Introduction: Coconut Birdhouse
Making a birdhouse from a coconut.
NEEDED ITEMS:
1. Coconut
2. Drill + small drill bit + circular drill bit
3. Hemp twine
4. Flat-head screwdriver
5. Coconut scrap or other item
Step 1: Opening the Coconut
Drain the coconut by sticking your srewdriver, or other implement, into the larger, softer mouth of the coconut's "face." Gently move screwdriver around to enlarge the hole. You can also use a drill bit if you want. Shake out the fluid.
Using the circular bit in your drill, pick a spot on the coconut and cut a hole. Make sure to have the "face" of the coconut pointed upwards because that will be where your string comes out.
Once your hole is made, use the flat-head screwdriver to remove the meat. I find that using the screwdriver to score the meat before prying the meat out, makes everything work better. Use a thrust and twist technique to work small chucks of coconut loose. Periodically you will need to shake the chunks out.
Step 2: Drain Holes
Using your drill and small drill bit, make three (or more) holes in the bottom of your coconut.
Step 3: Add the String
Using your hemp twine, cut an appropriate length and feed it through the hole you made in the coconut's "face."
At the end of the twine inside the coconut, knot/attach a fragment of coconut, or other item. This will keep the coconut on the twine when you hang it.
Trim the twine at the end of your knot.
Step 4: Hang Your Birdhouse
Tada! Now you may hang your birdhouse.
31 Comments
10 months ago
In my experience make the hole smaller find a Hugh ant bed turn coconut mouth facing down on top of ant hill. Keep checking after about a week it should be clean
4 years ago
Good idea. However, I believe I would make the hole much smaller. In my opinion, the hole is way to large. Most birds won't want to use this for a home because it lets rain in, it's not private enough for them to feel safe, and when they lay eggs in it, the wind could knock them out of the nest. The same for the baby birds too, they could fall out.
6 years ago
if you add some pic from extracting meat step it will be better.
nice idea
11 years ago on Introduction
Great ible.
I've used coconuts too. I fill the coconut with peanut butter and seed mix in the winter and let them eat everything, including the meat. When it's empty, then I put out nesting material in a wire cage for them. Then they can move in. My hole isn't as large as yours so the predators can't get at the chicks as easily. Again. very good and understandable ible.
11 years ago on Step 4
Hey mstark77 i was wondering what kind of bird would live in this? since the hole is so big and all.... also asking because i live in nebraska and dont know if the kind of bird you used this for lives here.
14 years ago on Introduction
Good instructable. In winter, I used to make the hole, fill it with peanut butter and bird seed and let the birds eat everything out. Then, in the spring, the birds use it for nesting. Again, good instructable.
14 years ago on Introduction
1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?
King Arthur: Not at all. They could be carried.
1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: What? A swallow carrying a coconut?
King Arthur: It could grip it by the husk!
1st soldier with a keen interest in birds: It’s not a question of where he grips it! It’s a simple question of weight ratios! A five ounce bird could not carry a one pound coconut.
http://sillysidilly.wordpress.com/2008/03/17/the-knights-of-the-coconut/
Sorry that was a bit unrelated, but it had to be said. Monty Pythons rule.
Good ible though. Thanks
14 years ago on Introduction
That would make a great bird feeder, too. One caveat - different birds prefer differently-sized entrance holes, so do your research about which local birds you want to attract beforehand.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Very true. My friend and I made a bird box last summer for the Blue Tits around here (we're in the UK, btw). It's never been used because the hole is a fraction too big. They like to only just be able to squeeze themselves through, because it means that no bird bigger than them can follow them in... The commercial boxes have set opening sizes.
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
A smaller opening make the coconut harder to clean with a screwdriver. Any ideas for making the opening smaller after cleaning?
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I'm not sure about making the opening smaller after cleaning, but I've had success cleaning out coconuts through a hole as small as about 1 1/4". I've got more info in this instructable:<br/><br/><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.instructables.com/id/Make_a_mini_potato_cannon_out_of_a_coconut/">https://www.instructables.com/id/Make_a_mini_potato_cannon_out_of_a_coconut/</a><br/> <br/>
14 years ago on Introduction
I made one last night. Cool instructable!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thanks.
14 years ago on Introduction
I like this a lot great idea 5/5 you could use this as sort of a container in the kitchen or in a room somewhere in the house
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Thank you. It's all about hole placement. I've got a cup/container where I cut a hole in the "face" and flattened the bottom so it would stand up.
14 years ago on Introduction
(;c{|} Wow. Guam. Is it very hot today ?
14 years ago on Introduction
This is a great, simple project. Thank you for posting it! I had a coconut and was looking for something to do with it... I added a few more elements to make it a functional birdfeeder, but you definitely get all the credit for inspiration. I just need to fill it with birdseed. Thanks for the great idea!
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
(;c{|}
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
Good work, seamster. I love your additions, but i think maybe a little straw cut to form nesting areas would be even better. Maybe out of each cross section of stick.:)
Reply 14 years ago on Introduction
I really like the birdfeeder. I'll have to get another whole coconut and try this. Thanks.