DIY A Stylish Birdhouse With The Help Of An Old Water Pitcher

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If you're thinking about making your own home for visiting birds, you could DIY a cute birdhouse out of wood, but that's not the only option. Check your kitchen cupboards for birdhouse supplies instead! An old water pitcher transforms into a creative, clever birdhouse with a few minor modifications. If you don't have a water pitcher, check your local Buy Nothing groups, thrift stores, or nearby yard sales to pick up a project piece on the cheap. An underused teapot or even a creamer could work just as easily and may offer a little more security for your feathered friends, as the perfect-sized entry hole for the average songbird birdhouse is about 1½ inches wide or less to deter larger predators. The other main requirements for any birdhouse structure — besides being clean and bird-worthy — is that it has some drainage and ventilation holes, so you'll need a specialized drill bit like the 10-piece masonry drill bit set from Dkibbith, if you're using any type of ceramic pitcher. If you live in an area that gets extremely hot in summer, it's also a good idea to choose a pitcher that's not completely black or dark, as it may get too hot inside it for the birds. 

To make a hole to bolt the birdhouse to a tree or post, flip the pitcher and apply masking tape in an X over the center of its base. Spritz water over the area, then drill through the center of the tape. Drill slowly and check your progress regularly. When finished, remove the tape and rinse off the pitcher. You may want to just begin to puncture the base, drilling the rest of it from the inside to finish the hole. Repeat the process to make a drainage hole, this time choosing a location on whichever side of the pot becomes the bottom once the pitcher birdhouse is mounted. 

Contrary to common belief and to the video, birdhouses do not need perches, so there's no need to fabricate one. A perch makes it easier for predators and non-native species to get inside, which is not good news for any birds and eggs in the house. Cavity-dwelling birds such as bluebirds, wrens, and nuthatches are the only songbirds that generally use a birdhouse, and none need perches.

Hang the birdhouse at least 5-feet high in a shaded area to help keep predators away. For ultimate bird safety, mount the house to a tall post outfitted with a sloped predator shield, such as this baffle by Fantang. A baffle makes it difficult for raccoons, squirrels and cats to climb up to the birdhouse. If the birds aren't coming around and you need simple methods to attract songbirds to your yard, make sure the area has trees and shrubs to serve as shelter. Birds also appreciate a water source and some fresh seed. Songbirds such as bluebirds and wrens also enjoy live or dried mealworms for tasty, nutritious meals.