The Eastern Bluebird is a member of the family.It is larger than a sparrow and can be found from Canada to the Gulf States and the East of the Rockies.If you have the right pieces of wood and power tools, you can build a house for this bird and give it a place to stay.
Step 1: 3 pieces of wood were cut from a piece of unfinished wood.
Purchase a 66 inch long piece of 1 in thick unfinished wood.One piece of wood for the roof is 1 in 12 in and the other two pieces are 2.5 cm and 20.3 cm.White pine and cedar are the most popular types of wood.Do not use plywood or particleboard.
Step 2: Buy glue that is made from aliphatic resin.
If you want your house to stay together in the long-term, you need to purchase one of these glue types.Standard glues aren't strong enough for a bluebird house.The joints should be secured with screws before the glue dries.
Step 3: Purchase 10 exterior grade 2 inch screws.
You can use these screws to drill in the front, back, and base.All of these can be purchased from the local hardware store or online supplier.Purchase an electric drill if you don't have one.Pre-drill the holes with a twist bit.The countersink is where the screw head sits.Purchase 2 drills to avoid switch drill bits if you have the money.
Step 4: The wood pieces need to be cut.
The piece doesn't need to be cut.Measure and cut your remaining 2 pieces of wood using a circular saw and ruler.If you have access to a bandsaw, you can use it.If you don't want to cut the pieces on your own, pay someone at the local hardware store or lumberyard to create the dimensions you need.You should have 6 pieces of wood at the end, two side pieces 6.5 in (17 cm) wide, a top to bottom of 12.25 in (31.1 cm), and a front with 10.75 in (27.3 cm).One piece is 13 cm wide and 27.3 cm tall.One bottom piece is 13 cm wide and 15 cm long.
Step 5: From the top to the bottom, angle the side pieces.
The sides of the houses angle downward to create a sloped roof.The back end of the pieces is 31.1 cm tall and the front end is 27.3 cm.If you're cutting wood on your own, start with 12.25 in (31.2 cm) tall side pieces and mark the spot on each side with a marker.The angle can be created by cutting from the top of the tall side down to the marked spot on the opposing side.Use a ruler to draw a cutline from one side to the other.
Step 6: The front piece should have an entrance hole in it.
The hole should be placed from the top of the wood to the side.Use a spade or hole saw to create a hole.If you want to get the best results, flip the board and drill through the reverse side of the hole.A 1.5 inch hole is needed for western and eastern bluebirds.To make a hole for mountain bluebirds, use a 1.5625 inch hole.
Step 7: There are scratches on both sides of the panel.
To create scratches from the entrance hole to the bottom on both sides of the front piece, use a chisel, nail, or knife.Young birds can easily leave the nest with this traction.The mother will get something to land on.
Step 8: Each side piece has a 8 in hole in it.
Each side piece's hole should be 1 in down from the top of the wood and 2 in from both sides.Attach a drill bit to your drill and apply downward pressure.Use a ruler and pencil to mark off the holes.As you create the holes, hold the drill to the wood.
Step 9: The back piece should be Glued to the side pieces.
There is a thin strip of glue on the left and right sides of the back piece.Start at the top of the back piece and work your way down to the bottom.Press the end of each side piece onto the glue strips and hold them in place for 2 to 3 minutes.The side pieces should be in line with the top of the back piece.Before placing the side pieces on the glue, make sure they are parallel to the back piece.
Step 10: Attach the side pieces to the back with screws.
There are four 2 inch holes with a twist bit through the back piece and into the side pieces.The holes should go through the top and bottom of the piece.Drive 4 exterior grade 2 inch screws through the holes.When attaching the screws, place the sides on a flat surface.Carefully drive the screws into the side pieces of the wood.The sides should be flush.
Step 11: The bottom piece has a 8 inch hole in it.
You can use a spade or a hole saw with your electric drill.The hole should be in the center of the piece.
Step 12: The corners should be removed from the bottom piece.
Use a ruler to draw a diagonal line from the edge of the wood.Take care to cut at a 45 degree angle after using a circular saw to remove the corner pieces.An octagonal shape is the final shape of the wood.
Step 13: The bottom should be Glued to the back and side pieces.
The back and side pieces should be covered with a line of glue.Press your square bottom piece into place.The sides of the bottom piece should be aligned with the glue on the back and side pieces.The base should be above the side pieces.
Step 14: The side pieces should be Glued to the front piece.
Start by applying a strip of glue down each 10.75 in (27.3 cm) front edge.Make sure that the side pieces are flush with the front piece by pressing it against the glue.There is a 2 in gap at the top of the front piece.
Step 15: The side pieces should be screwed to the front.
Start by drilling four 2 inch (5.1 cm) holes with your twist bit horizontally through the front piece into the side pieces.The holes should go into the corners of the side pieces.Drive 4 exterior grade 2 inch screws through the holes.
Step 16: Attach the front and side pieces of the roof.
Fasten the roof to the top of the side pieces.Make sure there is an overhang across the sides and front.Attach the roof with glue.Use a twist bit to create vertical holes through the roof.Put nails through the holes.If there is a crack between the back piece and the top piece, apply a line of caulking compound to seal it.This will help keep the rain out of the house.
Step 17: Keep the houses at least 125 to 150 yards from each other.
If you install more than one home, give them the recommended space.You won't have enough room for each bird without this space.Keep the houses 5 to 25 feet apart if you install them next to each other.
Step 18: The house can be 4 to 6 feet high.
You need a post to mount your house.The entrance should face the nearest shrub or large tree.Try to get it installed in a location that is open or lightly wooded.It's best to have pastures with scattered trees or wooded patches.Cemetery, golf courses, new sub-divisions, and farmsteads are all suitable for bluebird houses.
Step 19: Every February, bluebird houses are cleaned and repaired.
Try to clean the bluebird houses when the young leave.It is likely that adults will return to the box for additional broods, so this will prepare the house for more young birds.Birds leave after their eggs hatch.