Avoid 7 Common Mistakes When Building A Bird House

#woodworking #diyprojects #birdhouses
By avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to research and plan properly, you can build a birdhouse that provides a safe and comfortable nesting habitat for birds in your area.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hey this is Wes...if you have any questions or stuck on a particular project you need help with, go to www.woodworkingwithwes.com

[@jimhatch5873]

Just a minor correction - Titebond II is water *resistant*. Titebond III is their waterproof glue.

[@mariondorsett]

This is the first video I've watched that fully explained the miter cuts!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Glad you enjoyed it...thanks for watching, Wes

[@garyhenderson7389]

Nice looking design and well done on the mitre fold technique. I think most commenters have documented the mistakes ( glue, perch, etc). I would add that the hole is too big for wrens, chickadees and sparrows. 1 1/8" for wrens, 1 1/4" for chickadees and sparrows. ( In my neck of the woods, 1 1/2" is for bluebirds). Any bigger and predators are likely to invade the nest, especially with the perch. It's also helpful to double up the thickness of the portal and / or a metal portal protector. Good luck with the channel.

[@Fasciseus]

My grandfather taught me how to build birdhouses for wrens from old wood peach crates (this is back in the early 1960s). He would use a hole the size of a quarter for a wren house.

[@ronnronn55]

And I was told a 1 inch hole for finches.

[@user-ni5wh9pv8r]

This is a great-looking birdhouse! To enhance its functionality, consider drilling the entrance hole higher up and at a slight angle upwards to deter predators and allow water drainage. Additionally, ensure the bottom has the same size as the hexagon to prevent it from becoming a platform for predators. Avoid using a pole, as it can make it easier for predators to access the nest. Birds will appreciate the safer environment for raising their young.

[@richardkunicki5684]

Nice video. I am a experienced woodworker but sometimes a simple project, little material, complete quickly can be just what I need to keep working in the shop. Thanks, my wife will love it

[@papilon1958]

Brilliant,thank you.

[@katlamkatlam1994]

Happy birthday, Wes! Your working process is your best gift to us your audience. Wish i could shake your hand in person. Greetings from Siberia!

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you very much...it would wonderful to meet you as well. I appreciate your support with the channel. Wes

[@trickiejohn]

A very nice birdhouse, looks great, a good solid design and not too difficult to build. I do like it a lot 👍🤩 There are the few flaws that’s been mentioned, easy to change the design to mitigate them. Grey Squirrels do chew the edges to get at the eggs, so the comment about reinforcing the entrance is also sound. Non of these detract from a great design/build. Wes is one of my favourite you tubers, keep it up Wes 🎖️

[@w9jim]

Perches are not necessary on houses. In fact, all they really do is allow predators an easier way to enter the bird house. Best to leave them off.

[@AlanRobson-vl1ew]

7:05 Dead right and the hole needs to be less than an inch two mistakes all ready

[@rawbacon]

That a nonsensical myth that nonthinking people keep spreading online.......Actual research proves perches to be beneficial. Maybe stop and think before you post garbage that 2 seconds of thought should tell anyone with a functioning brain isn't true. What other LIES do you make a habit of posting online?

[@robertblakely8489]

as i read negative comments i cant help but wonder where are y’all’s you tube video’s? and if yall know so much why are yall watching wes? great job wes make it your own.

[@AlanRobson-vl1ew]

@@robertblakely8489 this is the first and last time I'll watch him

[@silverstake88]

​@@AlanRobson-vl1ew Where's your video? Let's critique your screwups.

[@nore8141]

My wife want this to be one of my first projects as my journey into woodworking ❤❤

[@STP6970]

Thank You I made two birdhouses yesterday for the neighbors kids.and now I have several more to build for other neighbors.Im sure I will be getting a lot of cookies 🍪 😂. I will make this style so they don’t all look the same.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Wonderful...you are a hero for the neighborhood! Wes

[@ezion67]

Looks great! The large roof will help to defend against predators. But bird species are quite picky about features of a bird house. You might want to look up things like minimum material thickness (for temperature regulation), hole size, distance of the hole to the bottom, the inner dimensions and placement of the birdhouse. This are all factors to accommodate specific species. The birds you mentioned in the video are unlikely to accept this one as a living space.

[@derrickstorm6976]

Well that's just hilariously unfortunate

[@DeereX748]

Nice bird house, simple and elegant. Why not offset the roof toward the entrance? No need for much of an eave in the back, but more overhang over the entry would help block rain and give some extra shelter to the perch. Ehen you place the hook in the ridge, set it off center just enough to balance the house to hang level.

[@peterraftery2426]

Very Impressive, thanks for promoting. I learned one should incorporate a ladder inside for chicks to climb to the entrance hole; ( several shallow saw cuts usually will suffice). I usually nail on a roof shingle to improve the durability. Wonder if that's frowned on ? Good luck Peter from Canada

[@SkullyWoodMetal]

Nice design. On the inside below the hole I put in several saw kerfs to give the babies something like a ladder to help climb out of the nest.

[@jeepien]

I think Titebond III might be the better choice for something hanging in the rain. Your thoughts?

[@robwaz1547]

Well explained on the build Wes , thanks

[@mrmoto7682]

A metal flange the size of the opening is recommended to keep predators from chewing away the entrance. Thanks for a simple and good looking design.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks for watching...I appreciate the visit. Wes

[@derrickstorm6976]

Clearly unwelcomed advice, hah

[@jaremaw2368]

@@derrickstorm6976 Why? He has a valid point. I found it the hard way. Metal flange is a must!

[@A.P.I.-2bon2b]

Thank you Wes ❤ I will make bird houses too. :)

[@Lorddarthvader1701]

New sub, this bird house looks awesome, you made this process easy to understand how to do

[@56baz]

That is brilliant ! I will try that one day fingers crossed ! Im in England and appreciate the explanation of how to make that !

[@terryrobinson3016]

Brilliant video thanks for sharing.

[@henrysara7716]

Thank you Wes

[@davepillow8478]

Cool design. It gave me some ideas for other projects.

[@victormoonsamy5338]

Enjoyed this video, Wes 😊

[@RickJones222]

Beautiful design!

[@sandhill9313]

Well done, thanks

[@mattdavis7291]

Nice vid, thanks Wes

[@mse150]

I missed the 7 Common Mistakes.

[@colinelliott5629]

They're mentioned in the replies.

[@derrickstorm6976]

​@@colinelliott5629hahaha

[@stanleygrover1685]

Thanks!

[@easttexassidehustle]

I love the design. As for your video style, I'm getting a Mr Roger's vibe. Well done sir.

[@eugeneaustin]

wes i rearly enjoyed that never thought of building a nest box like that. from the UK.👍👍👍

[@davidkimmel4216]

Really enjoyed the video

[@robinward3003]

When I lived in Calgary Alberta, we had to cut off the perch to prevent Magpies from using it to steal babies in the nest. I also reduced the diameter of the hole to 11/8" This stopped the Magpies from raiding my birdhouses. Put the hole up high off the bottom, and clean it out every year. Magpies have long beaks, and baby birds reach up, when company comes calling.

[@ILoveJesusChrist3]

So beautiful 🥰

[@AndyCarnegie]

Great video 👍

[@jamesogorman3287]

Safety Nancy here. On the miter saw, avoid cutting cross-handed as at 10:00. Whether you are right- or left-handed, practice using both hands properly on their side of the blade; avoid exposing your arm in the plane of the blade.

[@RoysTimberArtTechniques-mv6gt]

This is great might help me with my wood spirit bird boxes

[@johnchurchill786]

I think I will build one of these Wes, great video!👍👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

You should! 😀

[@AlsInd]

also, larger is not better for the little birds. it just means they have to haul more material for their nest. it is wise to stick to the guidelines. also hanging the way you are planning is not ideal either because a good wind will knock it down as will many of the predatory birds mentioned before. jays, crows, etc. harass the little birds such as chickadees and nut hatches. i am not a fan of screwing directly into the tree either. the best way is to use a belt to wrap the birdhouse. this is why this design birdhouse is never used by serious birders. we use a basic forestry design. we also generally use raw cedar. these cutesy birdhouses are mostly decorative. the birds will not choose them if the rustic ones are available.

[@dianebennett8095]

Thank you I have wanted to build a similar bird box for a while now, your Video is just what I needed to get me started. Alf🙂🙂🙂

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Glad I could help...thank you Alf for your comment. Wes

[@fredericksmith6591]

Wes up new to your channel. Love the birdhouse I am going to watch an learn.

[@ronconovoa7566]

very nice and informative video thank you

[@artesanatoreis441]

I really love this birdhouse

[@davidkehoe2893]

Love from Oz

[@gpanizzolo6090]

Muy bien explicado, como siempre. He construído algunas, de diseño simple y siempre tengo la duda en cuanto a la terminación de la madera. Pienso en cuan dañinos pueden ser los componentes de la pintura para las aves. Un abrazo. Germán, Lomas de Solymar, Uruguay.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

😀

[@gerrymcintosh4477]

Nice jobs. 🇨🇦💝🙏

[@hans-joergwahmkow2621]

Do not put a peg/perch on your birdhouse. The birds do not need it - they do just fine without it. In fact the peg makes it easier for predators.

[@ronnronn55]

I was told having a 'perch' wasn't such a good idea as it gives the predator birds a place to stand while reaching in to get at the baby birds. With the base sticking out past the walls that could allow the floor to become wet with rain and dampen the inside?? Nice exacting work on the cuts and assembly.

[@adrianlouviere7650]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thank you too...I appreciate the visit. Wes

[@cowboy930]

Very good video good explanation thanks for sharing video, Wes.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Very welcome...thanks for watching, Wes

[@randytidmore8021]

If you put a perch on it , it allows bigger birds to be able to purge on it and dig out the whole bigger or kill the babies or destroy the eggs

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks for the comment. Wes

[@Mennitti4Congress]

Nice job! 😀

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks! 😁

[@e.t.preppin7084]

Interesting,I see you cut like I do with your left arm crossing the miter saw blade path rather than switching hands to hold the workpiece when it’s to the right of the blade. Bad habit but I’ve done it 35 years having never hurt myself. I’m always very aware of relation of body parts to blades etc.

[@jimolsz8856]

I like it ❤ ,

[@arbyars.chicksawdust]

JFYI: Birds don't need a perch. In fact they would like for you to leave it off. This way when, cats, and other animals come to the bird house they one less thing to hold on too. I know it looks good.

[@A.P.I.-2bon2b]

The birds I talk to like the perch inside. And enjoy looking out the portal 🐦 to catch me by surprise 😮 Those sneaky people watchers. 🦉, AL

[@ericredbear425]

Nice split in the wall wood.... pilot holes are your friend.

[@johnwoodhouse3210]

The Bob Villa of hobby craft😊

[@raymondkirk3966]

I generally enjoy your videos and manner of presentation, Wes. But I did cringe watching you reach under the miter saw center point with your left arm to use you left hand to hold the box on the saw bed when the box was positioned to the right of the saw blade. Much safer to hold the material with your right hand and operate the saw with your left hand. Of course, the opposite is true when holding material down on the left side of the blade and operating the saw withe the right. Simple rule: don’t position body part across the plane of the saw blade.

[@ArnoldJagt]

I need a bird house consultant to design a bird friendly subdivision so I can photograph them.

[@win1885]

No perches for bluebirds

[@williba24]

The Royal Society Protection of Birds in theUK say never add a perch to the box, Magpies have access to eggs and young with the help of the perch.

[@richarddpetersen169]

Keep us posted on what kind of bird nests in the house you built.

[@YesiPleb]

I'm in the UK, have made loads of nest boxes for wildlife conservation groups and for people in my community and given them away for free. I've watched your video out of interest to see what these mistakes people make and you've actually made a massive mistake early on by adding a perch. Birds don't need perches, that's something WE have added to make them "look cute" and to help solve a problem that doesn't exist and actually helps to create a bigger problem. You see, birds have this insane ability to get themselves into small holes all by themselves and don't need a perch to help them. That perch creates a larger problem in that it helps predatory birds to have somewhere to sit while they peck the hell out of the entrance to get in and raid the nest. Not only birds but other animals. Please remove that perch! I'm going to continue watching the video and see what else is mentioned. Second mistake you've made - added a platform at the bottom. Anything to help anything position itself on the bird box is a big no. Whenever I made nest boxes I cut the base to fit inside. I pre-drill holes and use screws and glue so the screws go in horizontally adding more strength. Think of how a box is made, you don't have the screws for the base going in vertically as there's scope for the top or bottom to be pulled off. Depending on how I feel, when the glue has dried I may later remove them and drill holes and glue in dowels to minimise the non-organic materials in the structure. I'm at the end of the video and you've not drilled any holes into the base to aid drainage. You may think this is not needed but during times of heavy rain water has an ability to get inside and after time, if you've secured the roof (mistake number 4 you've made!) you can't get in to clean it out which can be especially important to cleanse it for possible mite infestations. As it can't be cleaned inside, gaps can close up so any water that may get in can pool. Lastly, no mention of type of wood to use (especially for those recycling free wood like that from pallets which may come into contact with chemicals), no mention of advising people not to use tanalised/pressure treated wood (highly toxic to lots of wildlife) and no mention of using an animal safe certified water based paint as many chemicals are toxic. I like to use raw linseed oil to cover mine, keeping them natural looking (after all, I'm making these for the birds, not myself!) and never use boiled linseed oil as that contains chemicals toxic to birds.

[@Spiracribe]

He did add drainage holes, and the base is held by screws so he can clean it (as mentioned in the video). He also mentions he does not use paint or lacker to avoid toxic stuff and chemicals, you have some good points, just felt like clarifying that those have been addressed in the video. Continue doing charity work I'm sure a lot of birds appreciate your work!

[@Wilczek2]

Nice birdhouse. I would use waterproof glue to screw in the hook on the roof or it might rot away and fall out.

[@herbsu4330]

You included some of the requirements but left out: clean out, ways for fledlings to climb out. orientation, mounting height, height of opening from floor. Without clean out you are putting whatever bird might inhabit in an unhealthy place.

[@josephconsuegra6420]

No Stimpy? They usually run with Wren’s.

[@user-zp1pz7wj2t]

Instead of the peg on the outside there should be a small shelf /perch just under the hole on the inside, hole should be 25mm

[@austin2842]

I was told that the perch is a bad idea. Readon being that the nesting birds don't need or even use them. But the predator birds do. They use it to stand on, poke their besks in, and when a chick reaches up to feed, they grab one.

[@mokedokie]

Unfortunately there are several problems with this plan. Never put a perch on a bird box. The perch allows predators to reach into the box. Never paint or stain boxes because they can be toxic to birds. The access hole is too big and should be towards the top not the middle. 1 1/2" 'to 1 5/8" is correct. There should 3-4 kerf cuts made below the access hole inside and out. The inside kerf cuts help babies get out when they fledge. There should also be a predator block over the access hole to prevent predators from reaching in and taking eggs or chicks.

[@MrOldclunker]

Perches just attract English Sparrows! NO PERCH!If you want your bottoms to last longer, recess your bottom up into the house about 1/2" . Moisture will not rot the bottom out as fast. It's always good to put a hardware raised floor by cutting a wider piece of hardware cloth and bending the edges down. This prevents the blow fly from preying on the young. The larva are blood suckers and will kill the chicks. But if you put the false bottom in, the larva come up at night and go back down inot the nesting material and fall through the wire and cannot get back up.

[@dogbreath6974]

It would be safer to clamp the wood down when using a large drill bit, also some safety glasses.

[@pauldziedzic5808]

When cutting the roof (8:58) What is the angle? 30 degrees?

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Yes...it is 30 degrees. Thanks for watching! Wes

[@gregcorrell396]

I saw your glue bottle said titebond II on it isn’t it titebond III that’s waterproof

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Thanks for the correction ! Wes

[@mariehooper3102]

Boy,there are a lot of critics on here! Just do it the way you want to😀.

[@husshuss1874]

Where are the measurements??

[@chipsatterly4902]

English Sparrows are an aggressive and invasive species that drive out many other desirable birds. They constantly try to drive out my Bluebirds from nesting boxes.

[@patshipp9195]

💖💖🙏🙏👍👍👍👍🙏🙏💖💖

[@nevillewalker6299]

I am fortunate as I have access to a lot of hollow logs. I turn these into bird boxes, pretty simple sloping lid which over hangs the hole, I use stock board(plastic) and then close the bottom with another board. I open up the inner area a bit if it is a litle tight. I have one on our yard fence, put there four weeks ago and already have a pair of blue tits using it. It looks natural. Saying that this guy makes some nice boxes. Blue tits in the UK I use an inch for the hole and round it off a bit inside and out.

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Sounds great....thanks for the comment. Wes

[@GWAIHIRKV]

Make it eight - don’t screw into end grain. . .

[@frankstoverpurebloodsaltya6441]

Wrap it I rubber bands

[@dangilbertville2577]

You just allowed House Sparrows to take over Wren nests with your huge hole. Where did you do your research? A 1 and 1/2 inch hole is big enough for Starlings which also kills nestlings.

[@A.P.I.-2bon2b]

I didn't miss one mistake I have made them all. Like that one time... 😮 And then... Oh, yeah and that too. But, at least I got the book 📚 and when the power went out and I couldn't use my cell phone to save me. I stood on that book and reached the portal 😮 barely but, I reached it. Whew 😅 Now, how come I didn't put that perch in when I built this? I don't remember. AL 🐦 🧠

[@capnchip]

Putting the bird house next to a feeder is never going to work. Would you choose a house in McDonald's parking lot?

[@shirleyk6009]

Does he really do anything in that very clean shop

[@WoodworkingWithWes]

Hi...as all good woodworkers know, a clean shop is more productive. 😀Thanks, Wes

[@charinabottae]

From reading the comments, I'm reminded how so many bird enthusiasts are such antisocial faux-know-it-all snobs!

[@joegiotta7580]

Those are not 60 degrees. They are obviously more than 90 degrees. I think you're confusing complimentary/supplementary angles. The internal angles of right hexagon are all 120 degrees. As others have pointed out the errors with the bird aspect(hole size glue, perch, etc.), I wanted to chime in. It is recommended to put either serrations in the wood or a small piece of wire mesh inside the house below the hole. It is very difficult for birds to grab smooth wood. They need something that enables them to climb out of the house, especially a tall design like this.

[@stevencraven4897]

360 degrees is the angle of the CUT, resulting in a 60 degree outside angle of the joint against the face; that results in a 120 degree interior angle.

[@joegiotta7580]

⁠ 360° is the angle of the cut? Are you sure you wouldn’t like to try that again? He said he was cutting at 30°. And combining them would create an angle of 60°. And 6×60 is 360 which is the total degrees inside. All of that is incorrect in terms of creating a hexagonal tube.. That was my point.

[@jimbennett7283]

safety glasses and hearing protection?

[@mortenmyhrmoen7592]

🇳🇴👍👍

[@MrBobWareham]

The bottom should be inside so the water drips away so you don't get a wet floor and dead chicks!!!

[@QSSCEO]

Kenny Roger's?

[@nridgeway1662]

Apparently the first mistake was not wearing safety glasses while operating a table saw.

[@user-vq5dh9uc4s]

Caution: You made me very nervous when cutting the roof angles on the glued-up hexagon birdhouse. Your hands were, in my opinion, crossed in a dangerous fashion. My practice, which I recommend to you, is to hold any work extending to the RIGHT of the chop saw blade with your RIGHT hand. It is not difficult to operate the chop saw trigger with your left hand. You do not want to "cross your hands" when operating a chop saw. I realize you are right handed, and naturally want to operate the trigger with your right hand, but it creates an awkward ( and dangerous) situation.. Please accept this comment, as it is intended- a safety first suggestion.. Keep sharing more great project tips, projects, etc.

[@user-mi3kw9uf5d]

Where's your safety glasses?

[@louislandi938]

Ever watch a bird building a next? They aren’t very fussy.

[@marekmarecki9694]

7 poważnych błędów: 1- za duży otwór wlotowy w stosunku do wielkości całego domku. 2- otwór wlotowy stanowczo za nisko. 3- za płytki otwór wlotowy, ma tylko 2 cm, a powinien być grubości 2 lub 3 desek, czyli 6 centymetrów. 4- brak otwieranej ścianki w celu czyszczenia domku co roku. 5- patyczek niepotrzebny ptakom, a ułatwia kunom i kotom rabunek gniazda. 6- wystające z przodu dno domku, kuny i koty mają ułatwione zadanie. 7- zamocowanie domku na haczyku spowoduje ciągłe bujanie na wietrze, czy ptaki to lubią? Sorry, ale wywieszenie tego domku nie pomoże ptakom, tylko stanowi dla nich i potomstwa śmiertelne zagrożenie. Pozdrawiam

[@grahamlongley8298]

First mistake for a public video is not having a guard over the saw blade. Stupid thing to do.

[@alanhughes5868]

Scotch is 3M.

[@kennethhudson8013]

Perches are a no no, allows predators to come in