How to Make Holes Smaller in a Bird House

Larger birdhouse holes invite intrusive birds.

Birdwatchers are often disappointed when they set up birdhouses intended for bluebirds and swallows, only to discover a sparrow nest inside. House sparrows, an invasive, bullying bird species, often inhabit birdhouses intended for smaller, desirable songbirds. Making your birdhouse hole slightly smaller will allow access to bluebirds and swallows while blocking sparrows and other larger birds.

Things You'll Need

• ¼-inch-thick piece of wood
• Handsaw
• Keyhole saw
• Sandpaper
• Paint
• Wood glue

Instructions

1. Measure and mark your wood to make a square shape large enough to extend 1 inch past the present birdhouse hole in all directions.

2. Cut out the square shape with a handsaw.

3. Measure and mark a hole in the center of the wood square large enough for desired birds, but small enough to exclude invasive birds. Bluebirds and swallows need 1 1/2-inch-diameter holes, while chickadees need 1 1/8-inch-diameter holes. Check the chart on the Amish Gourds website to see the required hole sizes for other birds.

4. Cut out the hole with a keyhole saw.

5. Sand all rough edges on the wood. If desired, paint it to match your birdhouse. Let the wood dry completely before attaching it to the birdhouse.

6. Wash the area around the birdhouse hole with soap and water and let it dry.

7. Position your wood square over the current birdhouse hole so the new hole covers the old hole. Mark the placement with a pencil.

8. Glue the wood square to the birdhouse with wood glue.

References

• University of North Carolina; How to Build a Chickadee Birdhouse; John Derrick

Resources

• Amish Gourds: Birdhouse Hole Size Chart