House kits to build
Bird house kits are a great option for building a bird house if you do not have experience woodworking or if you aren't very skilled at construction handicrafts. There are many great kits available that can be built by birders of any age or skill level. Kits can also make fantastic gifts or great projects for school groups, youth groups, birding clubs, summer camps and other group craft projects.
What Kits Include
A typical bird house kit will include pre-measured, pre-cut wood pieces to construct one particular bird house design.
The necessary hardware to build the house and hang it is also usually included, though many kits do not require nails or screws to build. Instead, the house pieces may be grooved to fit together snuggly or they may be designed to be glued. Detailed instructions are also often included, either with written steps, labeled diagrams or both.
What you won't find in a typical bird house kit are the tools required to complete the construction, such as a hammer, screwdriver or wood glue. Sandpaper can be useful for smoothing out rough edges on each piece of wood, and paint or stain for decorating the house is usually not included.
Some elaborate kits may include extra supplemental materials, such as instructions for decoration themes, a basic backyard birds book, a small amount of nesting material or even a plush toy or other novelty item. These add-ons make the kit a great gift for birders.
Finding Bird House Kits
Bird house kits are readily available at craft and hobby stores that include a woodworking section, and they can occasionally be found in the wild bird supply sections of home improvement and garden stores.
Toy stores may also have a limited selection of bird house kits available. Bird preserves, nature centers, zoos and aviaries with gift shops may also have kits on hand.
Online retailers usually have a wider selection of kits to choose from in different sizes and styles, from basic nesting boxes to themed designs such as log cabin, church and gazebo styles.
Kits may also be designed specifically for certain types of birds, such as bluebirds, wrens, woodpeckers or chickadees.
Online retailers offering a wide selection of bird house kits include:
Kit prices range from less than $10 to greater than $40 per house. The total cost will depend on the style and size of the finished house, the quality of the materials, the complexity of the design and any additional materials included in the kit. Bulk discounts on multiple kits of the same design may be available for group purchases.
Choosing the Best Kit
Not all bird house kits are created equal. When choosing a kit, consider the skill level of the kit to ensure it will be a practical and enjoyable project. Look for kits with thicker pieces of wood, preferably cedar or pine for all weather durability. Entrance hole size is also critical, as a large hole will make the kit suitable for larger, more aggressive birds rather than smaller nesting birds. Kits that have larger entrance holes may also be more susceptible to predators. In general, better quality kits do cost a few dollars more, but they are a better investment for backyard birds and years of nesting enjoyment.
When choosing a kit and considering cost, also note any potential shipping and handling charges, as well as a return or exchange option if materials are missing or damaged.