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
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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.
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.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Man, you make it look so easy. I love your method of the accordion style clamps. It's so simple. I wish I could come up with easy innovated tricks like that.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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?
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.
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 🎖️
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
I made a birdhouse out of cedar many years ago, and squirrels chewed away at the hole until it was big enough they could get in and eat the chicks. :( If I put a metal guard over the entrance hole, will the birds still be able to grip it and get in w/o a perch? (I suspect they can because there will still be wood there too) Or perhaps I can make the front panel out of oak next time. Also, should there be a perch on the *inside* to help the fledglings get out?
If you don’t mind my mentioning,the perch should be accessible both inside and outside especially with it being so deep. A bird can’t get out with wings spread and has no way out. I mention only because it was something my grade 6 teacher taught me over 50 years ago and never forgot.lol.great video…
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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.
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.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play. Take care you don’t unintentionally also enable predators with roof modifications.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
A word of caution… Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Now that bird house turned out very nice! I like the the miter cuts. The roof looks a little tricky LOL. Do you think it would be ok to build it out of a cedar picket board? I have made a few bird houses out of cedar pocket boards and I have given them away to family members. I'm going to do one like this next. Thanks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
YOU ARE SO RIGHT…and it’s an IMPORTANT concern, unless you’re looking to indulge a masochistic mental illness. It’s disturbing that he hasn’t actually REVISED the video…or at a minimum, revised the video description. 😢😢😢
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.
Hi. Watched this video because I was bored! Seeing the video I immediately built 2 of them. Had birds nesting within 2 weeks fantastic! of course they are gone. Time to clean out. My success was no perch and 1-1/8" hole
Scotch tape is owned by 3m Also turbine 2 is water resistant 3 is waterproof. I use 3 for anything that’s going to stay outside. 2 for things that might accidentally be left out is the weather
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.
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.
Great show Wes but as people have already mentioned, you don't need the perch and you it's important that the holes are the correct size. One little niggle Wes, why the watch on your wrist while woodworking with power tools etc?🤔👍
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.
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 🐦 🧠
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.
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.
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.
Hey this is Wes...if you have any questions or stuck on a particular project you need help with, go to
www.woodworkingwithwes.com
I like your creativity, thanks
@@WoodworkingTop535 Thank you!! Wes
A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window. Please do not put perches on birdhouses.
But there are other important concerns. If you care about the birds…PLEASE READ THE IMPORTANT POST by @YesiPleb included in the comments.
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
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Just a minor correction - Titebond II is water *resistant*. Titebond III is their waterproof glue.
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
This is the first video I've watched that fully explained the miter cuts!
Glad you enjoyed it...thanks for watching, Wes
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
@@rrbb36 lol "foul play"... I get it.
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.
Wonderful...you are a hero for the neighborhood! Wes
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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.
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.
And I was told a 1 inch hole for finches.
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul
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!
Thank you very much...it would wonderful to meet you as well. I appreciate your support with the channel. Wes
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Man, you make it look so easy. I love your method of the accordion style clamps. It's so simple. I wish I could come up with easy innovated tricks like that.
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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.
7:05 Dead right and the hole needs to be less than an inch two mistakes all ready
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?
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.
@@robertblakely8489 this is the first and last time I'll watch him
@@AlanRobson-vl1ew Where's your video? Let's critique your screwups.
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 🎖️
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Brilliant video thanks for sharing.
My wife want this to be one of my first projects as my journey into woodworking ❤❤
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Cool design. It gave me some ideas for other projects.
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.
Thanks for watching...I appreciate the visit. Wes
Clearly unwelcomed advice, hah
@@derrickstorm6976 Why? He has a valid point. I found it the hard way. Metal flange is a must!
I made a birdhouse out of cedar many years ago, and squirrels chewed away at the hole until it was big enough they could get in and eat the chicks. :( If I put a metal guard over the entrance hole, will the birds still be able to grip it and get in w/o a perch? (I suspect they can because there will still be wood there too) Or perhaps I can make the front panel out of oak next time.
Also, should there be a perch on the *inside* to help the fledglings get out?
wes i rearly enjoyed that never thought of building a nest box like that. from the UK.👍👍👍
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🙂🙂🙂
Glad I could help...thank you Alf for your comment. Wes
I love this. I made something similar on my channel with a cedar fence picket.
Beautiful design!
If you don’t mind my mentioning,the perch should be accessible both inside and outside especially with it being so deep. A bird can’t get out with wings spread and has no way out. I mention only because it was something my grade 6 teacher taught me over 50 years ago and never forgot.lol.great video…
I think I will build one of these Wes, great video!👍👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥🔥
You should! 😀
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Thank you Wes ❤
I will make bird houses too. :)
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Brilliant,thank you.
Well explained on the build Wes , thanks
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
That is brilliant ! I will try that one day fingers crossed ! Im in England and appreciate the explanation of how to make that !
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
New sub, this bird house looks awesome, you made this process easy to understand how to do
I really love this birdhouse
I love the design. As for your video style, I'm getting a Mr Roger's vibe. Well done sir.
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.
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Thanks!
Nice vid, thanks Wes
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
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Enjoyed this video, Wes 😊
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.
😀
Really enjoyed the video
Well done, thanks
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.
Well that's just hilariously unfortunate
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Thank you Wes
So beautiful 🥰
Love from Oz
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.
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play. Take care you don’t unintentionally also enable predators with roof modifications.
very nice and informative video thank you
Great video 👍
This is great might help me with my wood spirit bird boxes
Wes up new to your channel. Love the birdhouse I am going to watch an learn.
I missed the 7 Common Mistakes.
They're mentioned in the replies.
@@colinelliott5629hahaha
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
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
Thanks for the comment. Wes
Very good video good explanation thanks for sharing video, Wes.
Very welcome...thanks for watching, Wes
Nice job, I found your video very informative. I can't wait to try building ours.
Have fun...thank you for your kind words! Wes
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
I think Titebond III might be the better choice for something hanging in the rain. Your thoughts?
A word of caution…
Please do not add perches!! A perch on a birdhouse is like building a stair outside your bedroom window…an open invitation for foul play.
Hi there liked the video when you cut the bird house for the roof what was the angle to set the mitre saw up please thanks
Now that bird house turned out very nice! I like the the miter cuts. The roof looks a little tricky LOL. Do you think it would be ok to build it out of a cedar picket board? I have made a few bird houses out of cedar pocket boards and I have given them away to family members. I'm going to do one like this next. Thanks
Yes...it is easily done with cedar picket. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video. Wes
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.
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.
The Bob Villa of hobby craft😊
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.
Nice job! 😀
Thanks! 😁
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.
Nice split in the wall wood.... pilot holes are your friend.
I need a bird house consultant to design a bird friendly subdivision so I can photograph them.
Nice jobs. 🇨🇦💝🙏
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.
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.
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
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.
Very nice. Thank you.
Thank you too...I appreciate the visit. Wes
Boy,there are a lot of critics on here! Just do it the way you want to😀.
I like it ❤ ,
Keep us posted on what kind of bird nests in the house you built.
I make Woodspirit bird houses don’t have a perch and hole is at least 5 inches from the bottom of the birdhouse
No perches for bluebirds
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.
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!
YOU ARE SO RIGHT…and it’s an IMPORTANT concern, unless you’re looking to indulge a masochistic mental illness. It’s disturbing that he hasn’t actually REVISED the video…or at a minimum, revised the video description. 😢😢😢
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.
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.
Hi. Watched this video because I was bored! Seeing the video I immediately built 2 of them. Had birds nesting within 2 weeks fantastic! of course they are gone. Time to clean out. My success was no perch and 1-1/8" hole
That is awesome! So glad the video was helpful, and yes, glad you eliminated the perch and made the hole 1 1/8". I did learn my lesson with that 😀 Wes
No Stimpy? They usually run with Wren’s.
Nice birdhouse. I would use waterproof glue to screw in the hook on the roof or it might rot away and fall out.
Scotch tape is owned by 3m
Also turbine 2 is water resistant 3 is waterproof. I use 3 for anything that’s going to stay outside. 2 for things that might accidentally be left out is the weather
Thank you for your comment I really appreciate the input. Wes
Dimensions seem quite Masonic 🤔🤔🤔just an observation. I love making bird houses. Another great video.
From reading the comments, I'm reminded how so many bird enthusiasts are such antisocial faux-know-it-all snobs!
I thought you shouldn't put a perch because predators can use it to get at the occupants?
4. a smooth interior on the hole board so the bird can't climb out.
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
7 mistakes when building bird houses 1 a large hole for predators, 2. a perch for the same. 3. a hole that is to low.
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.
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.
I saw your glue bottle said titebond II on it isn’t it titebond III that’s waterproof
Thanks for the correction ! Wes
Where are the measurements??
Great show Wes but as people have already mentioned, you don't need the perch and you it's important that the holes are the correct size. One little niggle Wes, why the watch on your wrist while woodworking with power tools etc?🤔👍
It would be safer to clamp the wood down when using a large drill bit, also some safety glasses.
Where's your safety glasses?
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.
When cutting the roof (8:58) What is the angle? 30 degrees?
Yes...it is 30 degrees. Thanks for watching! Wes
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 🐦 🧠
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.
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.
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.
Does he really do anything in that very clean shop
Hi...as all good woodworkers know, a clean shop is more productive. 😀Thanks, Wes
Make it eight - don’t screw into end grain. . .
Wrap it I rubber bands
Putting the bird house next to a feeder is never going to work. Would you choose a house in McDonald's parking lot?
safety glasses and hearing protection?