Taking Care of a Unfinished, Wooden Birdhouse

TOP WILD BIRD PRODUCTS

Taking care of your unfinished, wooden birdhouseis not only important for the health and well being of the birds that will live in it, but also makes your unfinished, wooden birdhouse last longer.  An unfinished, wooden birdhouse will need some care before you hang it outside for the birds to use.  If you buy or have an unfinished, wooden birdhouse, here are some tips to follow when taking care of your unfinished, wooden birdhouse to make it safe for the birds and to help it last longer:

  • Inside of the Birdhouse. It is not a good idea to paint the inside of your unfinished, wooden birdhouse.  Paint can be toxic to birds and can chip and crack, which can get into the bird’s nest, food, etc.  In addition, the inside texture of the wood should smooth and never sticky because it can harm the bird’s feathers and more.
  • Outside of the Birdhouse. When taking care of the outside of the unfinished, wooden birdhouse, you may want to paint it or use a waterproof varnish for a more natural look.  If you decide to paint it, use a non-toxic paint that is made for outdoor use and avoid using a dark paint, such as black or dark brown or blue.  A dark or black paint will cause the birdhouse to heat up in the sun and make the birdhouse to hot inside for the birds.  If you want your unfinished, wooden birdhouse to blend in better with nature, use earth-tone colors in a weather-resistant paint for a more natural look.  When using a waterproof vanish, use a marine varnish or another type of varnish that will not become sticky under the hot sun.  Give the back or sides an extra coat if the back or sides will be touching a tree or wall.