How to Make a Birdhouse: An Easy Guide for Kids
Who doesn't like to hear the pleasant melody of birds singing near home?
I've always loved seeing birds up close, even the city sparrows. The fact that one of my grandfathers was a birdwatcher certainly has a lot to do with it.
You too can enjoy the presence and proximity of birds by installing a pretty and charming birdhouse.
It's always very gratifying to watch birds nesting in a garden or park, especially if they can take shelter in a birdhouse. Different species often use them, and it's a real pleasure to watch them. These wooden birdhouses are an ideal substitute for holes in trees. There are many parks and gardens around us where small birds can find plenty of food, but there are no places where they can nest... until you install their own birdhouse. I'd like to give you a few tips:
Here are a few decorating ideas for these really cool birdhouses. You can decorate them with the three tubes of acrylic paint included in the kit. You don't have to try them all!
You can choose to decorate it to your liking with the included paints, or leave the wood natural. Be careful when painting it, and avoid painting the house near the entrance, as birds prefer natural wood!
Where to place it
Find an area where you see them frequently in spring: a garden, a copse, a wall with nearby trees, etc. Place the wooden birdhouse about 2-5 m above the ground, in a tree or on a wall, out of reach of cats and curious onlookers. It's best to place it facing north or southeast, in a location away from direct sunlight and strong winds. Tilt the box slightly forward to prevent rain from entering through the entrance hole. When installing it, you must avoid damaging the tree, so it's best to hang the house from a branch with a long, sturdy wire (about 50 cm), well away from the trunk. Keep in mind that trees grow, so you'll need to check the anchor you install approximately every two or three years.How to clean and maintain it
A handful of clean hay or sawdust (never straw) placed in the box provides extra warmth during the winter months, when small mammals and some birds use the box for hibernation or sleeping. You shouldn't inspect the box during the incubation period or when the chicks are very young. This could be the reason the parents abandon the nest!How to decorate it
Here are a few decorating ideas for these really cool birdhouses. You can decorate them with the three tubes of acrylic paint included in the kit. You don't have to try them all!
You can choose to decorate it to your liking with the included paints, or leave the wood natural. Be careful when painting it, and avoid painting the house near the entrance, as birds prefer natural wood!
