Introduction: Green Birdhouses Using Folgers Cans
Bird houses using Folgers plastic a
Participated in the
Green Living & Technology Challenge
Participated in the
2nd Annual Krylon Summer Contest
Green Birdhouses Using Folgers Cans
32,055
27
12
32,055
27
12
Bird houses using Folgers plastic a
Participated in the
Green Living & Technology Challenge
Participated in the
2nd Annual Krylon Summer Contest
12 Comments
Question 8 months ago on Introduction
Love this idea and appreciate the comments. I thought the hole should be higher, too. There must be a balance, though. High enough so babies don't fall out, but low enough so they will be able to get out when that time comes. Maybe the birds would just build a higher nest to the appropriate level ? Anyone have any more experience with this? Thanks!
10 years ago on Introduction
For bird houses you want the hole in the top so the birds can build their nests in the bottom and the young are not easily accessible to the hole. You also want to put air holes in the top of the sides so the birds don't get too warm and suffocate.
I built mine upside down so I could pull the lid (which is now on the bottom) off and easily clean and sanitize the insides for the next nest. Another reason for turning the container upside down is so when it rains the water does not drip in the air holes I placed in the top sides. I find this works very well this way.
C. Critters
Reply 7 years ago
How did you attach the wood
10 years ago on Introduction
For bird houses you want the hole in the top so the birds can build their nests in the bottom and the young are not easily accessible to the hole. You also want to put air holes in the top of the sides so the birds don't get too warm and suffocate.
I built mine upside down so I could pull the lid (which is now on the bottom) off and easily clean and sanitize the insides for the next nest. Another reason for turning the container upside down is so when it rains the water does not drip in the air holes I placed in the top sides. I find this works very well this way.
C. Critters
10 years ago on Introduction
I used the Kraylon plastic paint and primer for the main body and then just acrylic paints for the details. If you have a second can lid you could cut out the circle large enough to drop it down the middle and support it with small wood pieces glued to the sides of the can to make a double stacker :D I would love to see a pix when you are done.
10 years ago on Introduction
What kind of paint did you use? I have an extra large plasitc folgers container and Im goin to try to help my lil girl make a birdhouse for her earth day project. I was wondering if you have any ideas on how to make it a duplex birdhouse because its rather large for just one bird.
10 years ago on Introduction
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I made some alterations as mentioned and had 4 of my 6 houses inhabited last summer. There is one still being used this winter. We had one nest where I could see the babies but the cat jumped on it and tore it apart. I had it in a decorative plum tree which was a bad idea to begin with. All the others are in tall standing poplars with no limbs and holding up very nicely. Thanks for all the input.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I forgot to add that Wrens, Chickadees and one set of Blue Birds were inhabiting the houses :D
10 years ago on Introduction
Great idea, just 1 add on not mentioned in the 'ible or below. Find an old stainless steel sink at the dump or the kick plate off an old metal door and cut the entry hole out of that. Then cut that out and attach to the bird house. I've found that in very short order if this is not done squirrels will chew out the hole and take over.
11 years ago on Introduction
I never would have thought of this. Thanks for the great idea! I bet you could divide it somehow and have smaller birds nesting. Thanks for great ible. I have been looking for cheap ideas for bird houses. I will get some made.
12 years ago on Introduction
The size of the hole determines the type of bird attracted to it. Good "recycle" project. Couple of suggestions. The hole should be higher on the can, (keeps babies from falling out) and remove the perch. The perch allows predator birds to sit at the entrance and eat the babies. Put a few small holes in the bottom for drainage, make sure the top is securely fastened, and hang with the hole "away" from the prevailing winds. If the house swings to much in the wind, add a few rocks for stability. The birds don't mind.
The can size will handle most mid-sized birds. Especially blue birds. Be sure to hang it a long way from bird feeders. They attract the predators.
12 years ago on Introduction
What kind of birds have inhabited your folgers can birdhouse? The can is very large, I'm wondering if I could put a divider in and make it into a birdhouse duplex, if each unit would be large enough?