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Gourd Birdhouses

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Gourd Birdhouses

Birdhouses are a very common backyard accessory and are enjoyed by homeowners around the world. They are available in dozens of styles, ranging from simple boxes to painstakingly detailed, scaled-down models of modern architecture. These structures are most often made from materials such as wood or plastic, but if you are looking for something a bit more interesting and unique, gourd birdhouses are a great alternative to consider. They are widely available for purchase, but if you have a little bit of free time, they are also easy to make at home.

Gourds are an ideal material for building a birdhouse, but they do require some preparation before they can be used. A gourd is a vine-growing fruit and is related to the pumpkin. When they are ripe they are generally soft on the inside, and as such they must be dried out, at which point they take on a much more wood-like characteristic. However, there is much more to the drying process than simply leaving them outside. It is generally considered a good idea to store the gourds on a table or shelf during this process, as they are less likely to fall victim to burrowing insects and worms. Many people recommend washing the gourds thoroughly before setting them out to dry, as well as turning them every couple of days to help them dry evenly. It is also important to periodically wipe the escaping moisture from the skin, which will help minimize any mold issues.

If you plan on painting your gourd birdhouses, it is recommended that one sand down the naturally rough surface of the dried skin, as this will make the painting process much easier. However, whether you decide to sand and paint or just keep the gourd in its natural state, it will be necessary to properly seal both the exterior and interior surfaces. This process can be done with any number of commonly available wood sealers, but as your gourd will be home to a living creature, using a water-based, non-toxic sealant is essential. These sealers help protect the birdhouse from the elements, and can help ensure many years of reliable service.

Once you have completed your gourd birdhouses, the next step is to decide where you want to hang them. As a general rule, it is recommended that they be well spaced, with many experts suggesting they be at least 100 feet apart. They should also be placed in locations that minimize the chances they will be accessible to predators.  A metal pole set away from any trees can be a great location, provided a little grease is applied to the pole to discourage raccoons and similar predators from climbing. Many people find that hanging a birdhouse right outside the kitchen window provides both adequate protection, and the ability to regularly observe the birds that live there.

Of course, if one doesn’t have the time or energy to build their own gourd bird sanctuary, they can be purchased through many different sources. Home improvement and garden retailers often carry them as stocked items, and they can also be purchased from numerous online sources as well.