birdhouse gourds?

Discussion in 'Bird' started by dooley, Nov 19, 2012.

  1. dooley

    dooley Super Garden Turtle

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    We stopped to see a friend yesterday and she gave me two birdhouse gourds. They are about six inches across and gray. I'm not very artistic so don't think I want to try to paint them. What sort of finish do they need? Do I need to sand them first? We have a hole saw to make the hole. How bid does it need to be? I need to put a perch under the hole, right. I guess then drill a hole at the top for a hanger. How high do they need to hang? I don't have trees in the back yard but have a couple in the front yard. I'll have to go look for branches that will hold them. I'll try to remember to take a picture of them tomorrow.

    dooley
     
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  3. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    Dh grew them one year. Got 100 from 1 packet. So I have made many.I hang to dry-put eye screw in top. When you hear seeds rattle I drill hole .I wash with bleach water and let dry again.Then paint.I got book that show how to decorate.Has transfer stencil.Some in book-real ART.
     
  4. donm

    donm In Flower

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    I make many bird houses from gourds. I try to make them simple.

    I usually paint my gourds a light color. White or cream. Light colors reflect the heat. No perch. Preditors use the perch to get to the babies. I make a 1 and a half inch hole for the blue birds. (any bird smaller than a bluebird can use it, too).

    I like red, white, and blue. This gourd I painted puzzle pieces on it. You can see the birds are making a nest in it. Some of their nesting material is hanging out of the hole.


    [​IMG]
    Don
     
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  5. Netty

    Netty Chaotic Gardener Plants Contributor

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    That turned out fantastic donm!
    I tried to grow them one year and failed miserably. I think I'll try again this year...maybe plant them in the compost pile :)
     



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  6. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    Not a real good picture But has heart and stamp on stencil. Says"when I think of You a Tear comes to my eye" For sister who was killed in accident. You can copy people's picture and transfer it to gourds

    [​IMG]
     
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  7. rockhound

    rockhound In Flower

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    gourds

    Remember to drill a small hole for rainwater drainage if you hang the gourd outside and not under a roof, etc. Using a good thick enamel will keep the nest dryer longer.
     
  8. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    I also got some glue from dentist I clean for and glued a Porch on some I gave as gifts. Or made for our church auction. Doc said to wear good gloves.And to make I get it Right The first time-I would not get a second chance.
     
  9. Hanbury House

    Hanbury House New Seed

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    Those are really cute. My daughter has been wanting to grow some. Maybe we will try next spring. Thank you everyone for the tips.
     
  10. koszta kid

    koszta kid Young Pine

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    I got some rub on stencils.Going to make one customer one for Christmas.Better get busy.Seen whee I can buy more different seeds.Like ones for dippers/
     

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