Hanging bird house: How to help birds in winter

feeding station
Do you want to hang a birdhouse? This is what you should know about it in advance

In the cold winter months, finding food is not always easy for wild birds. To ensure that tits, sparrows and robins find enough food, you can help the animals search and hang a bird feeder in the garden or on the balcony. There are a few points to consider.

Feeding birds has several advantages: on the one hand, you make it easier for the animals to find food, and on the other hand, you can observe robins, tits and sparrows up close. For this reason, the Nature Conservation Association Germany e. V (Nabu) bird feeding is also a combination of nature experience and environmental education – although it has nothing in common with the protection of endangered species, “since it almost exclusively benefits less threatened species that have been equipped by nature in such a way that their populations do not survive cold winters be permanently reduced.” That’s why you should only feed wild birds in the cold season, more precisely from November to the end of February. The animals find enough food in spring and summer – this also applies to mild winters.

The right location: This is what you should know

According to Nabu, a bird house 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 escape into surrounding trees or bushes when danger threatens. Therefore, choosing the right location is crucial when choosing a hanging birdhouse. “Make sure that nearby glass panes do not become deadly traps for the birds. Avoid seeing through or reflecting in your windows. Stick any stickers or patterns on dangerous panes from the outside,” the German Nature Conservation Association also points out.

Hanging birdhouse: 5 models in comparison

Most models are made from real wood, MDF or metal. However, the most important requirement for a hanging birdhouse is that the animals cannot walk around in it and defecate. “In this way, you minimize the transmission and spread of pathogens. In addition, the food does not spoil,” explains Nabu. Below we will introduce you to five models in more detail.

1. Birdhouse made from pintail fir

According to the manufacturer this birdhouse from Wild Animal Heart made of 100 percent weatherproof and natural solid wood (18 mm thick), more precisely, it is FSC-certified fir. The house can be filled with bird food via the front flap. With additional hooks on the outside, fat balls can also be attached to it, for example.

2. Pine wood birdhouse

This birdhouse from dobar was 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 add the food. According to the manufacturer, the model is intended to be reminiscent of the traditional architectural style so that it fits into any modern environment. The house is attached using a tear-resistant cord.

3. Plastic birdhouse

Also this granite colored one Emsa model Made of weather-resistant and easy-to-clean plastic (UV-resistant) it 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 scattered food and suet balls – or as a bird bath in summer. The model can either be hung or attached to the house wall in the gable.

4. Stainless steel birdhouse

This simple design birdhouse (or more precisely the food in it) is protected from rain and moisture by an extra large roof projection. The one made of shiny stainless steel Model by dobar Can be hung in a tree with a metal wire or attached to a wall.

5. Fir wood kit

Unlike the other birdhouses we have presented to you, this one has to be from Royal Curtainer must first be assembled by hand. The scope of delivery includes (almost) everything you need: lacquered fir wood cuts, screws, cords and roofing felt. For smooth assembly, all you need to do is add a Phillips screwdriver.

Instructions: How to Build Your Own Bird Feeder

If you want to build a hanging bird house 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 a wooden thread) and a tear-resistant cord or a sturdy one Rope. This video clearly explains how to assemble the individual parts step by step:

You can find suitable construction instructions for this here.

Source: NABU

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