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When building or buying a birdhouse for use outside by bluebirds or any other wild bird species you should follow the following guidelines.
* NO PERCH
Perches can invite species such as House Sparrows that will take over the nest from hole nesting birds. If you look at the holes in trees which birds use for their houses they do not have perches, so don’t put them on man made bird houses.
* Two Inch Over Hang
With a good overhang above the entrance it will provide the interior of the bird house with protection from driving rain and prevent cats, squirrels from reaching inside the house. A slate guard (as shown in the pictures) is also a good idea to keep predators out.
* Wood is the best material for birdhouses
Eastern Pine is a great wood for birdhouses. Never use pressure treated wood for your birdhouse because the treatment gives off poisonous vapors which will endanger your birds. Use paint or stains on the outside of your birdhouses and especially the back. Don’t use paint or stain inside.
* Birdhouse entrance
Hole size and shape can determine the type of bird that can enter your bird house. Bird house entrances for bluebird should be 1-1/2 inch in size.
Tags: Backyard Bird house, bird house, Blue bird, predetor guard, slate guard