Birdhouse?

[shiraartain]

We received a wooden parakeet nesting box with one of the birds/cages...do'n' remember which one it was anymore. As we have no use for it, I was planning to put it up outside once we get the chance. All the trees in our yard have been cut down over the years, however, so I'm waiting until March so that the Major Wheeler vine planted this summer grows thick and lush enough that the box can be put up behind it to provide a discreet home and shade from the rising sun.

Anyone have any experience with outdoor boxes? Will this box be enough for wild birds?

Also, it has a single dowel rod inside, should I saw it off? (Can't take it out entirely, a that would leave a hole for the wind to enter through)

[Wolf]

It would kind of depend on the purpose of the dowel rod, but I would probably remove it. I am sure that some wild bird will love it and make a nest in it.

[liz]

I doubt that it is weather proof. You will either have to paint it or put it in a sheltered area like under the eve of your roof.

I had 8 birdhouses painted red, white and blue hanging on my front porch instead of hanging baskets. When I had hanging baskets I realized that I was watering chicks because the parents could not find enough nest sights.

A small bird, a wren or finch, lost her mate when she had babies to feed. A female cardinal must have lost her nest. I watched her take turns with the Mom bringing food to the babies. She was too big to go into the house so she stood at the door and the babies learned to go to her. It was two species of wild Momma birds working together to raise a clutch.

It is amazing what you can learn by putting up bird houses. My only problem was I would have to confine my cats for about a month while the baby "bomb out of the nest" was going on.

[shiraartain]

Dowel problem fixed! I realized I can just push the dowel out of the hole so that it provides a perch just outside of the entrance.

@Liz, I do want to put it directly next to the house where it will be sheltered from the rain. Not many other spots available, and we've found two nests against the same wall in the past, so there must be something good about it

[Pajarita]

Don't do it now, though. Wait until February.

[Wolf]

Actually, I think that I would put it out in January if I were to paint it. This is because I would use an outdoor weather resistant water based enamel paint and would want it to have plenty of time to fully cure out which takes more time in colder temperatures.

[liz]

[quote="Pajarita"]Don't do it now,

I have seen birds winter in my bird houses. I bought a house that sticks to a window and will put it out so Rambo can watch the babies.

[shiraartain]

I was planning on waiting until mid-March....

I can put it out (in the open) in January for the paint issue, but won't be putting it up i the proper spot until mid-March as the snow/ice will be in the way.

[Wolf]

As long as no birds can get to it while it is curing out, there won't be any problems.