Birdhouse Quick Notes
Basics
- Over 50 birds in North America enjoy the natural gourd environment
- Dimensions of gourd and size of opening determine which species will inhabit the birdhouse
- Gourds are measured in diameter at its largest point, not circumference or height
- Opening for birds should be placed as horizontal as possible- neither too high (rain) or too low (chicks could fall out)
- Hang your birdhouse in a shady spot with the entrance hole facing away from prevailing wind (facing east is common because it's often away from the prevailing wind and strong afternoon sun)
****Safety First!****
- Always wear eye protection while cutting or sanding
- Always wear a respirator or mask when cutting, sanding and cleaning the inside of a gourd (I always wear a respirator and only use a mask if doing one quick cut)
- Read and follow all instructions for power tools
Cutting and drilling
- Put a few holes in the bottom of the gourd for drainage- best tool is a drill with a 1/4" bit
- Add ventilation holes in the neck of the gourd for air circulation and hanging-best tool is a drill with 1/4" bit
- Cut the entry hole size to fit the species of bird you'd like to move in- best tool is mini jig saw, Dremel, hole saw or craft knife
- Remove membrane and seeds but don't worry about getting the insides 'too clean' since birds can use material inside the gourd for nesting
Resources
- American Gourd Society. https://www.americangourdsociety.org
- Amish Gourds. https://www.amishgourds.com
- Welburn Gourd Farm. https://welburngourdfarm.com
Lastly...
Gourd birdhouses should be removed AFTER nesting season and cleaned/ stored for winter. A fresh coat of an outdoor polyurethane should be applied each year to preserve the paint. I prefer water based.