Birdhouses?

Question

Can I get someone to show me some good guides to how to build stable birdhouses, as well as good types of glues, paints to put on them, and wood?

Answer 1

There are an amazing number of books on the subject. Here is one I have:
http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Birdhouse-Construction-Woodworkers/dp/0486244075/sr=1-3/qid=1165201098/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-3113929-8814247?ie=UTF8&s=books
Here's another:
http://www.amazon.com/New-Birdhouse-Book-Inspiration-Instruction/dp/1592530648/sr=1-1/qid=1165201098/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-3113929-8814247?ie=UTF8&s=books
Just to be safe and environmentally responsible, stick with water-based paints, and ordinary yellow wood glue. Some woods are better outside than others - cypress, redwood, cedar and teak are good. Keep in mind that a good birdhouse is designed specifically for the bird you wish to attract.

Answer 2

You've already been given some good suggestions:
You don't need glue, screws will do.
Cedar is perfect: will withstand the weather and easy to work with.

Find an old piece of rusty tin & use for roof; It does the job & really looks great. Just tack in place.

Do a Google search for how to make one [try several different search phrases] and the sites will give you birdhouse specifications for specific species. [uh, oh...that was really bad]

You only need to paint if: 1) The type of wood your using needs the protection; or 2) You personally require that aesthetic.

Your local Cooperative Extension Service probably has how-to designs for varies bird species.

Answer 3

Cedar is great for birdhouses, and paint is not necessary. You may choose to put on a plastic ir fiberglass roofing material, or the usual tarpaper and shingle, but the more natural it looks, the more birds you will attract. The size of the hole is going to determine if you get starlings, or grosbeaks, so get a book. At Lowe's, there are books from ortho that give plans for simple birdhouses, all the way up to multi-level martin houses.

Answer 4

I would use screws instead of any glue. The moisture changes experienced by wood that is outdoors is not best suited for glue. Screws will give a little with the expansion/contraction of the joints. Drill pilot holes and it will hold better.

Answer 5

The kinds of birds and style of feeding adds up to a
specific design. My best luck with feeding birds at the
national conservatory reserve is on the ground, it is social.
The consideration then goes to very ingenious styles of
larger community stumps recut to hold feeders. Actually
made like standing animals in a field. To get a look at various
kinds of bird collections http://www.birdsandblooms.com