Here's a sweet little birdhouse design that doesn't require a lot of time, tools or materials.

The "house" is an empty soda can, making it the perfect size for tiny wrens that enjoy close quarters. The pop top makes a great natural perch and larger birds or predators can't get through the 1 inch "doorway" to pester the tiny tweeters.

Using a spray adhesive, bark and natural moss are glued to the entire surface of the can to provide insulation and camouflage.

The finished wren house is finally attached to a tree limb using ZIP TIES.

No lumber or nails were used, making this finished birdhouse eco and tree friendly.

This project is FUN and easy-peasy! Let's get started!

Step 1: What You'll Need:

An empty aluminum can
A Dremel with a small bit (or a drill)
Spray adhesive
Gathered bark and moss
Zip ties
A saw to trim bark (optional)

Step 2: Can Prep

The can needs to be clean so it won't attract ants, wasps or other sweet-seeking bugs. Rinse it out thoroughly in hot water

Mark the holes where you need to drill, making sure the doorway and perch are in the right position.

Using a dremel, drill the holes on both sides of the can where you marked them. Aluminum is soft, but it's also tough and can get a little squirrely. Control the drill pressure because once the metal gives to the bit, it really GIVES. Be careful and don't let the bit get away from you.

Now push each zip tie through the holes and connect the loose ends temporarily with a piece of tape. This way you won't accidentally cover the holes when you camoflauge the can.

Drill a couple more holes on the bottom for drainage. I hear baby birds are messy and they won't wear diapers.

Step 3: Use Spray Adhesive and Add Camouflage Material:

Spray adhesive is TOUGH. Used the right way, it'll hold almost anything together. Read the directions on the can before using it.

You might want to use a stick, as pictured, so you don't get the adhesive all over your fingers.

For the best adhesion, spray BOTH surfaces of what you want to glue together. Wait 30- 60 seconds, then press the surfaces together.

In this case, spray the can and spray the bark. Wait 1 minute and press the bark onto the can.

Wait another 5-10 minutes for the glue to bond before adding the next piece of bark. Continued until the can is totally covered with bark. Add sprigs of moss and and a few fir twigs or whatever is handy for you.

I used dry bark and natural moss gathered from my property, but any natural, slow-to-decompose material will work to camouflage the soda can.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Tree and the Right Limb.

I chose a pine that was about 25' tall.

I wanted the birdhouse to be fastened to a limb at least 8' above the ground, so out came the ladder.

The wind on my mountain usually blows from the North, so I chose a limb that ran North to South.

As it turned out, the diameter of that limb was too big for one 7" zip tie, so I connected 2 zip ties together, head to tail. Problem solved.

Step 5: Home, Sweet (little Wren) Home!

The little wren birdhouse is now in place, ready and waiting for a lucky wren husband and wife to move in and start a family.

No lumber or nails were used, making this finished birdhouse eco and tree friendly.

Participated in the
Green Living & Technology Challenge

Be the First to Share

Recommendations

Strap-On Cleats for Ice and Snow Traction by Zero To Infinity in Snow

47 5.0K

Treats (cakes) for Birds by Ivan Beldiagin in Backyard

51 6.4K

Hollow Wood Surfboard - Plywood and Cedar by memestra in Beach

164 17K

Unconventional Longboard by designcoyxe in Metalworking

103 11K

Big and Small Contest
For the Home Contest
Make It Bridge

25 Comments

divadame58

9 years ago on Introduction

How creative !!! I made this when it first appeared Mine is with 2 cans no glue. I wired the cans together and all the moss and twigs also. I put it in a low growing shrub. If no bird ever uses it . I won't complain because it is so neat tucked in the branches.Thank you for the clever ideab

JKPieGuy

10 years ago on Introduction

OK, there are two things that worry me about this project,

1st: are the chemicals used safe for birds since birds have a lower tolerance to
toxins?

2nd: Did you made sure to smooth the opening of the can because the birds can
get cut when they enter and exit the can.

FrozenIce

10 years ago on Introduction

what kind of bird would fit?

Natasha Dee

11 years ago on Step 5

Anyone move in?

Melt223

11 years ago on Introduction

Maybe I'm overthinking...but I wonder if a strip of burlap inside might not give the little ones a little better purchase against the slick aluminum for when they decide to stick their necks outside. Or do you level the house when you mount it?

SIRJAMES09

11 years ago on Introduction

Bajablue, that's because nature makes sense... :)

Cloudifornia, TY for sharing! very Cool!!!

sunshiine

11 years ago on Introduction

I am making one of these for my sister! I love this.

dimtick

11 years ago on Introduction

HEY this is really cool. I've thought about using cans before but was always worried about the metal getting hot and hurting the birds. your solution fixs that problem perfectly.
couple quick comments. soda can openings can be sharp so i think you should file around the edges to smooth. I think you may want to pry out the piece on the inside and remove it for the same reason.
the other thing, I think it would be a good idea to mask off the opening before using spray adhesive to protect future inhabitants.

great instructable!!!!!
I'll be building a few of these. think it'll be a fun thing to do with my kids.