You can make a birdhouse out of a milk carton.It is a great way to teach kids about nature, arts and crafts, and recycling.A utility knife and a few other simple tools are all you will need.In no time at all, you can turn a milk carton into a shelter for birds.
Step 1: Warm water and dish soap are what you need to rinse out the milk carton.
Before turning a container that held milk or juice into a birdhouse, wash it out thoroughly.Don't let the carton dry unless you rinse it away with soapy water.If you want to get the best results, use a 2 gallon or 1 gallon carton.Milk cartons are not large enough to be used as birdhouses.
Step 2: There is a hole on one side of the carton.
There is a circle on a side of the carton.Cut the circle with a utility knife or scissors.Birds can enter the birdhouse through the hole.Birds in your area can affect the size of the hole.A 1 2 in hole is ideal for most wrens and songbirds.If you want to attract larger birds such as screech owls, you should make the hole 3 in.Use caution with sharp objects.You should have an adult help you cut the carton.The bottom of a measuring cup, bottle cap, or other round object can be used to trace a perfect circle.
Step 3: There are small holes in the bottom of the carton.
To make small holes on the carton's underside, use an ice pick, leather awl, or skewer.The holes will keep water out of the house.If necessary, get help from an adult with sharp tools.
Step 4: You can hang the birdhouse by punching a hole at the top.
A hole puncher can be used to make a hole at the top of the carton.The birdhouse's weight will be evenly distributed when it hangs if the hole is in the middle of the top edge.The hole should be down the top edge of the carton.The string might tear through the carton if you make the hole too close to the top.
Step 5: Glue sticks are used to make a roof.
Popsicle sticks or twigs can be cut with scissors or shears.They should be about 3 in long.They should be put on the slanted sides at the top of the carton to form an overhanging roof.The number of sticks you need depends on the size.Milk cartons are usually 10 to 13 cm wide.You would need around 8 to 10 sticks to cover each side of the carton's top.You should wait at least 24 hours before putting the birdhouse outside, but craft glue should start to dry in 5 to 10 minutes.It will give the glue time to cure.The bond could be weakened by the humidity outside.The roof will allow shade and direct rain away from the birdhouse.
Step 6: Water-based paint can be used on the carton's exterior.
To hide writing and logos on the carton, start with a coat of white primer.Allow the first coat to dry for 4 to 6 hours, or according to the instructions, add 1 to 2 top coats in a color of your choice.If you want a lighter hue, go with it.Bird's aren't picky about the color of their shelter, but darker shades absorb light and can lead to overheating.It is best to go with a less visible option, such as tan, gray, or green, because bright colors could attract predatory animals.
Step 7: Attach buttons or paper cutouts to the carton.
To add personality to your birdhouse, you can paste buttons, googly eyes, or other details onto it.Make flower designs with buttons, place leaf-shaped colored paper cutouts all over the carton, or decorate it to look like a bird.You could make the birdhouse look like your own home.Paint it the same color as your home, make windows and other details out of construction paper cutouts, then paste the cutouts onto the birdhouse when the paint is dry.Birds could be scared away by shiny or reflective decorations.
Step 8: A quiet spot in your yard is within view of a window.
Hang your birdhouse from a tree.Any hatchlings in the nest will have privacy if they are located away from car and foot traffic.The birdhouse should be hung 30 feet away from the activity.It should be visible from a window or patio so you can see your new feathered friends.
Step 9: There is a hole at the top of the carton.
Attach the string through the hole with a double knot.Measure the height of the branch to find the right length for the string.The birdhouse should hang at least 5 feet above the ground if the string is long.Hanging a birdhouse above the ground will help keep out snakes and other pests.If you plan on hanging the birdhouse from a 9 ft branch, the string should be less than 4 ft long.Instead of using cotton twine, use a string made out of nylon or another synthetic material.Natural fibers are worn away over time.A sturdy product with a diameter of at least 2 millimeters is a must.
Step 10: To anchor the carton against the wind, place small rocks or sand inside.
To prevent the birdhouse from blowing around in the wind, line the bottom with sand, gravel, or small rocks.A layer of 2 to 1 in should be enough to anchor the birdhouse.You don't need a store-bought product to use pebbles or rocks from your yard.
Step 11: The box has to be off of the ground.
Tie the end of the string that isn't tied to the birdhouse around the branch with a double knot.The best time to hang your birdhouse is late winter or early spring.Birds will have time to notice it and select it as a nest.Add bird seed to the opening of the carton if you want to use it as a birdfeeder.If you have to refill the feeder, make sure to check it every week.