Wren House - Information on Buying Or Building

The Wren House is one of the most common types of birdhouses in the backyard garden. Whether you're considering buying or building, you may find the following information helpful.

Wrens are cavity nesting birds and will readily make use of man-made wren bird houses. Let's face it, Wrens will nest in just about anything.

But to give them the best chance at nesting success we need to provide a properly constructed Wren House. This means knowing the correct height, width, and hole size dimensions.

Types of Wood Materials

Most birds are attracted to a natural looking nest box. If you plan on purchasing or building one, make sure that the wood used in constucting the house is a naturally decay resistant wood such as cedar, redwood, or exterior plywood or recycled plastics.

Avoid purchasing any nesting box that is painted and do not use treated wood which can contain copper arsenate. Although wood that is treated with copper arsenate is being fazed out and the issue may be moot. Check with your lumber provider if you're not sure. If you don't know, don't use it.

Diameter of Hole, Floor, Size

Wrens prefer a house that has an entry hole dimension of 1 1/8 inches, any larger and house sparrows and other less desirable birds will use them.

The floor should be 4 inches square and 3-6 inches below the entry hole.

Do not add or buy any birdhouse with a perch. The birds don't need it, whereas house sparrows and other less desireable birds will have easy access if perches are used.

The roof should be slightly slanted to shed water and keep the contents of the nest dry. For a more traditional style, the front and back can be cut as an A frame.

NEW! Wrens nest in some funny and strange places. Do you have a story and picture about Wrens nesting around your home? Why not Share it With Our Visitors. Must Have Photo - To share your story or read what others have said Click Here

Each side should provide for ventilation. Drill 1/4 inch holes on the sides of the house just under the roof. Also make sure there is adaquate drainage in the bottom of the nesting box by drilling 1/4 inch holes in each corner of the bottom of the wren house.

The side or front should slide or swing open for easy cleaning. Of course Duncraft not only makes it easy for you but offers an Eco-friendly Wren House that will last forever.

Placment

Mount or hang the house six to ten feet high in or near a tree or shrub. House wrens seem to prefer areas with trees and shrubs. Make sure to place the house on an outside branch and not deep into the foliage. Fence rows and brushy draws are ideal.

Wrens eat a lot of insects and are easy to attract. You and your garden will appreciate having them around.

Watch Wren Videos

Read Wren Stories From Visitors With Pictures

Back to species account House Wren

Share Your Story!

NEW! Wrens nest in some funny and strange places. Do you have a story and picture about Wrens nesting around your home? Why not Share it With Our Visitors. Must Have Picture - To share your story or read what others have said Click Here

Eco Wren House

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