Choosing the right birdhouse for your backyard

Although many birds prefer to create their own nests, there are still many different types of birds that will happily create a home in your birdhouse. However not all birdhouses are same and it is important to select a birdhouse is that is right for your garden and the birds that frequent it. Birdhouses come in a variety of sizes, are made from different materials and have different sized entrance holes.

When choosing a birdhouse it is important to think of it as both functional and attractive. In fact decorative birdhouses have become very popular in recent years as people make a feature of their birdhouses. They come in a massive array of different colors, styles and shapes and there will definitely be a house to suit your garden!

Its worth investing in a good quality birdhouse that has been constructed from quality materials - a high-quality birdhouse should last for a number of years. If you choose a wooden based birdhouse ensure any wooden elements have been treated with weather resistant paint or for a maintenance free option consider choosing birdhouses built from durable plastic.

Your birdhouse should also be easy to clean (with features such as a removable roof) and have drainage holes. Don’t choose a bird house with a perch outside the entrance hole as it encourage predators to visit the birdhouse. Keep your birdhouse away from the ground preferably mounted on a pole or if this is not possible hang from a suitable tree.

If you are not looking for a particular species of bird you can choose a conventional or decorative birdhouse for your garden, look for birdhouses that have an entrance hole of between 1 and 2 inches. Certain species however have preferences on the size of the entrance hole and size/type of birdhouse they prefer to nest in.

The beautiful Purple Martin bird likes to have an entry hole between 2 and 3 inches in diameter and for their birdhouse to be covered in white paint. Often these houses have a collection of ‘pods’ stacked together to accommodate a number of Purple Martin families.

Birds such as Bluebirds, Nuthatches and Chickadees seem to prefer well camouflaged, natural looking birdhouses. Anything rustic looking and made from wood generally works well. Chickadees prefer birdhouses that allow entry at the top rather than the side.

Wrens are very easy to accommodate and like small, plain birdhouses. The entrance hole should only be about 1-1.5 inches to ensure predators cannot get inside but the wrens can.

When locating your birdhouse it is generally better to place them in an open area to discourage predators and allow the birds to find the birdhouse easily. In colder climates consider turning the entrance hole away from the wind to protect the young birds from cold winter winds. If your birdhouse will be hung from a tree ensure it is at least 5-6 foot high to protect the birds from squirrels, cats and other predators.