How to Make a Birdhouse From Plastic Milk Jug

Making a birdhouse out of a plastic milk jug is an easy and budget-friendly way to attract feathered friends to your backyard. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create your own plastic milk jug birdhouse:

Materials:

1. Clean, empty plastic milk jug (1-gallon size works well)

2. Utility knife or scissors

3. Permanent marker

4. Measuring tape or ruler

5. Pencil or pen

6. Wooden dowel or thin stick (about 12 inches long)

7. Birdhouse entrance hole saw or drill

8. Rope, twine, or wire for hanging

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Milk Jug:

Rinse the milk jug thoroughly to remove any residue. Let it dry completely.

2. Measure and Cut:

Use the permanent marker and measuring tape to mark the cutting lines on the milk jug. Cut along the lines with a utility knife or scissors. You should have two main parts: the body of the birdhouse and the roof.

3. Shape the Birdhouse:

Carefully fold the milk jug body into a triangular shape. Fold inward along the lines that you cut. This will form the sides of the birdhouse.

4. Attach the Roof:

Position the roof piece on top of the folded birdhouse body. Make sure it fits snugly. Use a permanent marker to trace the outline of the roof onto the birdhouse body.

5. Cut the Entrance Hole:

Use the birdhouse entrance hole saw or drill to create an entrance hole on one side of the birdhouse. Position the hole about 1 to 2 inches below the roof. Make sure the hole is big enough for small birds to enter.

6. Attach the Dowel:

Insert the wooden dowel or stick through the pre-drilled holes. This will serve as the perch for the birds to sit on.

7. Add Drainage Holes:

Use the drill to make small drainage holes in the bottom of the birdhouse. This will help prevent water accumulation inside.

8. Optional Roof Extension:

You can create a small roof extension by cutting a rectangular piece from the remaining plastic jug. Connect this to the main roof with a piece of tape to extend the roof.

9. Hang the Birdhouse:

Tie the rope, twine, or wire through the holes or loops at the top of the roof. Hang the birdhouse from a tree branch, hook, or other suitable location.

10. Decorate (optional):

You can add some decorations to your plastic milk jug birdhouse using acrylic paint, stickers, or other creative ideas to make it more attractive to birds.

11. Mount and Observe:

Choose a suitable location in your backyard for hanging the birdhouse. Observe and enjoy watching feathered visitors make use of your homemade birdhouse!

Maintenance:

Clean the birdhouse regularly to keep it free of debris and prevent it from becoming an unhealthy environment for birds. Remove any old nesting materials and check the drainage holes to ensure they're clear. Every spring, it's a good idea to thoroughly clean the birdhouse before new tenants arrive.

Making a birdhouse from a plastic milk jug is an eco-friendly way to reuse household items and provide shelter for birds. It's a fun and rewarding project that can bring joy to both you and the birds in your area!