How to Build a Martin Bird House With a Gourd

White gourds are suitable for creating a purple martin house.

Purple martins are a favorite species of many Americans. Accessible, manageable housing helps to attract the birds to your yard. Gourds can be used in addition to the standard "apartment" style housing. Using the gourds as housing for the species proves beneficial for both bird and human. They are easy to maintain and clean, while still being functional dwellings for these beautiful swallows. Although the process is slightly time consuming, the end result hopefully pays off with a nesting family.

Things You'll Need

• Dried, cleaned gourd
• Jigsaw
• Hole saw
• Drill
• Copper sulfate (root killer)
• 4 1/2 inch cylinder with cap (or 4 1/2 inch diameter plastic container with a plastic, screw-on lid, such as a peanut butter container)
• Adhesive caulk
• White primer
• White house paint

Instructions

Creating the Birdhouse

1. Draw a crescent shape on one side of your gourd, approximately 1/2 inch from the "floor" of the gourd. Use a ruler to make sure the bottom of the crescent is 3 inches long and the height is 1 3/16 inches. Cut the crescent shape out with the jigsaw.

2. Use the hole saw to create a 4 1/2 inch hole on the back side of the gourd.

3. Soak the gourd in a solution of one pound copper sulfate to five gallons of water for approximately 20 minutes. Copper sulfate helps to preserve the gourd. Dry completely after soaking.

4. Drill four small holes in the bottom of the gourd for drainage. Drill one hole at the top of the gourd for hanging.

5. Cut off the bottom of the 4 1/2 inch capped cylinder, leaving about 1/2 inch of the container. Place the container in the clean-out hole on the back of the gourd. Make sure the cut end is flush with the gourd.

6. Apply adhesive caulk around the edge of the cylinder. Use a wet finger to smooth the bead of caulk. Allow to set.

7. Paint a coat of primer on the gourd. Allow to dry. Follow with a coat of white, exterior house paint. Allow to dry. The gourd can now be hung.

Tips & Warnings

• The capped cylinder allows for easy clean-out at the end of the season. It is also useful to remove competitive species if needed. The gourd should have an interior compartment of at least 6 inches by 6 inches, however, 7 inches by 12 inches is preferred by the birds, according to the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

• Wear a respirator while painting and mixing the copper sulfate.

References

• Amish Gourds: Making Natural Gourds into Purple Martin Houses
• Purple Martin Conservation Association: Standards for Purple Martin Housing

Resources

• Purple Martin Conservation Association: How to Attract and Manage Purple Martins