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If building a birdhouse for use by birds,
versus purely for ornamental use, you should try to incorporate the following
features:
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The roof should overhang the sides
to prevent rain from entering.
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The roof should overhang the
entrance to give some protection from sun, rain, hawks, and other predators.
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The entrance should be placed high
on the front panel to keep the nestlings or eggs beyond the grasp of predators.
Note: entrance hole should be at proper height above the floor as recommended
for species desired.
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Use saw cuts, chisel cuts or
'rough-up' wood directly below the entrance hole, (inside and outside) in order
to allow the adults and fledglings to get a toe hold.
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A 1/4" gap above the front panel
allows for ventilation by convection current during hot weather. This is
especially important when youngsters tend to block the entrance hole during the
week prior to fledging.
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The floor should have adequate
drainage. Drilled vent holes tend to plug up with nesting litter. Cutting
a notch from each corner of the floor is more efficient.
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Vent holes on the side walls should
be drilled at an upward angle to shed rain while still allowing cross
ventilation.
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Ensure that a side panel, front
panel or the roof can be opened. This allows for easy access when cleaning
or checking the nestlings.
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The above photo was taken by Diane Pascal of Nepean. If you look
closely you will notice that what at first glance appears to be a cute birdhouse
has actually been taken over by paper wasps. They made their nest inside the
house then began wrapping it from the top outside!
Special thanks
to Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Randy Marinelli for his
birdhouse tips!
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