Birdhouse

[andrewlace66]

What do u think of this birdhouse

 

[Roughcut]

I've never really taken the time to study the various birdhouse designs.
But looking at the one in the photo (in my unprofessional opinion) I would say the design could be improved by making the top slightly oversize all round to help shed rain water and stop water leaking into the gaps.

 

[JJ1]

It's important to make sure the dimensions are suitable for the species that's likely to nest in it. Of particular importance is the distance from the floor to the entrance hole. Too far and the young birds will struggle to get out when the time comes. Not far enough and predators may be able to reach the young birds. Not saying your box isn't correct but a couple of points worth keeping in mind, if you wasn't already aware.
I agree about an overhanging roof being a good idea.

 

[andrewlace66]

So next time if I put a overhanging roof it be better

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

This is a design I use that I downloaded from the RSPB website after researching optimum designs many years ago. It's ideal on a number of levels. I've made probably 30 over the years and to this day our garden is absolutely inundated with blue, great and coal ****. For blue and coal you want the hole to be 28mm, for Great 32mm.

The sloping roof helps shed water, that's the primary problem with yours. It's worth surfing round the RSPB site...you get chapter and verse there. I used WBP ply of cuts for mine and they're still going (3/4") after nearly 10 years in the case of the older ones. Pallet wood...wont last as long but still good enough for this kind of project.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

And here are some quick snaps of them in situ. Now that I look at some of those green painted ones I've a feeling I made some out of scraps of blockboard as well Probably why I painted them!!

 

[RobinBHM]

You coudl buy an artificial slate tile and cut large enough for an overhang for the roof of the box, maybe with a bit of wood at the back to form a slope

 

[MikeH]

I believe you also need to be careful what you paint them with.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

you do...all on the RSPB website. I strongly recommend a view as it covers all the bases.