So you want to install custom built bird houses on your property to match your house, barn, shed, or maybe your lake house. The real question should be is what do the wild birds want? More importantly what do the wild birds need? Is there a way to make a cute looking bird house and also make it functional for the birds?
The answer is mixed and it really depends on what you are looking for and where your interests lie. Are you more concerned about making your yard look pretty or are you more interested in providing the wild birds with quality nesting boxes? It could be both, but in my experience the home owner usually is more interested in one or the other.
If you are looking to have a bird house look just like your home or lake house and you don't have a deep desire for wild birds, then my recommendation is to make what looks like a really cool birdhouse, but don't have any actual cavity openings. Instead just paint black circles where you would normally put an entry hole.
On the other hand if you are more concerned about the wild birds and your desire is to attract them to your yard with nesting boxes then my recommendation is to buy or build the right bird house for that species of bird. Cavity nesting species of wild birds all prefer a particular size of cavity to build a nest. In the wild they don't always get the perfect cavity they are looking for, but putting up nesting boxes of the right size can be very rewarding.
The big box stores are not where you want to shop for a nesting box. Even if you think it looks cute don't waste your money. Wildlife specialty stores are a much better place to get good information on what nesting box works best for the kind of bird you are interested in attracting.
There are a few things you will want to know before shopping for a birdhouse. The nest box should have a peg for perching on the front of it as no cavity nesting bird needs a peg on the box. Make sure the nest box can be easily opened for cleaning each fall. Also the nest box should have vent holes on the sides, back, and the bottom.
Cavity size is very important also so make sure you do your homework before purchasing or making just any kind of box. The entry hole diameter and the distance the entry hole is above the floor is important for every species of cavity nesting bird.
My recommendation is to either put up fully functional bird houses that the bird would really like to use. Or make or buy a decorative bird house with doors, windows, gutters, and curtains but make sure you paint the fake entry holes black. With a decorative bird house you don't have to worry about cleaning it because the birds should not be able to get inside it.
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