Gourds: They're for the birds

What have gourds been most known for in recent times?  Why, birdhouses of course.  It seems that using a gourd for a birdhouse is one of the first projects that is undertaken when starting to craft with gourds.  And the birds sure do appreciate that fact.  They don't care if it is decorated or plain as long as a few other details are followed.

Let's get started on a simple birdhouse.  I've heard lots of comments when I am at craft shows that go something like this: "I have all these gourds in my basement (garage, shed, whatever) and I don't know what to do with them."  Well for goodness sake, you could at least make a birdhouse.  Those gourds want to be used, not laying around in the basement.

Chances are they have an ugly looking, peeling dry skin on them.  You can just leave it on (the birds don't care) but the gourd sure would be prettier if you could find the golden brown shell underneath.

You can read how to clean a gourd here.

You want a nice thick shelled gourd so if any of the gourds you were going to use for a birdhouse felt soft when cleaning it is time to find another gourd.

So now your gourd is clean and it is time to make the birdhouse.  How big your gourd is will give you some idea of what kind of bird you will attract.  Purple Martins need a big gourd, about 9-10" in diameter.  If your gourd isn't that big you can attract some smaller birds.  Different birds prefer different sized holes.  This is because they don't want predators to be able to get into the house.  They want a hole that they can just squeeze into.  Here is a chart showing the size of holes birds want.

I use a key hole saw for a nice round hole but if you don't have any, mark a circle the width you need.  Take a drill and drill holes all around the mark making sure you don't go outside of your lines.  Smooth out the cut area with a wood file and sandpaper.  Now is another time to check thickness.  At least 1/4" would be a good thickness for your birdhouse.

Drill about 4 holes in the bottom for drainage and holes at the top to put your hanging wire through.  Use a screwdriver or strong stick to help get the gourd guts out.  It doesn't have to be perfect but the birds need some room to get inside and do some nest building.  As you loosen the membranes just shake them out.  Do this outside as it can be dusty.

No need for a perch.  In fact it is better to not have one since they can help predators that may be after the eggs or young birds.

There are a few different ways to protect your gourd from the elements to make it last longer.

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