Outdoor Bird Decor: Frequently Asked Questions

Here at Happy Gardens, many of us grew up crafting or buying bird houses and bird baths for our homes, hoping to attract all sorts of birdlife to our backyards and gardens. In this article, we’ll unpack 11 of the most frequently asked questions about bird decor.

1. How do birdhouses work?
2. What birds like birdhouses?
3. What do birds look for in a outdoor bird house?
4. Where should I hang a bird house?
5. How can I make a bird house pretty?
6. How do birdbaths work?
7. What are the best birdbaths like?
8. How can I make or buy a birdbath?
9. Where should I place a bird bath?
10. How can I make my bird bath desirable?
11. How often should I clean my birdbath?

1. How do birdhouses work?

Bird houses are cute, but they are also quite functional. That’s because habitat loss is a real problem for birds. The Seattle Times asserts that bird houses “provide shelter to cavity-nesting species, which for the most part eat insects and berries instead of seed.”

And yes, that means your bird feeders and your bird houses are likely patronized by different birds! Check out our article on how to mount a birdhouse.

2. What birds like birdhouses?

According to The Seattle Times, there are certain birds that naturally look for shelter, making them likely to enjoy a bird house. These birds include “western bluebirds, wrens, titmice, nuthatches, woodpeckers and tree swallows”.

3. What do birds look for in a outdoor bird house?

Same thing you’d look for in a new home: a great location! For best results, the same article recommends placing birdhouses at least 5 feet off the ground and at least 20 feet from feeders or baths.

But sometimes a good location isn’t enough to attract birds. If you’re wondering how to get birds to use a birdhouse, the article asserts that most birds want houses that are:

• Private and secluded
• Cozy, aged and a little worn out
• Near nesting materials
• Slanted-roofed for protection from rain

4. Where should I hang a bird house?

Well, the question really is, should you hang a bird house at all? Wrens like a hanging box all right, but many other birds would rather have a stabilized home.

At Happy Gardens, our pretty bird homes are easy to install. Many of them come with simple mounting hardware so you can secure them safely to a tree, fence or post.

5. How can I make a bird house pretty?

You can create one or order one online for your garden or as a gift.

If you are creating one, remember to build a bird house with a slanted roof, proper ventilation and the correct-sized entry for your desired bird. Different birds want a different sized entry to keep their families safe from predators without making coming and going too challenging.

If you are ordering online, you’ll get to choose between simple and ornate. At Happy Gardens, we have all types of bird houses for sale online for you to choose from, including a New Orleans-inspired bird cottage and an Amish country bird house.

6. How do birdbaths work?

Well, birds need a dependable source of clean drinking water, so when you decide to place a birdbath in your yard or garden, you attract this wildlife outright. 

Plus, since different birds have different needs (some want feeders; others, houses) you will attract completely different types of birds by investing in a bird bath!

7. What are the best birdbaths like?

The best birdbaths are naturally similar to places where a bird would choose to bathe in the wild. These bird baths are shallow and offer slightly-sloped edges so the birds can wade into water at an angle that’s comfortable for them.

8. How can I make or buy a birdbath?

Making a bird bath is quite simple. Remember, you are mostly looking for something that:

• Is shallow
• Has soft slopes around the edges for wading
• Can be easily cleaned

That means, theoretically, you could flip a trash can lid or even a sloped kitchen pan to offer birds a place to drink and splash around.

Of course, at Happy Gardens, we want you to select something practical and beautiful! Choose from our copper bird baths—like this one—to make your garden as pleasant for you as it is your new flying friends.

9. Where should I place a bird bath?

Once again, you’ll want to set things up organically: don’t place a bird bath too high, as it’s unnatural. Keep the bath at ground level for best results, but only if it’s safe... If you have an outdoor cat, remember that they are a predator to bathing birds and perhaps a bath would be a better gift to a cat-less friend.

10. How can I make my bird bath desirable?

Fresh, shallow water is key, of course. But don’t overlook little details and extras, like stones and branches in the wading area so birds can naturally perch as they drink.

Feeling extra fancy? Try a running water spout like this hummingbird solid copper dripper fountain. Birds flock to the sight and sound of running water.

RELATED: Outdoor Bird Decor: Frequently Asked Questions

11. How often should I clean my birdbath?

It depends on how many birds are using it, really, but a few times a week should do the trick! We know that’s a bit of work, but remember, you are providing a habitat for birds—it should be a pleasure to help them care for it!

About Us:

Happy Gardens is the premiere online destination for beautiful, unique garden decor and gifts—especially outdoor bird decor! We hand-select high-quality products that are sure to be cherished by you, your family and your guests for years to come. To join our mailing list and be the first to know about our new products and awesome promotions, click here!