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It is quite obvious that a birdhouse must have a roof to keep the nest dry on rainy days. But, the role the roof plays in keeping the birdhouse cool is almost always neglected and as a result, thousands of birds suffer every year. The roof should overhang the front, sides and back by at least two inches. A birdhouse roof that extends beyond the front, back and sides keep these parts in the shade during the hottest part of the day and helps keep the birdhouse much cooler on hot sunny days. The birdhouse plans published by both the North American Bluebird Society and Cornell School of Ornithology call for a ten inch wide board and two inches of overhang on the sides and even more overhang on the front. But, the roof on practically every birdhouse on the market ends flush with the sides and back. Many have less than two inches of overhang even on the front. Apparently those manufacturing these nest boxes are not willing to pay for the higher priced wider boards needed for the roof overhang, and, instead use the same six inch wide board from which the rest of the birdhouse is made. A birdhouse constructed without extra overhang increases exposure of the sides of the nest box to the hot rays of the sun and causes the interior to overheat. And, to give those small chicks the most comfortable environment possible, add a second roof with an air space between the two roofs as in the picture at the top of this page. |
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The Insulating qualities of Thick Wood Helps Keep Birds Warm During Cold Weather or |
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