Modified Peterson Bluebird House Plans

The Peterson bluebird house plan is a popular design because it is relatively easy to build and provides a safe and comfortable nesting environment for bluebirds. However, there are a few modifications that can be made to the plan to make it even more effective.

Entrance Hole Placement

The original Peterson bluebird house plan calls for the entrance hole to be placed in the center of the front panel. However, research has shown that bluebirds prefer an entrance hole that is placed slightly off-center. This is because it provides them with a better view of the surrounding area and helps to protect them from predators.

To modify the Peterson bluebird house plan, you can simply move the entrance hole about 1 inch to the left or right of the center. This small change can make a big difference in the number of bluebirds that use the house.

Predator Guard

Another important modification that can be made to the Peterson bluebird house plan is to add a predator guard. This is a small piece of metal or plastic that is placed around the entrance hole to prevent predators from reaching inside and attacking the eggs or chicks.

There are a variety of different predator guards available, so you can choose one that best suits your needs. Some predator guards are simple metal plates, while others are more elaborate and feature spikes or other deterrents.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential for keeping bluebirds comfortable and healthy. The Peterson bluebird house plan includes a small ventilation hole in the back of the house, but you can improve ventilation by adding additional holes to the sides or bottom of the house.

When adding ventilation holes, be sure to make them small enough so that predators cannot fit through them. You should also make sure that the holes are not placed directly opposite each other, as this can create a draft.

Drainage

It is also important to make sure that your bluebird house has good drainage. This will help to prevent water from accumulating inside the house and causing the eggs or chicks to become wet and cold.

To ensure good drainage, you can install a small drainage hole in the bottom of the house. You can also tilt the house slightly forward so that water will drain out of the entrance hole.

By making these simple modifications to the Peterson bluebird house plan, you can create a more effective and attractive nesting environment for bluebirds. With a little effort, you can help to increase the number of bluebirds that nest in your area.