Do gourds make good bird houses?

Do gourds make good bird houses?

The most popular type of birdhouse gourd is the kettle gourd, also known as the martin gourd or the purple martin gourd. For wrens, chickadees, and most other small birds, a kettle gourd from 6-8” in diameter works best. Dipper gourds and bottle gourds also make great birdhouses.

Do finches nest in gourds?

Hanging the gourds in clusters like this will support the setting these social birds thrive on. Wrens, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, House Sparrows, Bluebirds, and some Finches are all cavity nesters who will use a gourd home.

How long does it take to grow a birdhouse gourd?

125-140 days
You can purchase birdhouse gourd seeds from local nurseries or seed catalogs. It’s preferable to get them into the ground as soon as the last frost date in your areas has passed since they can take anywhere from 125-140 days to mature.

When should I pick my birdhouse gourds?

Harvest them when they are full-size, the skin is hardened, and the stem attached to the fruit turns brown. These thick-skinned gourds can take light frost. Cut off the vine with a sharp knife, leaving about 2” of stem.

Do gourd birdhouses need perches?

Do you know why there are no perches on the gourd birdhouse? Birds do not need a perch to enter the nest, they have such precise flying skills that they can land on the edge of the entrance opening. A perch would be an invitation for other predator birds to enter the nest. Therefore you do not need a perch.

How do you dry out a gourd?

Dry out the inside of the gourd. Move the gourd to a dark, dry place such as a garage or a basement. Put the gourd in an area that gets plenty of airflow in all directions. You can hang the gourd or place it on a surface, such as a drying rack or pallet. If drying multiple gourds, make sure the gourds do not touch.

What do you do with birdhouse gourds?

You can leave your gourds natural to blend in with the woodlands, or express yourself by decorating your gourd birdhouses. To cure your gourds, simply leave them outside for the winter in a somewhat sheltered site or cure them indoors where they won’t rot or be eaten by local wildlife.

What size should the hole in a birdhouse be?

Many wild birds prefer entrance holes that range between 1 and 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The chickadee prefers 1 1/8-inch diameter openings, the titmouse, Bewick’s wren, and the downy woodpecker look for homes with 1 1/4-inch diameter openings. Nuthatches prefer 1 1/4-inch to 1 3/8-inch diameter openings.

What kind of birds nest in gourds?

Gourds make fine homes for several varieties of cavity nesters, including bluebirds, swallows, chickadees, wrens, woodpeckers, great crested flycatchers, titmice, screech owls, kestrels and nuthatches.

Do gourds come back every year?

Customers come from all over the world to shop at the Farm in Fallbrook, CA. In addition to the gourd racks being filled in March when the new crop is harvested, they are also periodically filled throughout the year. This helps guarantee a great selection of gourds for the majority of the year.

Can a gourd be used as a birdhouse?

Gourds make great birdhouses. They are strong, well-liked by the birds, and look really cool hanging outside in a tree or attached to a pole. They are also quite easy to make.

What’s the best way to decorate a gourd?

Gourds lend themselves to numerous decorating methods including painting, wood burning, and caving. To make sure your gourd looks great for as long as possible, finish with any outdoor water sealer. Using a UV protective sealer will protect the gourd best, especially if it is decorated.

What are the dangers of working with gourds?

Drilling, sanding, and otherwise working with gourds results in fine dust particles that can be harmful to your lungs if inhaled. The particles contain chemical compounds created from bacterial decay, molds, spores and other microorganisms. Always wear a face mask/respirator when working with gourds.

How can I attract birds to my yard?

You can attract them to your yard by installing a comfortable and shielded home, such as our Large Hanging Grass Twine House With Roof. A beautiful spot for them to nest, it also provides perfect shelter from sun, snow, rain, and cold temperatures.