Feeding birds has several advantages: on the one hand, you make it easier for the animals to search for food, on the other hand, you can observe robins, tits and sparrows up close. For this reason, the Naturschutzbund Deutschland e. V. (Nabu) also sees bird feeding as a combination of nature experience and environmental education – even though it has nothing in common with the protection of endangered species, “since it is almost exclusively species that benefit from it that are less endangered and that have been equipped by nature in such a way that their stocks can also cold winters cannot be permanently reduced.” Therefore, wild birds should only be fed in the cold season, more precisely from November to the end of February. In spring and summer, the animals find enough food – this also applies to mild winters.
According to Nabu, a birdhouse should always be hung in such a way that it is protected from moisture and predators such as cats or martens – and gives you a clear view of the feeding area. Nevertheless, it is important for the animals to be able to flee into surrounding trees or bushes in the event of imminent danger. Therefore, choosing the right location is crucial when choosing a hanging birdhouse. “Make sure that nearby panes of glass do not become deadly traps for the birds. Avoid looking through or reflecting in your windows. Stick any stickers or patterns on dangerous panes from the outside,” the German Nature Conservation Union also points out.
Most models are made from real wood, MDF, or metal. However, the most important requirement for a hanging bird house is that the animals cannot walk around and defecate in it. “In this way you minimize the transmission and spread of pathogens. In addition, the feed does not spoil in it,” explains the Nabu the background. In the following we present five models in more detail.
1. Bird house made of pine fir
According to the manufacturer, this bird house from Wilder Herz is made of 100 percent weatherproof and untreated solid wood (18 mm thick), more precisely it is FSC-certified pinnacle fir. The house can be filled with birdseed via the front flap. With additional hooks on the outside, fat balls can also be attached to it, for example.
2. Bird house made of pine wood
This dobar birdhouse is made from weatherproof pine wood and impregnated with a colored glaze. In the middle there is a silo made of UV-resistant acrylic glass, through which you put the feed. According to the manufacturer, the model should be reminiscent of the traditional architectural style so that it fits into any modern design environment. The house is fastened with a tear-resistant cord.
3. Plastic Bird House
This granite-colored model from Emsa made of weather-resistant and easy-to-clean plastic (UV-resistant) was kept in a modern country house style. According to the manufacturer, the bird house can fulfill different functions all year round: either it serves as a food source for litter and suet balls – or as a bird bath in summer. The model can either be hung up or attached to the wall of the house in the gable.
4. Stainless steel bird house
This bird house (more precisely, the food in it) in a simple design is to be protected from rain and moisture by an extra large roof ledge. Crafted from shiny stainless steel, dobar’s model can be hung in a tree or attached to a wall with a metal wire.
5. Fir wood kit
Unlike the other birdhouses we’ve featured, this one from Royal Gardineer requires hand assembly. The scope of delivery includes (almost) everything you need: varnished fir wood cuts, screws, cords and roofing felt. You only need to add a Phillips screwdriver for a smooth assembly.
If you want to build a birdhouse to hang up yourself, you only need a few accessories – such as wooden boards (made of spruce, fir or pine) and a strip, Plexiglas, nails or wood screws, screws (with wood thread) and a tear-resistant cord or a stable one Rope. This video clearly explains how to assemble the individual parts step by step:
A suitable assembly instruction can be found here.
Source: NABU
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