Will Blue Birds Nest in a Hanging Gourd?

Preparing Gourds for Bluebirds

• To get a bluebird to use a gourd, you must select one that is large enough and prepared properly. Select a gourd that is at least 8 inches long with a 5-inch diameter. Wait to harvest the gourd until after the first hard frost. Once the vine is totally dead, cut the gourd from the vine, leaving a 4-inch long stem. Place the gourd in a well-ventilated location on a wooden pallet. Curing can take between one to six months. Turn the gourd periodically during this time. Don't worry about the mold forming on the outside of the gourd (it's natural). The gourd is ready to use if it is lightweight and the seeds rattle. Soak the gourd for 15 minutes in hot, soapy water. Then use a scrub brush or steel wool to scrub off the black, moldy outer layer. Rinse well and allow it to dry.

Importance of the Entrance Hole

• The entrance hole is the key to making a gourd attractive and safe for bluebirds. The recommended hole diameter for eastern bluebirds is 1 1/2 inches in diameter. For western and mountain bluebirds, the hole needs to be 1 9/16 inches. This size is essential since studies have shown that starlings can use birdhouses with an entrance hole of 1 5/8 inches wide but have trouble using the slightly smaller entrance hole. Some newer studies have shown that using houses with a 1 1/2- to 1 1/8-inch vertical slit or two entrance holes is better for bluebirds because they can escape any starling attacks.

Making a Gourd for a Bluebird

• Use an expansion or keyhole saw bit to create an entrance hole slightly above the center of the gourd. Drill four or five three-eighths-inch drainage holes in the bottom of the gourd and two quarter-inch holes at the top (stem) to use for hanging. Thread a piece of wire or twine through the holes. Clean out the pith and seeds from inside the gourd using a serrated knife. Apply several coats of shellac or varnish to seal the outside of the gourd.

Placing the Gourd for Bluebirds

• Placing your gourd in the right location is essential to attracting bluebirds. Bluebirds nest in open fields or along woodland edges where there is an ample supply of insects and berries. Place the nest box 5 feet off the ground on a metal pole with a predator guard. Hang the gourd so the entrance faces to the north or east. A bluebird house should be at least 25 feet from the nearest tree and 100 to 300 feet from any other bluebird houses. Do not hang bluebird houses on trees because it makes them vulnerable to cats and raccoons. Place gourds out in the spring and take them down once the young have left the nest. Remove old nests before rehanging them the following year.