How to Make Gourd Birdhouses
- 1
Select a gourd with a nice long neck for your birdhouse that is approximately 8" -14" in diameter. Make sure the walls of the gourd are approximately ¼ " thick so that it doesn't get too warm inside when the birds are nesting. - 2
Allow the gourd to dry out. This could take from approximately 2 weeks to several months, depending upon its size and skin thickness. The gourd is dry when you can shake it and hear the seeds rattling inside, and it will be very light, weight-wise. - 3). Place the gourd in hot soapy water. Scrub thoroughly with a wire brush and sandpaper.
- 4). Soak your gourd in 10% solution of bleach and water for approximately 15 minutes then allow to dry completely. This will protect it from rot and fungal molds (see caution below).
- 5
Decide what size of hole that you want to cut in your gourd for the entry. Different sizes are required for different types of birds. See the provided chart to the left. - 6
Using an expansion bit or hole saw, cut a hole slightly above the center of the gourd. If you plan on making several birdfeeders out of gourds, hole saw attachment kits are fairly inexpensive and will fit most any 3/8" drill. - 7). While your drill is still handy, drill 3 smaller holes (3/8") in the bottom of the gourd for drainage. Also drill a hole towards the top of the neck, from one side through the other, which will provide a means to hang the birdhouse when completed.
- 8). Clean out the insides of the gourd, scraping out the seeds and any other debris inside. Sand the edges of the entry hole that you have made, as well. You can also pour water inside to make sure that the dusts created by drilling are removed.
- 9
Finish the outside of the gourd with an oil-based primer, followed by enamel paint. Lightly sand first with fine sandpaper so the primer adheres well to the surface of the gourd. White is a good color choice, as the white will reflect the sun, keeping the inside of the birdhouse cool. For a more natural look, just use 2 - 3 coatings of clear polyurethane directly on the gourd. - 10
If your taste is more whimsical in nature, and you have an artistic flair, paint any type of design on it that you wish. - 11
Add wire or natural raffia through the top neck holes to hang your completed birdhouse. It can be hung from a tree branch or other sturdy structure. Please see chart in step 5 for height suggestions according to bird species.
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