When choosing bird house plans to build a nest box, it is important to know that the type of design will attract as well as inhibit certain bird species from using it. The dimensions of the bird house and especially the hole size will determine who will use your bird house or not. For example, an Eastern Bluebird house should have a hole size of 1 1/2 inches in diameter, while a Purple Martin bird house needs to have a hole size of 2 1/4 inches.
The construction materials of the nest box should be made from natural wood. If you would like to paint or stain the outside of the bird house, use light colors to keep the inside of the box as cool as possible. Do not use stains or paints on the interior of the bird house walls.
You will need to protect your bird house and its occupants from predators. Cats, squirrels, raccoons and other mammals would love to get a hold of the eggs and nestlings inside. To prevent predation, do not place a perch on the bird house because that just makes it easier for something to get into the nest box. As part of your bird house plans, you can also install a predator guard such as a wire baffle near the base of where the bird house is mounted.
Deciding on where to place your bird house is crucial too. For example, if you want to attract bluebirds it will be more likely for them to use your bird house if it is placed in an open field as opposed to a dense shrub or forested area. Also think about weather conditions when choosing a place to mount the bird house. Face it away from prevailing winds and place it so the roof, which should be angled with a long overhang, will provide the most shade in the hottest part of the day.
As part of your bird house plans, make sure you leave one of the side walls hinged to allow for cleaning and monitoring. Secure the hinged door with a screw so that the door cannot be easily opened by predators. Do not open the door too often; otherwise you may scare off your new tenants.
In conclusion, choose bird house plans that will attract desirable species and keep out undesirables such as starlings and house sparrows. Remember that the birds always come first, so the design of your bird house should reflect that as opposed to just what looks pretty.
You can get a variety of Free Bird House Plans, including designs for Purple Martins, Wood Ducks, Kestrels, Bluebird House Plans and more.