Bird nest. How to make a birdhouse: from boards and logs for different birds

Every gardener knows that birds are not only living “decorations” of our garden, delighting us with their sonorous trills from spring to autumn. These cute feathered creatures help us all summer, protecting our crops from insect pests and even small rodents. To lure birds to you, you need to provide them with a place to live. Therefore, it is worth training our skillful hands and learn how to make birdhouses from wood.

What you need to know before you get started

It's good if you already have experience in carpentry and carpentry work. In this case, making such a simple structure as a birdhouse will not be difficult for you. But even if you are completely new to this business, it’s okay: we will tell you in detail how to make models of varying complexity. In any case, to work you will need the following tools:

  • ruler;
  • a simple pencil with a soft lead;
  • hacksaw;
  • nails or screws;
  • hammer or drill (screwdriver);
  • drill required diameter to make holes;
  • screwdriver;
  • steel wire with a diameter of 1 mm;
  • tow or clay;
  • plane;
  • sandpaper;
  • glue;
  • if necessary or desired - drying oil.

All these tools and materials should be at your fingertips while working, regardless of the level of complexity of the birdhouse being made.

We should also talk about the wood from which you will build the birdhouse. We strongly do not recommend using:

  • tree coniferous species(pine boards, etc.);
  • plywood and any other similar glued compressed material.

Boards from coniferous wood even after careful processing they continue to release resin. This will make the walls of the birdhouse sticky, which is very harmful and even destructive for both adult birds and chicks. Fiberboard and chipboard are known for releasing toxins during operation that will not bring any benefit to birds. Plywood, seemingly the most convenient and inexpensive material, is also not suitable: it does not transmit sounds well, which is very important for ensuring safety.

Plywood does not retain heat well, which is so necessary when nursing chicks.

The most best wood for a birdhouse - deciduous, for example, birch, aspen, oak, linden.

The optimal thickness of the board should be 20 mm - this is enough to maintain a suitable temperature inside the structure.

The most suitable boards for a birdhouse are made of hardwood, 2 cm thick

Note! The boards for the birdhouse do not need to be sanded, they should be rough with at least inside products. This will make it much easier for birds to get out of their homes, clinging to uneven surfaces with their claws. It would be useful to make several notches on the board with a chisel.

Now let's talk about the size of the future birdhouse. Ornithologists argue that the structure should be compact to accommodate, in addition to adults, only 3-4 chicks. In this case, all offspring will have enough warmth, attention and food to grow healthy and strong. Otherwise, all the chicks from the brood will be weak, sickly and incapable of long flights.

The standard, optimal sizes of a birdhouse (house for small birds) are as follows:

  • height - 30 cm;
  • bottom width - 13–15 cm;
  • taphole diameter - from 3.5 to 5 cm.

Important! Birds are different, and they need different houses. It's all about the shape, the size, and the design itself. There are many varieties of man-made bird houses, for example, there are titmice, sheep houses, nesting boxes, and triangular (wedge-shaped) dwellings. Therefore, if you know what kind of residents are on your site, do not be lazy and do exactly what they need.

So, the tools and materials are prepared, it’s time to get down to business.

Video: what to consider when making a birdhouse

Safety precautions

Working with wood requires following safety rules. When making even the simplest birdhouse, you can injure yourself with the tool or get a splinter in your finger. To prevent this from happening, remember simple rules for carpentry and carpentry work:

Instructions for making wooden bird houses with drawings and photos

Making bird houses can be quite a fun activity. It would seem like an ordinary birdhouse of a simple shape, what could be unusual about it? It turns out that bird houses can be made in several ways from different materials.

The simplest option with a pitched roof

Perhaps after renovation or construction you still have rectangular cuttings of suitable boards. They are ideal for building a birdhouse, and you don't have to look for materials.

A simple birdhouse can be made from scraps of boards

We invite you to use simple drawing birdhouse.

Drawing of a simple birdhouse with a pitched roof

Progress:

A simple, but at the same time convenient and reliable birdhouse is ready. All that remains is to secure it in the chosen place. But we’ll talk about this separately: there are a lot of options for installing and fastening birdhouses.

Video tutorial on how to make a simple birdhouse with a flat roof

Birdhouse with a gable roof

Now, using the same principle as in the previous paragraph, we will make the birdhouse a little more complicated. His gable roof not only looks more beautiful, but also prevents rainwater and snow from being retained with even greater efficiency.

A gable roof provides better protection from snow and rain.

The drawing below shows all the dimensions of the parts.

Drawing of a birdhouse with a gable roof

Progress:


If desired, you can paint the birdhouse with drying oil. This will help protect the wood from mold and pests. Painting with non-toxic water-based compounds is also allowed.

A gable birdhouse with a trapezoidal facade is called a titmouse

A house made of logs that can be made without a diagram - a hollow house

You can build a birdhouse not only from flat boards. There is such a Russian folk version a bird house, which is hollowed out from a piece of log and is called a nest box. When preparing firewood, you may well cut off a piece round log suitable diameter, which will make a good bird house.

You can make an interesting birdhouse from a log

Progress:


Video tutorial: original do-it-yourself birdhouse made from a log

A bit of design: decorating a house with wine corks

It turns out that corks are good for more than just closing wine bottles or using them for decoration. They are great for decorating the sides of a birdhouse. The advantages of the material are undeniable:


So, you will need:

  • wine corks in the required quantity;
  • prepared frame for a birdhouse;
  • sharp knife;
  • hot glue gun;
  • wooden twigs.

It is not recommended to use a screwdriver when working with such material. The sharp tips of the screws can extend beyond the cork and injure birds. Therefore, we will use hot melt glue.

Progress:


Photo gallery: how else can you design the finished product?

A smiling birdhouse warmly welcomes future residents Let your children decorate birdhouses using decoupage technique You can design a birdhouse like a real house, with a window, door and fence You can decorate the birdhouse with Khokhloma painting You can build a birdhouse hut from small blocks of wood, as they say, without a single nail A simple birdhouse, the frame of which is covered with corks, looks like a beehive from a distance Waterproof painting acrylic paints- real art Such a branded entrance You can completely paint the birdhouse on all sides
Roof tiles can also be made of thin boards House for the Angry Bird European design that your child can easily handle Simple painting is one of the win-win options if it is done efficiently and accurately

The nuances of securing a birdhouse

When securing a birdhouse, it is important to adhere to two rules:

  1. It should be convenient for birds to approach the birdhouse and climb inside.
  2. Natural barriers must be maintained for cats and other predators.

The best place to install a birdhouse is tall tree, house roof or pillar. When securing the house, tilt it slightly forward: this will provide additional protection for the chicks.

So, attachment methods:

  1. Drive a medium-sized nail, hang a wire loop on it, bend it and hammer it into the trunk so that the loop does not fly off. Place the birdhouse in this loop and align it.
  2. You can nail the birdhouse at the ends.
  3. You can drive 4 nails into a post: 2 from below and 2 from above. Maintain a distance between the lower and upper ones, equal to height birdhouse. Carefully place the house in the gap and press it against the post.
  4. On living tree It’s better to simply fasten the birdhouse with iron wire or rope. This can be done by nailing it to the back wall of the house in advance. wooden plank, which will be attached with wire to the trunk.

Do not forget that your manipulations can harm the trees. It may be better to use nails if you are attaching the birdhouse to a wooden post.

The birdhouse can be attached to the tree with nails or wire

And the location of the birdhouse has its own nuances:

  • Firstly, the structure must be located at a height of at least 3–4 meters.
  • Secondly, the tap hole should be directed in the direction opposite to the direction of the winds that prevail in the area.
  • And thirdly, do not mount the birdhouse in an area exposed to the sun: the rays will quickly heat the wood, and the birds inside the house will feel uncomfortable.

Bird safety is also an important factor. The more branches there are on a tree, the easier it is for small predatory animals to get to the birdhouse.

If you are installing several bird houses, keep a distance between them of 50 cm or more. The fact is that starlings do not tolerate close proximity, especially with birds of other species.

When fixing several birdhouses in one area, try to maintain a suitable distance between them so as not to scare away the birds

Video: hanging a birdhouse on a tree correctly

Finally, we suggest watching a few more inspiring videos.

Video: how birdhouses are made in a carpentry workshop

Video: the simplest birdhouse made by a schoolchild

Building birdhouses is not only a useful activity for your garden, but also a pleasant pastime for the whole family. As you can see, making a bird house is not at all difficult, and even children can take part in this work with you. Please tell us in the comments which birdhouses you consider to be the best for birds, and what are the features of their manufacture. Good luck to you and easy work!

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Many people remember how, during labor lessons, boys learned to make houses or bird feeders, which they then placed in the school garden, and the best master awarded with praise on the line. Today such events are held extremely rarely. Our smaller brothers who live in natural environment, do not always have the opportunity to independently arrange their “place of residence”. Due to their capabilities, people are obliged to help them in this by inventing nest boxes, birdhouses, feeders and others architectural structures with my own hands. This article will talk about that. How to make a nest box with your own hands.

Anything made for animals or birds must be made exclusively from natural materials, reminiscent in smell of a natural habitat that most closely matches reality. The design of titmouse nest boxes should be simple, without labyrinths or intricate passages. It doesn’t matter what kind of bird will live in it. The main thing is that in such a “housing” she feels comfortable and cozy.

Due to the fact that birds build nests, as a rule, during the period of hatching their offspring, the size of the nest should be large enough. Application of any paint and varnish materials strictly prohibited. After all, the smell of chemicals will simply scare away birds from such a nesting site, transforming all efforts into the status of a simple craft.

Do-it-yourself nest box

Traditionally, a log or block of wood of any species is used to make a nest. This product can be manufactured in three types:

  • made of hollow wood with a bottom that is additionally attached;
  • dugout;
  • drilled.

The easiest way to make a nest is to use a log in which the core has rotted. If you intend to build a bird nest with your own hands, you should stock up on patience, the necessary tools and raw materials.


Building a birdhouse is much easier and faster than building a nest box. However, most birds prefer the latter option when thinking about where to breed their offspring. The explanation is quite simple:

  • this design is more similar to a hollow, the usual habitat of birds;
  • the bottom area of ​​the nest box is larger than that of a birdhouse with the same parameters;
  • have a high heat saving rate;
  • when placing the nest in the forest, it is camouflaged as much as possible to resemble the natural environment, since it is attached to a tree.

This is enough important nuance, since protection of offspring from predators is the primary task of adult birds.

No special material investments are required to create a nest box. Having found one large log in the forest, you can make two or three bird nests at a time. The most the best material is an aspen log, although other types of wood are also suitable.


Before making a nest box, you need to go in search of raw materials in the nearest forest. It is recommended to take a closer look at those fallen trees where upper layer the bark without any particular damage or cracks, and the core begins to rot and rot. If you manage to find such a specimen, then it will not be difficult to build a nest box, because nature has already done half the work, and all that remains is to improve the design of the nesting box.

Stages of work on creating a do-it-yourself nest box

  • So, for work you will need: a saw or a hacksaw for wood, a chisel, a hammer, a drill, a drill, nails.
  • The optimal diameter of a log trunk is 22 cm, excluding bark. If the log is long, then using a saw you should divide the trunk into logs. Optimal size The size of the nest varies between 20-40 cm. It is best to remove the bark from the workpiece before starting work.
  • The resulting logs are laid out and the condition of the core is assessed. Depending on how rotten the tree already was, determine the tool for carrying out next stage works
  • They begin to make a hole from the middle of the log, gradually expanding its diameter. You need to be extremely careful, because closer to the edge the core is harder and you have to make an effort or use another tool. Almost all the work can be done with a chisel. We must try to keep the interior space as round as possible. The thickness of the walls of the nest is 1.5 - 2 cm.

  • If the core of the log is still damp, then it is best to use other equipment - a drill and a drill bit (diameter of at least 20 mm). With some effort, it is necessary to drill holes around the entire perimeter to approximately half the log, not forgetting the thickness of the walls. Do the same on the other side of the log. Moreover, the holes should be located as close to each other as possible.
  • Using the same drill, the jumpers are removed, after which the core of the log is removed without special effort.
  • Someone does it differently; instead of cutting it out, they simply burn out the hole in the nest.

  • Next, they begin drilling the tap hole. Ideally, you should choose a log that has a small knot from a broken branch. If this bitch is enough big size, you can make a hole right in it, creating a kind of entrance to the nest. If its dimensions are small, then, stepping back a little, drill a hole - a taphole (8-10 cm in diameter).

  • In order for the birds to be comfortable inside their nesting area, the internal space should be cleaned as much as possible from uneven areas and nicks. This process begins to be carried out from the side where it is supposed to equip the bottom. Using a semicircular chisel, all defects are removed step by step. However, they do this in such a way that small chips remain on the barrel.
  • It should turn out approximately as shown in the photo. This little secret and a kind of assistance to the chicks. As they grow up, they will be able to get to the entrance as if they were using a ladder. Thus, the base for the nest is prepared. All that remains is to make the bottom and roof.

Duplyanka photo

  • So, the log is sawn into several logs. One of them will be used to make the bottom. To do this, carefully saw off the disk, the thickness of which can vary between 40-50 mm. Having placed the nest blank on top, trace the outline from the inside with a pencil and cut it out very carefully. This is done slightly on a cone so that it holds better. The bottom is driven into the nest as far as possible, and the excess is cut off, leveling the surface.
  • The nesting birdhouse is almost ready. All that remains is to build a roof and send it to its habitat. The reserve log can be split in half and one of the parts can be used as a roofing. Part of the wood must protrude forward, creating a kind of canopy that protects the birds’ housing from precipitation. all year round. To fix the roof, it is enough to drive two screws in so that the edges do not protrude inside the nest.

How to attach a nest box to a tree

By selecting suitable tree, you can begin fastening work. There are many methods of fastening. Which one will be chosen depends on the availability of devices and necessary equipment.

  • Some tie nest boxes with ropes to a tree, others nail a plank to the back wall of the nest box, which is then nailed longer length attached to the trunk.

  • A logical question may arise - on which side of the tree is it better to attach the nest box. Tree branches hold back natural precipitation. If you intend to hang a nest box in an open area, then you should first analyze the main direction of wind movement in a particular region.
  • Very little time will pass and a couple of birds will definitely settle in a nest box made with your own hands to hatch their offspring.

Bird nest in the garden

  • Such nesting places as nest boxes are made in sufficient quantities large quantities and placed on the territory of nature reserves. Several events occur simultaneously:
    1. clearing the forest of old trees;
    2. masterful execution of “houses” for a wide variety of birds.
  • As a rule, the hanging of nest boxes begins in frosty February, when many birds that live in our area, as well as nomadic birds, begin to search for nesting sites. Therefore, their production should begin in advance. It is best to collect logs in the fall, when the trees have already shed their leaves.
  • Natural material, which does not need to be subjected to all kinds of processing, is an excellent raw material for the construction of nest boxes. After a short period of time, the wood will darken, which will serve as an additional camouflage. After all, such a nesting site will simply become part of the tree.

  • In addition to natural aging, a nest box may be subject to other destructive circumstances. For example, a woodpecker constantly makes adjustments to the location of the entrance. Quite often it is used exclusively for overnight roosting by many species of migratory birds. Sometimes families of wild bees live in such structures.
  • Nothing is eternal. Therefore, the nest box should be updated at certain intervals, replacing old rotten ones with new ones. They are placed not only in forests or plantings, but also on the territory of their own personal plot. Of course, the location should be away from home. Birds do not tolerate close proximity to people. And since every yard is home to a pet such as a cat, the “house” for birds should be mounted as high as possible, limiting the pet’s access.
  • In addition, when choosing raw materials for construction, you should pay attention to the condition of the log, inspecting the log for the presence of all kinds of bark beetles and larvae. Of course, for the woodpecker such a neighborhood will only be a joy. But this may cause the destruction of the nest before its intended service life.
  • Large birds fly into such nesting sites extremely rarely. The main residents are more than small species, such as tits, sparrows, starlings, nuthatches and others. They settle there in the hope of raising their offspring.

  • Of course, human imagination has no limits. If you wish, you can make housing for birds from any material that is at your disposal. In one case it turns out to be a kind of hotel complex, in another - a house for one family.
  • In order to make at least one nest box you will need to spend more than one day. Haste in this matter is unacceptable. All steps should be performed with special attention, honing your skills. Already the third or fourth time it will turn out much better. To speed up the process of drilling an internal hole, you can use a well drill of a suitable diameter.
  • It is very important to try to avoid cracks in the log and close the bottom and roof as tightly as possible. This is very important if the region has harsh winters with blizzards and blizzards. The fastening must be reliable.
  • Before you start making a nest box, you need to properly organize your work space. It is advisable to set aside for this, for example, a workshop, so that necessary tools were always at hand. In addition, it will be possible to work at any time of the day, regardless of weather conditions.
  • If you want to start building not one, but several nests, you need to select logs in advance the right size and quality. It wouldn’t hurt to stock up on backup logs, because anything can happen during the work process.
  • Working in pairs is always more interesting and faster. Involving children in the process will not only teach them useful work, but also familiarize them with interesting facts from the life of birds. Nature lessons with practical skills will benefit everyone in the household. Cohesion in the family is the key to mutual understanding in everything.
  • Another important point placement of nest boxes on personal plot. In addition to excellent singing, birds living in the nesting area, in search of food for their chicks, will clear the garden or vegetable garden of all bugs, larvae, insects and other pests.

All that is required for this is to devote a little of your precious time to making birdhouses, feeders, and nest boxes. In addition, unity with nature also brings peace of mind.

If you have your own plot, then attracting birds that destroy harmful insects, great solution. For these purposes, a birdhouse will be very useful to you. It can even be made from various available materials. To do this you will need the dimensions of the birdhouse and a drawing. For starlings and other birds, the dimensions of the product will be different. And it is important to take this into account in your construction work. Let's look at design options for such products, and also select the right materials.

You can make a beautiful birdhouse with your own hands from various available materials. But the most the best option, of course, wood. But only deciduous trees will do, because conifers are too resinous. In this case, the resin can stain the feathers of birds, which will provoke their death. Not The best decision use plywood, OSB or. Birds rarely live in such structures. It is better to assemble blanks using screws and nails. Adhesive compositions not worth using.

You can make the structure from boards or from logs. The photo shows what such products look like. It is important to take into account the dimensions of the birdhouse and the drawings and model of the product.

Manufactured from boards with a thickness of at least 20 mm. Such parameters are important for maintaining the required temperature for breeding. It is recommended to use unplaned boards. In this case, the inner surface should be rough. It is recommended to specifically scratch the front part under the tap hole. This will make it easier to lift the birds up.

You can build a structure from scrap materials, but it is important to follow certain rules.

The birdhouse device must have an elongated cavity, with a solid bottom and a removable lid. Under the roof there is an entrance, a special hole for birds.

The cover should be removable for easy inspection and cleaning of the product. In addition, unwanted animals can get inside.

The bird house must meet the following requirements:

  • be opaque and durable;
  • the walls must be rough so that the chicks can move for food brought by their parents;
  • the material should retain heat well, be moderately sound-permeable and there should be no cracks in it.

The table shows standard and original materials for making a bird house.

Image Material Peculiarities
Plastic bottlesLooks original, but not the best good decision. Birds do not like such smooth, transparent and unnatural material. You can only make a feeder out of bottles.

PumpkinAn unusual option is a pumpkin house. It is hung from branches or placed on special stands. This option will not last more than 1 season.

BranchesFrom thin shoots you can weave a small basket with a lid. You need to leave a hole in it. Thick and massive branches can be connected using self-tapping screws.

LogNot a bad option. The structure can be made from solid log or from separate parts.

Box or cardboardThis option is very unreliable. It is intended rather for decorative purposes. Before use, such a product is treated with special impregnations.

Plywood and chipboardSuch materials can be harmful to birds and also do not retain heat well. It is better to make decorative structures from plywood.

TreeAn ideal solution, but only hardwood. Coniferous varieties cannot be used.

Birdhouse made of wood: naturalness and reliability

In nature, many birds settle in hollows made by woodpeckers, so artificial dwellings should not be large.

When deciding how to make a structure with your own hands, first of all, you need to choose the right material. Hardwood boards are most often used. The best option: alder, birch or aspen.


Other materials have different disadvantages. For example, fiberboard and chipboard can emit toxic substances, and plywood does not hold heat well.


In the photo you can see how to do it simple design. Before work, make a drawing with dimensions. High quality and simple circuits and drawings you can find on the Internet. This will reduce the consumption of materials, as well as perform correct cutting.


The diagram can be transferred to wooden blanks. Then prepare the following materials:

  • untreated hardwood boards;
  • long and thin nails;
  • special impregnations and safe paints;
  • The tools you will need are a hacksaw, a tape measure, a pencil and a brush.

All blanks are cut according to drawings. The boards should only be planed on the outside, leaving the inside rough. A hole is drilled in the front wall. A plank is mounted to the rear wall, onto which the house is attached in suitable place.


For your information! The roof needs to be made protruding so that it protects the entrance from rainwater.

Birdhouse made of cardboard: ease of manufacture

This option is often used as a decorative house. This is more of a toy for children. A cardboard house is good for one season. It is better to choose thick corrugated cardboard to create it.

So, let's find out how to make such a design with your own hands. In addition to corrugated, you will need twine, starch and laminated paper. A pre-made template with dimensions will greatly facilitate the work.


The order of assembly of the product has its own characteristics:

  • The blanks are marked, and then the parts are cut out in double quantities;
  • made from starch;
  • All parts are glued together in pairs. A hole is made in the front part. And holes are cut in the back wall for twine;
  • all walls are glued end to end;
  • the roof is made of two elements.

Birdhouse made of paper: decorative functions

Many people are interested in how to make a simple birdhouse out of paper with their own hands. This material is only suitable for decorative ideas. Exist different schemes unusual models.

Such houses are decorated with acrylic paints. You can make a whole composition, for example “seasons”. In addition to drawing, you can use techniques or applications. All this beauty can be varnished.

The Christmas theme is suitable for the January holidays. This can be a wonderful garden decoration. You can make feeders this way, but not housing for birds.


Birdhouse from a bottle: an option for temporary housing

To make any birdhouse, the drawing and dimensions must be learned and prepared in advance. A handmade product made from a plastic bottle is considered the most affordable.

This option is best used as a feeder or as decorative decoration garden The choice of options for how to make such a device is not varied. Two holes are made in the lid for the wire. The outside of the plastic surface can be pasted over or painted.

Model designs from plastic bottles you can look at the photo.



Birdhouse made of plywood: is it a good option?

You can make a bird house with your own hands from plywood. This option is suitable as a temporary home or as garden decor. When deciding how to make such a structure, first think about the drawings and size of the product. All elements are transferred from the diagram to plywood. Wherein top part should act as a visor. All cuts need to be sanded. The elements are connected using self-tapping screws and glue. In this case, it is necessary to glue the side walls and the facade, and then additionally fasten the product with self-tapping screws. The roof must be removable, since the internal cavities must be cleaned periodically.

The product can then be decorated to your liking.


Birdhouse out of the box: convenience and simplicity

How to make a structure out of a box with your own hands will be interesting to learn for those who do not want to spend a lot of time on work. This is a simple option, but it doesn’t last long and it’s better to use it as a... You can buy materials or just take a small box.

First you need to secure a strong roof, and then cut the necessary hole. Its edges can be covered with tape. You can use plywood as the back wall, as it should be especially durable. The product should be painted with moisture-proof paint, but odorless. Then the product is attached to the base.


Choosing the right birdhouse sizes

If you don’t know how to properly make a bird house, then first you need to find out what the dimensions of the structure should be according to GOST. We make the product taking into account the fact that the dimensions of the structure will differ for different birds.


When deciding how to build a product with your own hands, first choose a simple design that has standard sizes for a birdhouse.

Before making drawings and dimensions, consider a number of certain conditions:

  • the diameter of the hole in the birdhouse should be about 50 mm;
  • the height of the structure varies between 30-35 cm;
  • the length from the hole to the bottom must be at least 20 cm;
  • the bottom must be at least 15*15 cm.

Using these parameters, you can build strong birdhouses for birds with your own hands. The drawings assume the designation of all elements. The sizes given are more suitable for birds such as sparrows and starlings. It is also necessary to indicate the dimensions of the tap hole on the drawing. In the photo you can see what similar structures look like.

Dimensions of a birdhouse for starlings

When making a birdhouse with your own hands for starlings, you need to take into account that this is a fairly large bird. This design should be deeper and larger than other options. To correctly complete the drawing, you need to find out the main dimensions of the product.

The size of the hole in the birdhouse is of great importance. It should be about 5 cm. The height of the feeder or birdhouse should be 35-40 cm. The bottom dimensions should be about 15*15cm. It’s better to make a summer house round shape. In this case, the diameter of the hole in the birdhouse for a starling depends on the overall dimensions of the structure.


Titmouse: drawing and dimensions, some features

How to make the design of a titmouse depends on the selected materials and its size. There are standard birdhouse sizes for tits. The bottom should have dimensions of 10*12 cm, the height of the structure should be 25-35 cm, and the dimensions of the taphole should be about 30-35 mm. The depth of the product should be about 50 cm. Using this data, drawings are made.



For your information! Such a house must be mounted on deciduous trees with a dense crown. This should be done at a height of 3-4 meters.

House for a wagtail: drawing and dimensions

When making a house for wagtail birds with your own hands, you will also need to know the recommended dimensions. The bottom must be made with dimensions of 10*8 cm, and the height of such a structure is within 20 cm. The taphole has dimensions of about 35-40 mm. When deciding how to make such a design, it is worth considering that the taphole should have the form of a slot, the width of which is no more than 40 mm.

The kids make similar products during labor lessons. In this case, special drawings are used. A special feature of this design is the presence of a platform at the entrance, the width of which is about 10 cm.


For your information! You can place such buildings not only on a tree, but also on the roof of a house or on the top of a fence.

How to make a birdhouse yourself

You can see how to make the simplest version for birds in the video below.

You can try making a simple, beautiful DIY birdhouse with a flat roof.

For this you will need unplaned boards. We make this design only with gloves. This will prevent splinters from appearing. The cuts must be smooth and there should be no gaps. Remember that hatched chicks do not have feathers, so they can die from a draft. To prevent the manufacturing process from taking much time, it is recommended to make a drawing of the birdhouse with dimensions in advance. Flat roof does not require much effort. It just needs to fit tightly.


At home, you can make a nest box or bird house from a log. This option is more like regular housing for birds. This can be seen in the photo. In addition, such structures are practically invisible on the tree, which makes them safer for living. Such a product can also be made according to the scheme. For this you can use a piece dead tree. In this case, the core will have to be picked out by hand. It’s good if you come across a log with intact edges and a rotten middle. This will speed up the work.


Such wood has rotten bark that needs to be cleaned. The log is then sawn into suitable logs. For the bird house inner diameter should be 25-30 cm, and the outer one 30-36 cm. For titmouse inner size The hollow should be 15-25 cm, and the outer one – 20-30 cm. When sawing, the bevel at the bottom should be made even, and at the top at a slight slope. This will allow precipitation to drain from the roof. For the roof, use scraps from the boards. The middle of the log can be picked out with a chisel. To make the job easier, drill a few holes and then pick out the jumpers. The walls should remain 1.5-3 cm thick. The insides should be smooth without large chips. The bottom consists of pieces 2.5 cm thick. It is screwed on. Finally, the lid is nailed on.


For your information! The perch is not always good decision for poultry houses, since cats can lean on them to reach the chicks with their paws.

How to build a birdhouse with your own hands

Let's find out how to make a birdhouse correctly. You can watch the working process in the video below.

How to make a birdhouse yourself and its design depends on where it will be hung. If the mounting will be carried out on a pole, under the roof of a house or, then it is worth planning special perches. If the structure is attached to a tree, then birds can walk along the branches.

To build a wooden house with your own hands, you will need certain materials. By the way, you can buy a birdhouse set with your own hands in a specialized store.

Here are the tools and materials you will need:

  • boards and bars;
  • carpentry glue, screws and nails;
  • hammer, chisel, drill, hacksaw and drill;
  • pencil and ruler.

You can see how to make a simple design in the photo. Drawings and diagrams will also help you make beautiful bird houses.

Before making such a design, you need to complete the blanks. To do this, markings are made on the boards according to the drawings. The right house involves marking the dimensions of the roof, walls, bottom and holes. The following recommendations will help you when making preparations:

  • since the roof is made with a slope, the front wall is made 4 cm longer than the others, and the side walls are cut with a bevel;
  • the bottom is made in the form of a square with sides of 13 cm;
  • the roof is made of two different elements. One part is made like the bottom, and with the help of the second a canopy is created.

Sawing is done carefully. All paired parts must be the same size. What did the house have outside? decorative look, the boards need to be planed. It is better to make the hole round so that it resembles a hollow.

Then the structure is assembled. To do this, you need to fasten the side walls and the front facade. This is done using wood glue. Nails and screws are used as additional reinforcement. Then the bottom of the birdhouse is attached. Finally, the back wall is attached. It is important to ensure that there are no gaps between the elements. If the roof is removable, then the parts are fixed only to each other. In this case, the roof is mounted using rubber or special hinges.

The finished product can be nailed to a suitable surface or tied with wire. To make it easier for the chicks to exit, it is recommended to attach the structure with a slight forward tilt.


There are also unusual types of birdhouses. Decorative options can be used to decorate the garden, and even taken to kindergarten.

Here are some original solutions:

  • An unusual bird house can be made from an old barrel. In this case, you can make a hole and then decorate the structure;

  • You can weave beautiful products from willow growth. The weaving technique is identical to the method of weaving baskets. But the house at the top should narrow. The roof should protrude 3-5 cm at the edges;

  • for nest unusual looking you can use plugs. They are dense, fit perfectly and retain heat. They can be used to finish the finished frame. You can glue the elements using hot glue;

  • a decorative house can be made from a pumpkin. In this case, it is necessary to pull out the pulp, cut the necessary hole, and attach a canopy on top;

  • handsome and decorative option obtained from a flowerpot. To do this, you need to braid it with a strong rope;


  • used vessels with necks. In this case, the neck turns down;
  • It's a good idea to use tubes.

How to decorate a birdhouse with your own hands

A birdhouse can become not only a useful item, but also a wonderful one. Let's look at how you can decorate a bird's house.

Photos show how unusual birdhouses look. You can make similar products with your whole family. For children you can make a product with a picture. For example, suitable beautiful flowers, ornaments, or you can depict how a starling looks out in a birdhouse.


Using original ideas, it must be remembered that such a product should not attract the attention of various predators. You should also not overuse it with various shiny and rustling parts that can frighten your feathered friends.


Unusual decor can be done using wine corks. This material It has a porous but durable structure, which protects the structure well from moisture. In addition, such a coating allows you to retain heat. Cork is also easy and simple to process.

To make this option, you will need corks, a finished frame, a device with hot melt glue and twigs. You should not nail or screw such elements. Because the tips of the screws can penetrate the walls and injure the birds.

The work is carried out like this:

  • the adhesive composition is applied to the plugs, which are glued in rows to the wall;
  • the plugs are glued all the way to the roof. In narrow places you can use parts of plugs;
  • on the front side, the central row can be laid out vertically;
  • for the roof, you can cut the corks in half and lay them on the surface like tiles.

The sides of the structure and joints can be decorated with twigs, moss or pieces of cork. You can see in the photo how beautiful the birdhouses are.


Not everyone knows whether such structures can be painted. It is better to use odorless, moisture-resistant compounds. You can see in the photo how to paint surfaces with acrylic paints.

Article

In our world, overflowing with the modern benefits of civilization, we, unfortunately, are gradually moving away from living nature. And we really want something for the soul, something that will remind us of childhood and fill our lives with joy.

If you buy a birdhouse and install it in your garden or city park together with your children, you will great help to our feathered friends. This will also help your child to better know and truly love nature, and learn to sympathize with living beings.

Its installation is not complicated and will not take you much time. But how much joy this hobby will bring to you and your children. In addition to helping birds, your child will be able to observe their lives and expand their horizons.

A nest box is a nesting house

A birch nest is a cute and comfortable nesting house for birds. Made from birch. It's hard and durable wood, resistant to weather conditions, and also an environmentally friendly natural material.

A nest is made from a log cut from a birch trunk, sawn lengthwise in the middle, with the internal part. Attached to it wooden roof, which serves as decoration and at the same time protects birds from rain. Near the hole there is a comfortable perch on which the bird will sit.

The house does not stand out at all against the background of the tree and does not attract undue attention, which allows the birds to feel completely safe.

The nest box must be installed at a sufficient height. This can be done both on your site and in public gardens and city parks.

Our online store offers birch nest boxes different types that differ in size, weight, external design products. All of them good quality and will delight you for many years.

Duplyanka, thanks to its natural design, will harmoniously fit into and decorate the landscape of your site. To attract as many feathered friends as possible, you can install several of these bird houses at once. And the birds will thank you for your help, delighting you in the morning with their songs and regularly destroying harmful insects.

Do-it-yourself nest box


Many people remember how, during labor lessons, boys learned to make houses or bird feeders, which they then placed in the school garden, and the best craftsman was rewarded with praise on the ruler. Today such events are held extremely rarely. Our smaller brothers, living in the natural environment, do not always have the opportunity to independently arrange their “place of residence.” Due to their capabilities, people are obliged to help them in this by inventing nest boxes, birdhouses, feeders and other architectural structures with their own hands. This article will talk about that. How to make a nest box with your own hands.

  1. Do-it-yourself nest box

Everything that is done for animals or birds must be made exclusively from natural materials that smell reminiscent of a natural habitat that is as close to reality as possible. The design of titmouse nest boxes should be simple, without labyrinths or intricate passages. It doesn’t matter what kind of bird will live in it. The main thing is that in such a “housing” she feels comfortable and cozy.

Due to the fact that birds build nests, as a rule, during the period of hatching their offspring, the size of the nest should be large enough. The use of any paint and varnish materials is strictly prohibited. After all, the smell of chemicals will simply scare away birds from such a nesting site, transforming all efforts into the status of a simple craft.

Do-it-yourself nest box

Traditionally, a log or block of wood of any species is used to make a nest. This product can be manufactured in three types:

  • made of hollow wood with a bottom that is additionally attached;
  • dugout;
  • drilled.

The easiest way to make a nest is to use a log in which the core has rotted. If you intend to build a bird nest with your own hands, you should stock up on patience, the necessary tools and raw materials.


Building a birdhouse is much easier and faster than building a nest box. However, most birds prefer the latter option when thinking about where to breed their offspring. The explanation is quite simple:

  • this design is more similar to a hollow, the usual habitat of birds;
  • the bottom area of ​​the nest box is larger than that of a birdhouse with the same parameters;
  • have a high heat saving rate;
  • when placing the nest in the forest, it is camouflaged as much as possible to resemble the natural environment, since it is attached to a tree.

This is a rather important nuance, since protection of offspring from predators is the primary task of adult birds.

No special material investments are required to create a nest box. Having found one large log in the forest, you can make two or three bird nests at a time. The best material is aspen logs, although other types of wood will also work.


Before making a nest box, you need to go in search of raw materials in the nearest forest. It is recommended to take a closer look at those fallen trees where the top layer of bark is without any particular damage or cracks, but the core begins to rot and rot. If you manage to find such a specimen, then it will not be difficult to build a nest box, because nature has already done half the work, and all that remains is to improve the design of the nesting box.

Stages of work on creating a do-it-yourself nest box

  • So, for work you will need: a saw or a hacksaw for wood, a chisel, a hammer, a drill, a drill, nails.
  • The optimal diameter of a log trunk is 22 cm, excluding bark. If the log is long, then using a saw you should divide the trunk into logs. The optimal size of the nest varies between 20-40 cm. It is best to remove the bark from the workpiece before starting work.
  • The resulting logs are laid out and the condition of the core is assessed. Depending on how rotten the tree was already, a tool is determined for the next stage of work.
  • They begin to make a hole from the middle of the log, gradually expanding its diameter. You need to be extremely careful, because closer to the edge the core is harder and you have to make an effort or use another tool. Almost all the work can be done with a chisel. We must try to keep the interior space as round as possible. The thickness of the walls of the nest is 1.5 - 2 cm.

  • If the core of the log is still damp, then it is best to use other equipment - a drill and a drill bit (diameter of at least 20 mm). With some effort, it is necessary to drill holes around the entire perimeter to approximately half the log, not forgetting the thickness of the walls. Do the same on the other side of the log. Moreover, the holes should be located as close to each other as possible.
  • Using the same drill, the jumpers are removed, after which the core of the log is removed without much effort.
  • Someone does it differently; instead of cutting it out, they simply burn out the hole in the nest.
  • Next, they begin drilling the tap hole. Ideally, you should choose a log that has a small knot from a broken branch. If this twig is large enough, you can make a hole right in it, creating a kind of entrance to the nest. If its dimensions are small, then, stepping back a little, drill a hole - a taphole (8-10 cm in diameter).

  • In order for the birds to be comfortable inside their nesting area, the internal space should be cleaned as much as possible from uneven areas and nicks. This process begins to be carried out from the side where it is supposed to equip the bottom. Using a semicircular chisel, all defects are removed step by step. However, they do this in such a way that small chips remain on the barrel.
  • It should turn out approximately as shown in the photo. This is a little secret and a kind of help for the chicks. As they grow up, they will be able to get to the entrance as if they were using a ladder. Thus, the base for the nest is prepared. All that remains is to make the bottom and roof.

Duplyanka photo

  • So, the log is sawn into several logs. One of them will be used to make the bottom. To do this, carefully saw off the disk, the thickness of which can vary between 40-50 mm. Having placed the nest blank on top, trace the outline from the inside with a pencil and cut it out very carefully. This is done slightly on a cone so that it holds better. The bottom is driven into the nest as far as possible, and the excess is cut off, leveling the surface.
  • The nesting birdhouse is almost ready. All that remains is to build a roof and send it to its habitat. The reserve log can be split in half and one of the parts can be used as a roofing. Be sure that part of the wood must protrude forward, creating a kind of canopy that protects the birds’ housing from precipitation all year round. To fix the roof, it is enough to drive two screws in so that the edges do not protrude inside the nest.

How to attach a nest box to a tree

Having chosen a suitable tree, you can begin fastening work. There are many methods of fastening. Which one will be chosen depends on the availability of devices and necessary equipment.

  • Some tie nest boxes to a tree with ropes, others nail a plank to the back wall of the nest box, which is then attached to the trunk using longer nails.

  • A logical question may arise - on which side of the tree is it better to attach the nest box. Tree branches hold back natural precipitation. If you intend to hang a nest box in an open area, then you should first analyze the main direction of wind movement in a particular region.
  • Very little time will pass and a couple of birds will definitely settle in a nest box made with your own hands to hatch their offspring.

Bird nest in the garden

  • Nesting boxes such as nest boxes are made in fairly large quantities and placed on the territory of nature reserves. Several events occur simultaneously:
    1. clearing the forest of old trees;
    2. masterful execution of “houses” for a wide variety of birds.
  • As a rule, the hanging of nest boxes begins in frosty February, when many birds that live in our area, as well as nomadic birds, begin to search for nesting sites. Therefore, their production should begin in advance. It is best to collect logs in the fall, when the trees have already shed their leaves.
  • Natural material, which does not need to be subjected to all kinds of processing, is an excellent raw material for the construction of nest boxes. After a short period of time, the wood will darken, which will serve as an additional camouflage. After all, such a nesting site will simply become part of the tree.

  • In addition to natural aging, a nest box may be subject to other destructive circumstances. For example, a woodpecker constantly makes adjustments to the location of the entrance. Quite often it is used exclusively for overnight roosting by many species of migratory birds. Sometimes families of wild bees live in such structures.
  • Nothing is eternal. Therefore, the nest box should be updated at certain intervals, replacing old rotten ones with new ones. They are placed not only in forests or plantings, but also on the territory of their own personal plot. Of course, the location should be away from home. Birds do not tolerate close proximity to people. And since every yard is home to a pet such as a cat, the “house” for birds should be mounted as high as possible, limiting the pet’s access.
  • In addition, when choosing raw materials for construction, you should pay attention to the condition of the log, inspecting the log for the presence of all kinds of bark beetles and larvae. Of course, for the woodpecker such a neighborhood will only be a joy. But this may cause the destruction of the nest before its intended service life.
  • Large birds fly into such nesting sites extremely rarely. The main residents are smaller species, such as tits, sparrows, starlings, nuthatches and others. They settle there in the hope of raising their offspring.

  • Of course, human imagination has no limits. If you wish, you can make housing for birds from any material that is at your disposal. In one case it turns out to be a kind of hotel complex, in another - a house for one family.
  • In order to make at least one nest box you will need to spend more than one day. Haste in this matter is unacceptable. All stages should be performed with special attention, honing your skills. Already the third or fourth time it will turn out much better. To speed up the process of drilling an internal hole, you can use a well drill of a suitable diameter.
  • It is very important to try to avoid cracks in the log and close the bottom and roof as tightly as possible. This is very important if the region has harsh winters with blizzards and blizzards. The fastening must be reliable.
  • Before you start making a nest box, you need to properly organize your work space. It is advisable to set aside, for example, a workshop for this, so that the necessary tools are always at hand. In addition, it will be possible to work at any time of the day, regardless of weather conditions.
  • If you want to start building not one, but several nest boxes, you need to select logs of the required size and quality in advance. It wouldn’t hurt to stock up on backup logs, because anything can happen during the work process.
  • Working in pairs is always more interesting and faster. Involving children in the process will not only teach them useful work, but also familiarize them with interesting facts from the life of birds. Nature lessons with practical skills will benefit everyone in the household. Cohesion in the family is the key to mutual understanding in everything.
  • Another important point in placing nest boxes on a personal plot. In addition to excellent singing, birds living in the nesting area, in search of food for their chicks, will clear the garden or vegetable garden of all bugs, larvae, insects and other pests.

All that is required for this is to devote a little of your precious time to making birdhouses, feeders, and nest boxes. In addition, unity with nature also brings peace of mind.