How to Make a
Gourd Birdhouse

It's easy to make a gourd birdhouse...

You can make a gourd birdhouse out of any shape gourd. I like to use kettle gourds, but occasionally find other shaped gourds that say, "I am a birdhouse!" You can see a chart of the different shaped gourds here:
Common types of Hardshell Gourds

Materials:

1 kettle gourd (or any other shape that suits your fancy)
Wire Hanger
Holer
sandpaper

Cleaning your gourd:

Cleaning your gourd is very important. If the mold and membrane are not removed from the gourd your finish will not hold. Beginning with a clean gourd prevents your paint and sealer from cracking, peeling and mildew. Clean gourd by washing with a metal potscubber in warm water. I add a little bleach and some Dawn dish liquid. You may want to wear some waterproof gloves for this. Wash until all the mold and membrane are gone. Some of the mold stains the skin of the gourd and makes designs in it. This can't be washed off. But you can tell when your gourd is clean by running your hands over it. If it feels smooth it's probably clean. Dry with paper towels.

Drilling the holes:

Attach your holer to your drill and drill the entryway hole. I make my holes 1 1/2" for bluebirds and larger for other birds. Here's a helpful chart that will help you decide which size hole you will need to drill for your birdhouse: Hole Chart

Remove seeds from interior of gourd. Some people like to leave the papery membrane inside of the gourd for birds to use for nesting material. I usually scrape the inside of the gourd clean because removing the papery membrane makes for a drier gourd.

Lightly sand the entire gourd including the sides of the entrance hole.

Drill holes in the neck of the gourd to attach your hanger. A good functional hanger is a piece of an old clothes hanger. The top part already has a hook and can be squeezed closed to prevent your birdhouse from being blown down by the wind.

Drill three or four drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd. This allows any moisture to drain out and prevents the contents of the birdhouse from becoming foul.

To perch or not to perch?

I do not use perches on birdhouses that will actually be placed outdoors for use. It seems that perches can be used by predators to gain access to the baby occupants more readily if a perch is used. Of course, if your birdhouse is going to hang in someone's living room, than it's perfectly fine to add a perch for accent.

Attach your hanger to your new gourd birdhouse and you're ready to hang it or decorate it.

Don't have the time or the tools?

GypsyWitch Curios now offers cleaned, pre-cut gourd birdhouses for your crafting designs. Click here for more info...

Questions? Comments?

Please use my new feedback forum for any questions or comments you may have concerning this article. Or you can email me at: gypsywitchcurios@bellsouth.net I love to hear what readers have to say.
--Gypsy

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Updated May 14, 2007

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