Best Bird House Basics

Online, April 5, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Food for thought before buying a bird house

Almost every species of bird can be enticed into using some form of bird house. Whether you are a bird enthusiast, or would simply like to add a little more life to your back yard setting, investing in a bird house is both a source of enjoyment and responsibility. Individual species of birds are targeted with different housing styles and designs. You should determine the bird species you want to attract before you make your purchase.

Preconstructed bird house designs are normally made with the safety of the bird in mind, with common materials such as wood, ceramic or metal being used. The colors and design of the exterior are meant to be visually appealing to a human. For the bird, the diameter of the entry hole and the interior spacing are the important factors.

You need to be able to access the inside of the bird house. The interior should be cleaned on an annual basis, clearing out last year's nesting material. This prevents common parasites and diseases from being passed from generation to generation. However, do not use this access point to disturb birds who are currently nesting inside.

The size and shape of the bird housing will determine the birds who are attracted to it as a home. Every species has their own preferences in bird house design. Robins and flycatchers will nest only on sheltered shelves or platforms, while wrens will reject boxes that are placed in trees.

Understanding the species you are trying to attract is your best chance to entice them to nest their new home. Before you purchase a house for your chosen species of bird, you should learn their preferred entrance hole size, whether they like to live alone or in communities, and where in your yard the bird species would most enjoy their home.

While each species has their own placement preferences, a few generalities do span species lines. Your bird home should be mounted in an area that will discourage predators from accessing the interior of the home. Perches should be kept away from the distance, and easy to climb materials should not be used as supporting poles. Most bird species don't feel comfortable nesting in a structure within five feet of the ground.

Avoid overcrowding by mounting only one bird house per species along the same tree or fence line. For larger species of birds, limit housing to one enclosure per acre, while smaller species should be limited to four per acre. Remember that you must not disturb the nesting bird or the hatchlings. If you see birds coming and going from the bird house, resist the temptation to peek inside. Always enjoy your bird friends from a distance and remember to let nature take its course without human involvement for the health of every living creature involved.