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DIY paper mache birdhouse?

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grNadpa Sat 21-Jan-23 16:24:59

I've threatened to build a birdhouse for use at my DD's log cabin. Though a miniature replica of her abode is out of the question, I still fancy making the birdhouse resemble a log cabin. My internet "diy log cabin birdhouse" search results show quite a few options from products to kits to books to videos.

But nothing that seems to be within my woodworking skill set.

One alternative I'm considering is, instead of doweling or local tree clippings, building the birdhouse out of paper mache. But the recipes I find to make paper mache waterproof involve chemicals that I fear may be toxic to small avians. One potential solution is to create a plywood box as the interior and fashion the waterproofed paper mache over the box.

What do you think? Have a better alternative?

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JaneJudge Sat 21-Jan-23 16:27:21

have you looked on pinterest? they will hold you hostage and sell your soul

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Cressida Sat 21-Jan-23 16:35:13

Maybe construct a plywood box and stick beading or split tree clippings on to create the log effect.

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Germanshepherdsmum Sat 21-Jan-23 16:38:30

Wouldn’t it just disintegrate in the rain?

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Callistemon21 Sat 21-Jan-23 16:43:57

I'd have thought so.

Ours look rustic, made by a friend, proceeds to the RSPB.
www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/advice/how-you-can-help-birds/nestboxes/nestboxes-for-small-birds/making-and-placing-a-bird-box/

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grNadpa Sat 21-Jan-23 17:21:28

Cressida

Maybe construct a plywood box and stick beading or split tree clippings on to create the log effect.

Much simpler. And no toxins. Glad I thought of it. wink

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grNadpa Sat 21-Jan-23 18:05:50

grNadpa

Cressida

Maybe construct a plywood box and stick beading or split tree clippings on to create the log effect.

Much simpler. And no toxins. Glad I thought of it. wink

Actually, the issue is making the corners appear as if the logs are interlinked. That is, like the old Lincoln Logs looked after putting them together.

Still, I find your suggestion, Cassandra, superior to paper mache.

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AreWeThereYet Sat 21-Jan-23 20:04:43

Use dowling for logs?

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Callistemon21 Sat 21-Jan-23 20:59:56

Of course, whatever you do, however lovely it looks, the birds may not like it.

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grNadpa Sun 22-Jan-23 22:14:15

Callistemon21

Of course, whatever you do, however lovely it looks, the birds may not like it.

Certainly that's a risk.

To mitigate, I researched which species reside (by season) in the area where the birdhouse will be located and what diet those species prefer.

I also have a document that specifies birdhouse dimensions by species that includes the optimum height from the ground.

But, as you point out, no guarantees.

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grNadpa Sun 22-Jan-23 22:19:11

AreWeThereYet

Use dowling for logs?

That is probably the best option.

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