Bird houses are often looked upon as a decorative but useless ornament. For the bird lovers, these colorful ornaments are very useful indeed.
However, most people buy these decorative but useful bird houses without really knowing the effects of their purchase. The first and foremost factor in choosing unique bird feeders is size. Depending on the kind of avian species you want to attract, the size of the bird house you buy should be proportional to the intended occupants. If you are a serious bird housing charitable institution, design, color and overall style will always come in second to the size factor.
Before buying a bird house, find out what birds you want to attract. Once you determine the species of your future avian house mate, you can start gathering data as to its eating habits, environmental preferences and the actual size of the grown up bird. Once you've done this, you can start planning or shopping around for your bird house.
Now, if you were planning to house an owl, you certainly need a big bird house. But did you have to buy one with so small a hole for the entrance? Lest you forget, the size, the space and the entrance hole must be in proportion to the size of the bird. It doesn't really matter if everything is proportionally massive just as long as the bird fits into every feature of your bird house.
Aside from the size proportion factor, there is also the practicality factor. How easy is it to clean the bird house? It would be wise to buy a bird house where the bottom is removable or one of the sides is hinged so that it can be opened for ease of cleaning. I certainly don't want to grope my way through a bird house full of bird droppings wincing all the way.
After worrying about size and practicality, think of the color for your bird house. Please, if you care at all for the birds, don't get dark colored bird houses. You should only do this if you want an oven-baked bird a la bird house party. For the sake of birds, get light colored houses so that it can reflect the heat of the sun. The nest should also insulate the hatchlings.
A nest box made of wood will do for this purpose. Thankfully, you can browse stores that sell bird houses made for specific species of birds. This is especially helpful for all the DIYs since you want have to be 'flying blind' when building your bird house.
The beauty of a bird house lies in color, style and design. After you check all the practical factors in your list, select the bird house that best catches your eye. Keep in mind details like the color of your bird house against the backdrop of your house. If you put your bird house in the front yard, will it look good with your house as a back drop?
Also, how many bird houses must you buy? some people go over board and litter their yards with bird houses. Amusing as it is to see this, it isn't really practical. Think of the cleaning you have to do. All in all, unique bird feeders can be a work of art in your yard if you choose correctly. You can even place them inside your house.
Birdhouses
