org – Offers information on bluebird identification, behavior, and habitat.
* **Local Audubon Society:** Contact your local Audubon Society for information on bluebird conservation efforts in your area.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a welcoming home for bluebirds in your backyard and enjoy the many benefits they bring. Happy building!