How to Build a Gourd Bird House

The size of your gourd will influence the birds which will nest in it.

Bird houses have been made from dried gourds for centuries. The type of birds you will attract depends on the size of the gourd and the size of the hole.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Large gourd (dried)
• Bleach
• Dust mask
• Power drill
• 3/8 inch drill bit and 1.5 inch hole attachment
• Scrubbing pad
• Exterior spray paint
• Polyurethane sealer
• Eye screw

1. Soak the gourd in warm water with a little bleach for about an hour; make sure it is totally submerged. Dry the gourd and rub off all the mold and a layer of skin on the outside with a pot scrubber; this may take a bit of elbow grease. Underneath you will find a golden, woodlike surface. Let your gourd dry completely.

2. Put on a dust mask; the seed and mold dusts from gourds can cause respiratory problems and aggravate allergies.

3. Drill an entry hole using a power drill and a 1.5 inch hole drill attachment. Clean out the insides of the gourd; it will be full of large seeds, white paper-like fibers and dust. Use a metal spoon or putty knife to assist you in cleaning out the gourd; it doesn't have to be perfect -- the birds won't mind.

4. Drill three holes in the bottom of the birdhouse for drainage with a 3/8 inch bit. These holes will insure that rainwater does not accumulate in the bird house.

5. Cut the stem off the bird house. Screw an eye screw into the top of the birdhouse to give you a place to hang it.

6. Sealed the outside of the gourd with a polyurethane sealant to protect it from the weather. Ensure that you only paint and seal the exterior; the chemicals in the paint and polyurethane are hazardous to young birds. If you wish to decorate the outside of the birdhouse, paint it first, then seal it with the polyurethane.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add a perch using a dowel rod or branch, although this is not necessary.

• Wear a dust mask when drilling, carving or cleaning gourds.

• Leave the inside of your bird house unpainted and unsealed to protect the birds.

• Polyurethane must be used to prevent your gourd from molding and the paint from deteriorating.

References

• AmishGourds.com: Making a Gourd Bird House