Introduction: Little Wren Birdhouse From a Soda Can.
Here's a sweet little birdhouse design that doesn't require a lot of time, tools or materials.
The "house" is an empty soda can, making it the perfect size for tiny wrens that enjoy close quarters. The pop top makes a great natural perch and larger birds or predators can't get through the 1 inch "doorway" to pester the tiny tweeters.
Using a spray adhesive, bark and natural moss are glued to the entire surface of the can to provide insulation and camouflage.
The finished wren house is finally attached to a tree limb using ZIP TIES.
No lumber or nails were used, making this finished birdhouse eco and tree friendly.
This project is FUN and easy-peasy! Let's get started!
The "house" is an empty soda can, making it the perfect size for tiny wrens that enjoy close quarters. The pop top makes a great natural perch and larger birds or predators can't get through the 1 inch "doorway" to pester the tiny tweeters.
Using a spray adhesive, bark and natural moss are glued to the entire surface of the can to provide insulation and camouflage.
The finished wren house is finally attached to a tree limb using ZIP TIES.
No lumber or nails were used, making this finished birdhouse eco and tree friendly.
This project is FUN and easy-peasy! Let's get started!
Step 1: What You'll Need:
- An empty aluminum can
- A Dremel with a small bit (or a drill)
- Spray adhesive
- Gathered bark and moss
- Zip ties
- A saw to trim bark (optional)
Step 2: Can Prep
The can needs to be clean so it won't attract ants, wasps or other sweet-seeking bugs. Rinse it out thoroughly in hot water
Mark the holes where you need to drill, making sure the doorway and perch are in the right position.
Using a dremel, drill the holes on both sides of the can where you marked them. Aluminum is soft, but it's also tough and can get a little squirrely. Control the drill pressure because once the metal gives to the bit, it really GIVES. Be careful and don't let the bit get away from you.
Now push each zip tie through the holes and connect the loose ends temporarily with a piece of tape. This way you won't accidentally cover the holes when you camoflauge the can.
Drill a couple more holes on the bottom for drainage. I hear baby birds are messy and they won't wear diapers.
Mark the holes where you need to drill, making sure the doorway and perch are in the right position.
Using a dremel, drill the holes on both sides of the can where you marked them. Aluminum is soft, but it's also tough and can get a little squirrely. Control the drill pressure because once the metal gives to the bit, it really GIVES. Be careful and don't let the bit get away from you.
Now push each zip tie through the holes and connect the loose ends temporarily with a piece of tape. This way you won't accidentally cover the holes when you camoflauge the can.
Drill a couple more holes on the bottom for drainage. I hear baby birds are messy and they won't wear diapers.
Step 3: Use Spray Adhesive and Add Camouflage Material:
Spray adhesive is TOUGH. Used the right way, it'll hold almost anything together. Read the directions on the can before using it.
You might want to use a stick, as pictured, so you don't get the adhesive all over your fingers.
For the best adhesion, spray BOTH surfaces of what you want to glue together. Wait 30- 60 seconds, then press the surfaces together.
In this case, spray the can and spray the bark. Wait 1 minute and press the bark onto the can.
Wait another 5-10 minutes for the glue to bond before adding the next piece of bark. Continued until the can is totally covered with bark. Add sprigs of moss and and a few fir twigs or whatever is handy for you.
I used dry bark and natural moss gathered from my property, but any natural, slow-to-decompose material will work to camouflage the soda can.
You might want to use a stick, as pictured, so you don't get the adhesive all over your fingers.
For the best adhesion, spray BOTH surfaces of what you want to glue together. Wait 30- 60 seconds, then press the surfaces together.
In this case, spray the can and spray the bark. Wait 1 minute and press the bark onto the can.
Wait another 5-10 minutes for the glue to bond before adding the next piece of bark. Continued until the can is totally covered with bark. Add sprigs of moss and and a few fir twigs or whatever is handy for you.
I used dry bark and natural moss gathered from my property, but any natural, slow-to-decompose material will work to camouflage the soda can.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Tree and the Right Limb.
I chose a pine that was about 25' tall.
I wanted the birdhouse to be fastened to a limb at least 8' above the ground, so out came the ladder.
The wind on my mountain usually blows from the North, so I chose a limb that ran North to South.
As it turned out, the diameter of that limb was too big for one 7" zip tie, so I connected 2 zip ties together, head to tail. Problem solved.
I wanted the birdhouse to be fastened to a limb at least 8' above the ground, so out came the ladder.
The wind on my mountain usually blows from the North, so I chose a limb that ran North to South.
As it turned out, the diameter of that limb was too big for one 7" zip tie, so I connected 2 zip ties together, head to tail. Problem solved.
Step 5: Home, Sweet (little Wren) Home!
The little wren birdhouse is now in place, ready and waiting for a lucky wren husband and wife to move in and start a family.
No lumber or nails were used, making this finished birdhouse eco and tree friendly.
No lumber or nails were used, making this finished birdhouse eco and tree friendly.