DIY Birdhouse Plans: Build Homes for Finches, Sparrows & More

Have you ever wanted to build your own birdhouse?

Creating a safe and cozy home for birds in your backyard is not only a fun DIY project but also supports local wildlife. 

Here, we’ll share easy-to-follow DIY birdhouse plans that will help you attract common backyard birds like finches, sparrows, and chickadees.

Why Build a Birdhouse?

Building a birdhouse provides:

• Shelter: Offering a safe place for birds to nest and raise their young.
• Conservation: Helping birds that may struggle to find natural nesting sites due to habitat loss.
• Joy: Watching birds come and go from their new homes is a rewarding experience.

Let's dive into the details of how to build a birdhouse that will welcome feathered friends into your garden!

Materials You’ll Need

Before you start building, gather the following materials:

• Wood: Use untreated cedar or pine (avoid pressure-treated wood as it can harm birds).
• Nails: Galvanized nails to prevent rusting.
• Screws: For easy disassembly when cleaning.
• Hinges: Optional, for creating a cleanable entrance.
• Tools: Saw, hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, and drill.
• Paint (Optional): Non-toxic, outdoor paint to decorate your birdhouse.

Step-by-Step Plans for 3 Types of Birdhouses

1. Simple Birdhouse for Sparrows

Dimensions:

• Front: 6” x 6”
• Back: 6” x 8”
• Side walls: 6” x 6”
• Roof: 7” x 7”
• Entrance hole: 1.25” (for sparrows)

Instructions:

1. Cut the wood: Use your saw to cut the front, back, sides, and roof pieces.
2. Drill the entrance hole: On the front piece, drill a 1.25” hole about 1.5” from the top.
3. Assemble the pieces: Nail the sides to the back and then attach the front. Finally, add the roof.
4. Finish: Nail the bottom panel and screw in the roof. Optional: add hinges to the roof for easy cleaning.

2. Hanging Gourd Birdhouse for Wrens

Dimensions:

• Gourd or small pumpkin-shaped base
• Hole: 1” for wrens

Instructions:

1. Prepare the gourd: If using a gourd, cut the top off and hollow it out.
2. Drill the entrance hole: Drill a 1” hole 2” from the top.
3. Add a hanging loop: Attach a strong string or wire at the top for hanging.
4. Decorate: Paint and decorate for a personal touch.

3. Platform Birdhouse for Robins

Dimensions:

• Base: 12” x 12”
• Sides: 12” x 6” (optional)
• Entrance: Open (no need for a specific hole size)

Instructions:

1. Build the base: Cut a 12” x 12” piece for the base.
2. Create side walls: Attach the 12” x 6” side walls at the four corners.
3. Add a roof: If you want extra coverage, add a simple slanted roof for protection.
4. Mounting: Mount the birdhouse on a post or tree branch.

Painting and Weatherproofing Tips

Birdhouses can get exposed to rain, wind, and sun, so protecting the wood is important. Use non-toxic, outdoor paint for decoration. Here’s how to weatherproof:

• Use exterior-grade sealant: Apply a coat of sealant to protect against moisture.
• Avoid interior paints: Never use toxic paints like oil-based or varnish as they may harm the birds.

Where and How to Mount Your Birdhouse

• Height: Place birdhouses 5-10 feet above the ground to avoid predators.
• Location: Mount your birdhouse in a quiet area away from busy foot traffic and in a shaded spot.
• Direction: Face the entrance hole away from prevailing winds and direct sunlight.

Bonus Tip: Clean Your Birdhouse Regularly

Birdhouses need regular cleaning, especially after the nesting season. Simply remove old nesting material, wipe the inside, and check for any damage. Clean every year before the next breeding season begins!

Conclusion

Building your own birdhouse is an easy and fulfilling DIY project that helps support local wildlife. Whether you're attracting sparrows, wrens, or robins, a homemade birdhouse can provide birds with a safe haven in your backyard.

Want more DIY projects and bird care tips? Explore more articles on BirdsHive!