Gourd Birdhouse Craft

Gourds are readily available at any farmer’s market or supermarket during the fall season and are often made into bowls, spoons, and even birdhouses. Making a gourd birdhouse is a fun activity you can do with your children. There are various types of gourds that are used, but the most popular type of gourd used for birdhouses is the bottle or kettle gourd. Follow these easy instructions to turn the season’s bounty into a lifetime home for the birds.

1. Find a gourd and let it dry for at least 3-6 months. Shake the gourd and see if the seeds inside rattle. If the seeds rattle, then your gourd is ready. During the drying process, mold might grow on the gourd, especially if it is dried indoors. Clean or scrape the dirt and mold off the gourd using sandpaper or steel wool.

2. The easiest way to create an entrance hole in the gourd is using a drill and a hole saw. The hole should be toward the center of the gourd. Avoid having the entrance hole facing the sky or the ground. Clean the edges of the hole with a piece of sandpaper. You also need to drill small drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd, as well as small holes at the neck of the gourd for hanging and ventilation purposes.

3. After drilling the bird entrance hole, shake the gourd or use a spoon to scrape out the insides of the gourd. You will find seeds on the inside that you can use in the future to plant and grow gourds.

4. Paint your birdhouse. If you plan on adding decorative designs, start with a white primer paint. After that dries, paint and decorate your birdhouse however you want. Be creative!

5. Mount your birdhouse and see which bird will call your habitat home.

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Know Your Gourds