Selecting a bird house might appear easy, but in reality it is not. Often bird enthusiasts buy birdhouses off the rack assuming that would attract birds. But in practice, those houses often remain empty. There are several specifications of a bird house that you need to keep in mind if you want to attract birds.
Top 5 Tips for Selection of a Bird House
Before you go to the market, make sure you know your exact requirements. Here are a few tips to help you select:
Size
The most important factor you need to keep in mind is size. This includes the size of the entrance hole and that of the floor.
Entrance Hole
You would really want to keep out house sparrows since they kill other native birds. The most common entrance hole found in bird houses are 1 and ½ inches. This size prevents house sparrows from entering the house.
Floor Size
All birds need some space inside the house so that their infants can grow properly. Do keep this mind when you buy a bird house.
Temperature
Another important consideration is to keep the temperature under control. Your bird house must not be freezing neither too hot for the birds to nest. This is also important because the house will be hung in an open space. Choose wood over metals, since metals are stronger conductor of heat. Also pay attention to a proper ventilation of the house.
Drainage
Just like the human houses, it is imperative for the bird house too, to have proper drainage facilities. There must be drain wholes at the bottom of the birdhouse to let water out. Also if you have a roof over hung by 1 or 2 inches, the drain water will not enter the house.
Safety
Another very important aspect that you need to keep in mind is that of safety of the nesting birds. It is better to have a perch- free entrance in your birdhouse, since the former helps the predators reach their preys easily. Moreover, before you buy the house, make sure it is made of non toxic materials or else it would be harmful for the birds.
Access to the Birdhouse
It is necessary to pay attention to cleaning and maintaining your birdhouse regularly. Therefore, hang it in a place which is physically accessible to you. But make sure you clean it only in between brooding times, or you will render the birds homeless.