how to make a bird feeder from plywood
In winter, our feathered friends need feeding. This article presents a selection of master classes on how to make a bird feeder from plywood . Why plywood? Yes, many do not approve of this material, rain, snow, dampness do their job, however, if you make a good roof and paint it, it will be enough for one or two seasons. But there are plenty of advantages: making a bird feeder from plywood with your own hands is not at all difficult, and aesthetically they look much nicer than most products made from scrap materials. Plywood is a universal material; it can be bent, shaped into different shapes, small decorative parts can be cut, for example, tiles for the roof of a feeder and much more. In addition, you can use diagrams and drawings of a bird feeder made of plywood , which will help you make beautiful models. Check out these 20 examples, from simple plywood feeders for beginners to true masterpieces of carpentry. There is everything you need here - diagrams, drawings, master classes with step-by-step photos, links to sources with instructions. Good luck.
Features of work
Different materials can be used to make birdhouses, from wood to large plastic bottles. But it is much easier to do this from plywood. First you need to draw a diagram of the future structure to find out the dimensions of the roof and walls. You will need a finished drawing of a birdhouse.
Making a birdhouse with your own hands
At the preparatory stage, it is also necessary to think about what species of birds the structure will be designed for. After all, birds differ in size from each other, so if the bird house is intended for starlings, then the hole needs to be made small, like the structure itself. Larger birds, such as wagtails, require a larger house.
Birdhouse manufacturing plan
The finished birdhouse should not only be easy to manufacture, but also comfortable for birds, so its design should include a removable roof and a reliable bottom. We must not forget about the entrance - a special hole for birds through which they enter and exit the house. A removable roof is needed so that when it is removed, you can clean the birdhouse. Removing the roof can also add bird food or change the water.
DIY birdhouse
Tools and materials
If you work strictly according to the finished scheme when making a birdhouse, then the birds in the birdhouse will be able to not only eat, but also lay eggs. In order for the work to proceed as quickly and efficiently as possible, first you need to prepare all the materials and tools:
- ready-made birdhouse diagram with dimensions;
What tools are needed for the job?
- a simple pencil or marker for making marks on the material;
- tape measure, ruler or other measuring device;
- hacksaw (if you have an electric jigsaw, this will greatly facilitate the work process);
- small nails;
- glue for working with wood products;
- electric drill;
- hammer;
- a set of special parts for decorating the finished birdhouse;
- work gloves and robe.
How to make a birdhouse with your own hands
Don’t forget to also prepare the main material for the birdhouse – plywood. Once everything you need is at hand, you can get to work.
Plywood birdhouse
Blueprints
A feeder is created for one purpose - to feed the birds. The design is so simple that there is no point in developing a full-fledged drawing.
For crafts there are no strict requirements regarding shape and size. These parameters are determined individually based on the available material.
However, it is also impossible to build a feeder that is too large or small. It will cause discomfort to the birds and the owner himself during maintenance.
It is optimal to maintain the width, length and height within the range of 250-300 mm. For clarity, several diagrams of the simplest feeders are presented. Such houses are most often cut out of plywood.
A standard square-shaped house is complicated by a hipped roof
The blind ends of the house with a gable roof protect birds from the freezing wind in winter
In a simplified scheme, the gable roof of the house is fixed to racks of slats
Types of birdhouses
There are many different designs of bird houses, differing in size, shape and complexity of manufacture. But it is worth highlighting the most common species that can most often be seen on trees.
Types of birdhouses
Table. Main types of birdhouses.
Birdhouse name, photo | Description |
Titmouse | A classic birdhouse design designed to house small birds. We are talking about tits, sparrows and small owls. Chickadees attach themselves to trees at great heights. |
Poluduplyanka | A small house designed for songbirds such as redstarts, robins and wagtails. The design has a large hole, larger in size than the hole of the titmouse. |
flycatcher | A small closed structure with an opening designed for small birds. The flycatcher is significantly inferior to other types of birdhouses in size. |
Duplyanka | An artificial bird nest made from knocked down boards or hollowed out from a small piece of wood. The product is intended for birds such as owls and jackdaws. |
House "rhombus" | Another type of birdhouse, made in the shape of a diamond. As a rule, such houses are not nailed to a tree, but are suspended from a branch with small ropes. The “diamond” house is made for rogues. |
Saraichik | A simple rectangular structure made of wood or plywood. Reminds me of a shoe box. The sheds are intended for wagtails. |
Note! Before starting the work process, you need to study several design options and choose the most suitable one. Only after this can you think about the work plan and prepare the necessary materials.
How to paint a bird feeder made of plywood
Coloring adds aesthetics to the craft and protects the plywood from moisture. However, birds do not like bright colors. They scare them away. The feeders are painted in natural shades of blue and green. Classic white or gray color is acceptable. If you want patterns, it is better to draw leaves, flowers or an image of a bird.
Safe acrylic paints are used for painting.
Enamels containing chemical solvents are not used; they are toxic to birds. Acrylic paints are used for painting. Can be mixed with PVA glue. Painting with such a mixture will create an additional protective layer from moisture in the form of a film.
Advice! It is better not to paint the roof, but to cover it with moisture-resistant material.