BIRD BOX SPECIFICATIONS 



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this bark, as it should never he taken from 

 the living tree. Cedar posts are u^ed very 

 much for supports in building and most any 

 contractor or mill man has quantities on hand. 

 These posts most always must have the bark 

 removed, especially the part to show above 

 ground, and the owners, I have found, are 

 glad to have the boys remove the bark from 

 them. Sometimes a fallen cedar will be found 

 in the woods and from it may be obtained all 

 the bark necessary for a number of boxes. 



If the whole Bird Box is not to be bark 

 covered it is a good plan to see that the roof 

 is protected by bark. 



The remaining portions of the house should 

 be stained or painted a very somber color, such 

 as dull gray, brown, or dark green. Avoid all 

 gloss paints as they reflect light and tend to 

 drive away rather than attract the birds. 



Bright colors should also be avoided. A nicely 

 constructed Bird Box painted a brilliant red 

 with yellow trimmings or some other equally 

 absurd combination such as the writer has 

 seen, is a travesty on proper Bird House con- 

 struction. Gloss paints can be dulled by add- 

 ing turpentine. 



Painted or stained houses should be put 

 out at least a month or more before the time 

 for the birds to arrive. This is to weather 

 them and remove all odors. It is a good plan 

 to put out Bird Boxes in the fall if possible, 

 and they are then in excellent shape for 

 spring use. Do not paint or stain Bird Boxes 

 on the inside. 



Place the houses in quiet places, away from 

 the direct rays of the sun, high enough to be 

 out of the way of prowling cats or too inquisi- 

 tive human beings: 



