While many birds do not adapt to houses designed for them, Wrens are the ideal choice. These wren houses building plans are suitable for many other small-cavity nesting birds, and can be made from a variety of materials such as tin cans or hollow gourds. However, choosing the right size of entrance hole is important; an opening of about 1 inch or slightly less is ideal to keep Wrens safe. Check out wren houses building plans with birdsofjoy.com.
Information about Wren Bird
Wrens, although small and often inconspicuous, can be cheerful inhabitants of your garden. They are easily recognised by their distinctive song and short wings and thin bills. In my area, there are three common species of Wren: the House Wren, Bewick’s Wren and Carolina Wren. Each species typically lays between five and eight eggs per clutch and may produce two clutches in a season.
Wren houses building plans
Build the perfect home for your feathered friends with this easy Wren bird house blueprint.
When other songbirds fail to take advantage of the homes built for them, the Wren can still be counted on. Almost any type of house from a tin can or hollow gourd up is acceptable if placed in a secure location and has an opening of 1″ or less, to keep sparrows out. Build a good babbler house with the plans below.
Babblers are mostly small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud and often complex songs. These birds have short wings and thin, downward-pointing bills. Some species often hold their tails upright. There are about 80 species of true babblers, although the name is also applied to other unrelated birds around the world. The dominant colors are gray, brown, black, and white, and most species have some markings, especially on the tail and/or wings.
Some species, especially the winter babbler and house babbler, are often associated with humans. Most species are non-migratory, remaining in Central and South America year-round, but a few temperate species migrate to warmer climates in the winter. Thrushes build domed nests and can be monogamous or polygamous, depending on the species.
Most woods can be used, but the birds prefer weathered wood that is outdoors. The woods that do not warp much are recommended, such as white pine and cypress. Yellow poplar and cedar are also good choices, with or without bark.
The nest box should be painted on the outside to improve its appearance and protect it from the weather. It is usually best to leave some unpainted surface around the entrance and allow the paint to dry completely before the birds can move in. The paint color may depend on the environment, but white, gray, dull green, or brown are common.
Place the thrush house 6 to 10 feet off the ground and make sure water and food are available nearby. Be careful to keep all edges and ends square and straight to avoid unsightly cracks that allow wind and rain to enter. Make sure the pieces are nailed securely so they don’t crack or warp.
Wren House Building Instructions
You can make a Wren bird house from a 1x8x4 foot piece of Western Red Cedar. One of the standout features of this design is that the roof can be removed for easy cleaning.
Materials List:
- 4-foot long 1×8 cedar or redwood boards
- Eye bolts (2)
- Hinges – 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ (galvanized)
- Galvanized finishing nails or screws
- Eco-friendly paint (optional)
- 3 feet of hanging wire
Tools:
- Saw (round or miter)
- 3/8-inch drill
- Hammer
- Screws
- Drill bit (1-1/4″)
Building Steps:
Prepare the Wood Pieces:
Cut the front and back panels of the birdhouse to the specified dimensions. Mark and cut 6-inch 45-degree angles to form the roof.
Assemble the Wood Pieces:
Cut the sides and base of the house according to the drawing and assemble with galvanized nails or screws. Attach the front and back sections to the assembled base.
Assemble the Roof:
Cut two roof pieces and attach them to the house with nails or screws. Use hinges to create an opening mechanism for the roof.
Attach Hanging Wires:
Attach eye bolts to the top of the roof to hang the birdhouse from a tree or pole. Use wire to create a sturdy hanging loop.
Paint and Maintain:
Paint the exterior of the birdhouse with an environmentally friendly paint. Leave the inside natural. Regularly clean out old nests in mid-winter to prepare for new residents.
Conclusion
Hopefully this guide helps you create a Wren house that is not only beautiful but also very functional for your feathered friends. If you have any interesting wren houses building plans, please share them with us. Good luck with your project!
