- 1). Determine the design. Not all birds will utilize a typical birdhouse with four sides, top and bottom and entry hole. Some birds like a shelter with open front and bottom and a perch. Start by researching the birds in your aviary to determine their preferred shelter requirements. "One size fits all" does not apply to birdhouses. Birds are different sizes, so their houses need to be built to appropriate sizes for different species of birds.
- 2). Acquire your materials. The most suitable material for building birdhouses in aviaries is untreated wood. Wood that is painted, stained or otherwise treated often gives off toxic fumes that can harm birds. Outdoor plywood, cedar and redwood are the best woods to use. Pieces should be between five-eighths inch and 1 inch thick. Join the wood pieces using galvanized screws or galvanized nails. Screws are preferable to nails because they make it easier to replace damaged panels.
- 3). Assemble your birdhouse. Cut the wood panels to the appropriate sizes. Predrill all screw or nail holes before assembling any part of the house to keep the wood from splitting. The predrilled holes should be slightly smaller than the width of the nail or screw. Use two pivot screws at the top of one of the side panels so that you can open the side of the house to inspect and clean the birdhouse. Once the sides, top and bottom are attached, drill several quarter-inch holes around the sides at the top of the house for ventilation and several quarter-inch holes directly into the bottom of the birdhouse for drainage. Finally drill an appropriately sized hole in the front of the house for entrance and exit. Place an inch of wood shavings or wood chips at the bottom of the nest box for nesting material.
- 4). Determine the correct placement for your birdhouse. When you research the appropriate size of the nest box for your birds, also research where the nest box should be placed to make your birds comfortable. Some birds nest on the ground and others nest at various heights off the ground. Use your galvanized screws to attach the birdhouse to your aviary. You can also use bolts, washers and nuts if your aviary enclosure is made of mesh.
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