Birdhouse Feeder

For the Tweet Elite

Attract more birds to your garden by making this birdhouse feeder. And then transform it into an illuminated garden feature at night, simply by adding solar lights.

What you need for your Birdhouse Feeder

2 plywood pieces for sides (200 x 220 x 6 mm)
2 plywood pieces for back and front (280 x 200 x 6 mm)
1 plywood piece for base (220 x 200 x 6 mm)
1 plywood piece for roof (260 x 170 x 6 mm)
1 plywood piece for roof (260 x 165 x 6 mm)
Wood glue
20 panel pins (12 mm)
5 CCA-treated French slats (420 x 75 x 20 mm)
2 CCA-treated cleats (370 x 75 x 20 mm)
10 full-thread cut screws (4 x 30 mm)
Wood sealer (dark brown)
Sticks/cladding/twigs

Tools

Tape measure; pencil; steel ruler; speed bit 022 mm; cordless drill; jig saw; small hammer; paint brush

1 Measure and mark the front and back sections of the house (form the gables by cutting, from the midpoint of the short end of each piece, down 80 mm on each side, to form an inverted V-shape). In the front facade, cut a doorway (80 x 100 mm wide) and a 22 mm ‘emergency exit’ hole above it.

2 Apply glue to the edges of the base and fix the side panels to it using the panel pins. Do the same for the front and back – nailing them to the side pieces as well. Add the roof one side at a time, starting with the slightly wider piece. Remember to centre the roof on the structure to create an even overhang, front and back, of ±20 mm. Add the second roof piece and glue and nail it into place.

3 Seal the whole structure and allow it to dry. Cut twigs to size to clad the structure and then glue them into place.

4 Make a base for the birdhouse to sit on, by screwing CCA-treated slats onto two cleats. Then seal the base and glue a twig ‘lip’ around the edge. This will help to keep any bird seed on the veranda.

5 To install your birdhouse in situ, sink a stump or pole into the ground. Nail the base of the birdhouse to the stump and then glue the birdhouse onto the base.