Unfinished birdhouses are often the first choice for the birds and should be on the top of our list if we want to attract and protect our favorite feathered friends. When our favorite cavity nesting birds are searching for a comfortable new home in a natural setting, they typically find a suitable hole in a tree or fallen timber that has been weathered by continuous exposure to the elements. Why would birds prefer a brightly painted birdhouse or one that is made from shiny plastic or PVC? Aside from the fact that untreated wood looks much more natural in its surroundings when hung from a tree branch, but unfinished wood is also generally accepted as being better for the health of the birds. Just as we wish to protect our young children from toxins, we should strive to protect the young birds from the toxins that come from high VOC paints and solvent-based finishes. Birds are known to benefit from the rough-cut wood texture on the inside of the house which allows their feed to grip the walls and provide a ladder of sorts to move from the floor to the entrance hole.
Natural unfinished wood is ideal for birdhouses because the wood ages naturally and blends in with the colors of trees and branches found in most natural settings. Unfinished birdhouses tend to develop a rustic patina appearance with age. The best types of wood for unfinished birdhouses include cedar, cypress and mahogany. Cedar is offers a natural resistance to insects and ages to a rustic gray finish that will last for years. Cypress is another gorgeous wood that ages well without a finish. Mahogany is an absolutely beautiful wood that is very dense and weathers well; however, it is very expensive. Pine is a very inexpensive wood that does not age well without a finish. Some of the most extraordinary unfinished birdhouses are made from reclaimed wood that appear aged from the moment they are built.
From a practical sense, there are a few items to consider when purchasing or building an unfinished birdhouse. First consider the type of cavity nesting bird that you want to attract. Size matters. Different types of birds prefer houses with just the right floor space and entrance hole size. The size of the hole should fit the bird like a glove to allow them inside and prevent predators and larger competitors from gaining access. Houses should be constructed from wood that is at least ¾ of an inch thick to provide natural insulation from the heat in the summer and cold in the winter. All houses should have suitable ventilation near the top to allow heat to escape and also have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent standing water. Finally, you should consider access to the house to inspect the progress of fledgling chicks and clean out old nests at the end of the season.
If we really can’t help ourselves and insist on covering our unfinished birdhouses to make them last longer in the elements, we should consider a non-toxic wood sealing stain which will preserve some of the natural appearance of the wood. In particular, you want to avoid any sort of lead, petroleum or oil-based stains that will continue to emit toxic fumes that can harm the young birds in their early days of life. Water-based latex stains and polyurethane can be applied directly over the bare wood and can last for years. If you choose to paint your unfinished birdhouse, water-based acrylic latex or acrylic enamels can be applied. The acrylic enamel will provide more enduring protection for your birdhouse than the acrylic latex. Let these finishes cure in the sun for a few weeks before mounting them to attract visitors. If you accidentally apply an oil-based finish to your birdhouse, it will likely remain vacant! Never finish the interior of a birdhouse!
Unfinished birdhouse kits offer simple and easy rainy day projects for small children in school, scout troops or one-on-one projects between a grandparent and a grandchild. Birdhouse kits come in many different varieties and can be purchased as a single kit or in bulk over the internet with very reasonable prices. They can also be purchased from a local arts and craft store. In considering a birdhouse kit, you should first decide what type of bird you want to attract to your backyard. While building your birdhouse, be sure to use waterproof glue in the interior joints and galvanized nails and hinges that are resistant to rust. If you feel you must, you can paint the birdhouse with any design you like; just be sure to use non-toxic paint. Finally, mount your birdhouse, sit back and enjoy the show!
