Finch Birdhouse Building Plans

Finch Birdhouse Building Plans: A Step-by-Step Guide to Attract Beautiful Finches to Your Garden

Finches are delightful, vibrant birds that bring joy and cheer to any garden. These charming creatures add a touch of magic to your outdoor space with their melodious songs and captivating presence. If you're an avid bird lover looking to attract these feathered friends to your backyard, building a finch birdhouse is an excellent way to do just that. In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and detailed plans to build a beautiful and functional finch birdhouse that will be a welcoming sanctuary for these lovely birds. So, let's get started! ### Step 1: Gather Your Materials Before embarking on your birdhouse-building journey, ensure you have all the necessary materials at hand. Here's a list of what you'll need: - 1x6 pine board (1 inch thick, 6 inches wide, and 8 feet long) - 1x2 pine board (1 inch thick, 2 inches wide, and 8 feet long) - 1/2-inch plywood (2 feet by 4 feet) - 1-1/4-inch wood screws - 1-1/2-inch wood screws - 2-inch wood screws - Wood glue - Sandpaper - Paint or stain (optional) - A drill - A saw - A tape measure - A pencil - A utility knife - Safety goggles - Dust mask ### Step 2: Prepare the Wood 1. Cut the 1x6 pine board into the following pieces: - (2) 6-inch by 12-inch pieces for the front and back panels - (2) 6-inch by 10-inch pieces for the side panels - (1) 6-inch by 8-inch piece for the floor panel - (1) 6-inch by 6-inch piece for the roof panel 2. Cut the 1x2 pine board into the following pieces: - (4) 12-inch pieces for the corner posts - (2) 10-inch pieces for the front and back supports - (2) 8-inch pieces for the side supports 3. Cut the 1/2-inch plywood into the following pieces: - (1) 12-inch by 12-inch piece for the roof ### Step 3: Assemble the Birdhouse 1. Start by attaching the corner posts to the front and back panels using 1-1/4-inch wood screws. Ensure the corner posts are flush with the top and bottom edges of the panels. 2. Attach the front and back supports to the corner posts using 1-1/2-inch wood screws. Make sure the supports are centered on the posts and flush with the front and back edges of the panels. 3. Attach the side panels to the corner posts and supports using 1-1/4-inch wood screws. Ensure the side panels are flush with the top and bottom edges of the panels. 4. Attach the floor panel to the bottom of the birdhouse using 1-inch wood screws. Make sure the floor panel is flush with the front, back, and side panels. 5. Attach the roof panel to the top of the birdhouse using 2-inch wood screws. Ensure the roof panel overhangs the front, back, and side panels by about 1/2 inch. ### Step 4: Finish the Birdhouse 1. Sand the birdhouse thoroughly to smooth out any rough edges. 2. Apply a coat of paint or stain to the birdhouse (optional). This step is not necessary, but it will help protect the birdhouse from the elements and give it a more polished look. 3. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely before hanging the birdhouse in your garden. ### Step 5: Hang the Birdhouse Choose a suitable location for your finch birdhouse, such as a tree branch or a post, that is at least 6 feet above the ground. Ensure the location is protected from strong winds and direct sunlight and provides easy access for the finches. ### Tips for Attracting Finches to Your Birdhouse 1. Choose the right type of birdseed: Finches prefer small seeds like niger seeds, safflower seeds, and sunflower seeds. Offer a variety of seeds to attract different finch species. 2. Keep the birdhouse clean: Regularly remove old seeds and droppings from the birdhouse to maintain a clean and inviting environment for the finches. 3. Provide water: Finches need access to fresh water for drinking and bathing. Place a birdbath or a shallow dish of water near the birdhouse. 4. Be patient: It may take some time for finches to discover and accept your birdhouse. Be patient and persistent, and eventually, you'll be rewarded with the delightful presence of these charming birds. By following these steps and incorporating these tips, you can create a beautiful and welcoming finch birdhouse that will attract these delightful creatures to your garden. So, grab your tools, gather your materials, and embark on this rewarding journey of providing a sanctuary for the lovely finches in your neighborhood.