Wren Birdhouse

Wren Birdhouse

There are about twenty eight species and subspecies of wrens. All the wren birds build their nest in cavities such as the ones provided by my Wren birdhouse except maybe the marsh wren. The wren is typically the first bird to build a nest in any of your birdhouses. They are not picky at all as long as they have shelter from the rain and the sun.

It was suggested that the wren birdhouse should be about 5 inches x 5 inches x 7inches with the 7 inches being the depth. The entrance hole should be 1 inch in diameter and placed in the upper half of the front of the birdhouse. The 1 inch entrance is to prevent larger birds from taking up residence. The Wren birdhouse should be placed about six feet up to posts, buildings, fences, or trees in sunny spots.

I found a large piece of barn wood that was getting ready to be tossed in the trash by my neighbor so I thought it would make an excellent wren birdhouse.  I measured the board and marked out all the pieces to cut.

Barn Wood

I cut the wood on my table saw. Remember to to follow all the safety instructions that came with your tools and always wear safety goggles.  The two large pieces on the left top are the roof pieces and are 8 inches by 6 1/2 inches.  The left two bottom pieces are the front and back and are 5 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches.  The top right two pieces are the bottom pieces and are 5 1/2 by 5 1/2. Later on I cut one of the bottom pieces down 1 inch to account for overlapping.

Wren Birdhouse Wood Cut

I made a 1 1/2 inch hole 2 inches from the top of the wren birdhouses front.  Notice that the wren birdhouse hole size should be 1 inch but my 1 inch bit was broken so I made it 1 1/2 inches.  I used a board behind the front piece when drilling.  This is to prevent the bit from drilling into my table saw.

Wren Birdhouse Hole Size

I started assembling the wren birdhouse by nailing the front and back pieces to the left bottom piece.  I put them on a flat surface when nailing to keep them aligned.

Wren Birdhouse Assembly

I nailed on the back mounting piece and the top piece.  The back mounting piece was a little short and should have been at least another inch or so long at the top so I removed it and cut another one.

Wren Birdhouse Top

The second top piece was nailed into place. Notice that this top piece was cut one board thickness shorter than the other top piece so that both overhangs would match.

Wren Birdhouse Top Nailed On

The second bottom piece will open and close so that I can clean out my wren birdhouse in the fall.  I used a drill to make the holes and then nail the nails into the wood on the second bottom piece to act like a hinge.

Wren Birdhouse Hinge

Here is the second bottom piece with the holes drilled and nails in place.

Wren Birdhouse Hinged Door

I drilled a hole in the bottom of the hinged door and put a screw to hold it shut.

Wren Birdhouse Door Screw

Now the wren birdhouse gets a coat of primer.

Wren Birdhouse Primed

Two coats of yellow paint are put on the front and bottom pieces with the edges painted white.

Wren Birdhouse Yellow Paint

I cut some shingles for the top of my birdhouse.  Be very careful when cutting shingles with a knife.  I scored the back of the shingle with the knife and then snap the shingle off.

Wren Birdhouse Shingles

I’m attaching the shingles with these small black tacks that I got at the local hardware store.

Shingle Nails

The shingles are now in place.

Wren Birdhouse Shingles

I added at cap by nailing on several small overlapping shingles.

Wren Birdhouse Roof Cap

Within the first week of hanging this wren birdhouse we had a little bird move in.

Bird on Birdhouse