There are many ways to build birdhouses, from many different materials. Here are some general tips to remember so your birdhouse is safe and enjoyable!

Clean it Thoroughly
Whatever you start with, clean it well, but with safe cleansers. The baby birds will be cooped up in this small space and will want a clean, safe starting spot.

Build it Solidly
Make sure there aren't any loose parts of rips or extra holes. You don't want your baby birds tumbling out of it when the first strong wind comes along.

Have Two Drainage Holes
You want two SMALL holes in the side of your birdhouse, about 1" up from the bottom. That way even if one hole plugs up, the other will still let any water that comes in drain back out. Otherwise your baby birds might drown, when water splashes in.

Varnish your Bird House Outside
If you're making your own birdhouse from a gourd or milk carton or other such substance, be sure to give it a light spray varnish before hanging it. That will keep the house from rotting easily. Don't put the varnish inside the house - it's not good for baby birds.

Hang the Birdhouse Somewhere Sheltered
You wouldn't want wind blowing right into the birdhouse 24 hours a day, or put it where a cat could easily jump up to it. Hang it 6' or more off the ground, somewhere quiet and sheltered. Don't put it right near a feeder. Your baby birds will want a relatively quiet place to grow up.