| How to Hang a Bird House Posted: 12 Apr 2019 05:00 PM PDT For bird lovers across the world, birdhouses are a great way to give birds a safe place to lay their eggs and rear their young. A well-located birdhouse also lets you keep an eye on the parent birds as they feed the young, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the fledglings! When you hang a birdhouse, aim to keep the birds safe from predators and to situate the birdhouse at an angle you can easily observe. Purchase a birdhouse from a local hardware store, or pick up a few supplies and make your own. EditChoosing a Mounting Structure - Mount the birdhouse on a metal pole for complete protection. No predator on the planet will be able to climb up a metal pole and eat the eggs out of the birdhouse. So, situating the birdhouse at the top of a metal pole (which you can purchase at a hardware or home-improvement store) will keep the birds safe.[1]
- Mounting the birdhouse on a metal pole gives an additional benefit. Since you can drive the pole wherever you like in your front- or backyard, you have complete control over the birdhouse's location.
- Place the birdhouse on a brick surface if one is near your home. If you have brick siding on your home or, for example, an old brick wall nearby, try hanging the birdhouse on this surface. Brick is difficult for predators to climb up since it's quite hard and resistant to their claws. Unless the brick wall is lower than , birds will be safe in a house mounted on brick.[2]
- In most cases, you can drive nails directly into brick without causing structural harm.
- Hang the birdhouse on smooth wooden siding for a convenient option. If you don't have any brick surfaces near your home and prefer to keep things simple, hang the birdhouse on a section of smooth siding on your home or a shed. Predators like skunks or weasels won't be able to scamper up the siding, and the birds and their eggs will be safe.[3]
- A downside to this approach is that it may be difficult to see the birds if the birdhouse is hung on a wall with no windows nearby.
- Locate a birdhouse with a small entrance hole on a fence post. Unless they are very smooth, fence posts are relatively easy for lightweight predators to climb up. However, you can work around this problem by only hanging birdhouses with an entrance hole smaller than in diameter on fence posts. Even the smallest of predators will find it challenging to slip through this small of a hole.[4]
- Be aware that this size of hole will also prevent larger birds from building a nest in the birdhouse. Smaller birds like nuthatches and chickadees will have no problem fitting in the hole, though.
- This may be a good option if you live in a rural area with many fences, or if you don't have any wooden siding or brick walls near your home.
- Situate the birdhouse on a tree if you have no other options. Driving long nails or screws into a living tree can cause serious damage, so avoid hanging a birdhouse on a tree if other options are available. If you have no other choices, use as few screws as possible to hang the birdhouse. Find a tree with a diameter larger than , and remember to dispose of the screws if you decide to take down the birdhouse.[5]
- While hanging a birdhouse on a tree will damage the tree, it will still provide a safer nesting location for birds than if they had to make do with a natural nesting location.
EditPositioning the Birdhouse - Hang the birdhouse between above the ground. If the birdhouse is mounted too low, it may be vulnerable to predators; too high, and many species of bird won't want to live in it. Mounting the house high will attract a number of bird species, and also allow you to watch the birds without having to strain your neck.[6]
- Smaller birds often favor lower nests. For example, if you're hoping to have wrens, chickadees, or nuthatches nest in your birdhouse, hang the house at exactly .
- Situate your birdhouse so it faces east to keep it warm. In nearly all climates, having your birdhouse face east is best for the birds. If you don't know which direction is east where you live, use a compass to find out. If facing the birdhouse east isn't a possibility due to the location of your house or yard, facing the birdhouse to the south is the second-best option since south-facing birdhouses will receive more sunlight than houses that face north.[7]
- An east-facing birdhouse will catch the first rays of morning sun, warming the birds after a chilly night. Hot afternoon rays of sun coming from the west will hit the closed back of the birdhouse and not overheat the birds.
- Point the birdhouse's entrance so it faces a food source for fledglings. When the birds' eggs hatch and the young emerge from the nest, they'll need to find food. So, point the front of the birdhouse towards an open area that borders on bushes, shrubs, and trees where the young birds can find food.[8]
- Ideally, potential food sources should be less than away from the birdhouse.
- Locate the birdhouse away from bird feeders and baths. Bird feeders and bird baths both tend to draw in predators, which quickly learn that the congregated birds make a great food source. To protect the bird eggs and fledglings from predators (e.g., gray squirrels), do not hang a birdhouse near feeders or bird baths.[9] Hang birdhouses at least away from feeders or baths.
- It's possible to have both a bird feeder or bath and a birdhouse, as long as you're smart about where you locate them. For example, try setting the feeder on your front porch and hanging the birdhouse on a tree in your backyard.
- Space multiple birdhouses out by at least . While some bird species don't mind having multiple nests close together, other species will refuse to use a birdhouse if it's too near another nest. To avoid this problem, hang multiple birdhouses about away from one another.[10]
- To achieve this, try to hang the houses on multiple types of surfaces. For example, hang 1 on a pole in your front yard, 2 more on opposite sides of your home, and a final 1 on a brick wall in your backyard.
EditMounting Against Flat Surfaces - Mark 2 spots at the center of the birdhouse's extended back wall. Most birdhouses—whether purchased or made—have a back wall that measures above and below the birdhouse. To mount the house, you'll drive screws through this and into the surface you're hanging the house on. Use a ruler to measure the width of the back wall and mark the halfway point.[11]
- So, if the back wall of the birdhouse measures across, mark a small "X" at the mark on the top of the extended back. Repeat the process and mark another "X" on the bottom of the extended back.
- Position the birdhouse against the surface where you'd like to hang it. Walk out into your yard and hold the birdhouse against the wooden siding, brick wall, or other surface where you'd like to hang it. Look behind the "X" markings to make sure there aren't any metal bits or stones that could damage your screws.
- It's fine to hang the birdhouse on a dead tree using large screws, as long as the tree is relatively sturdy and not rotten.
- Screw the tips of screws into the 2 "X" marks. Position the tip of 1 screw at each of the pencil markings. Tap the head of each screw 2–3 times with a hammer to set the point in place. Then, give each screw 6–10 turns with a Philips head screwdriver to bury the tip in the wood.[12]
- Since it's difficult to hold the birdhouse with 1 hand and set the screws in place with the other, ask a friend or family member to help you with this step.
- Drive the screws in using a power drill with a Philips head attachment. Set the head of the attachment in the slot of the screws to tighten them. Make sure to hold the drill level and drive the screws straight into the backing. Tighten the screws until the screw heads are flush with the wood of the birdhouse backing to keep the birdhouse firmly in place.[13]
- Although you'll have to remove the 2 screws if you want to take down or clean the birdhouse, the screws will hold the structure firmly in place.
EditMounting on a Pole - Purchase a screw-on birdhouse and a diameter pole. It's best to purchase this type of birdhouse rather than making it. The house should have a diameter threaded hole in its bottom so it can screw on top of the pole. Purchase a pole that's at least tall and that has an auger at the bottom to make it easier to drive deep into the soil of your yard.[14]
- You can find these items at a large hardware store, a home-improvement store, or a bird-supply shop.
- An auger is a large metal screw (it looks like a huge corkscrew) that comes out of the bottom of the metal pole. Augers are typically long.
- If you can't find a pole with an auger already attached, purchase the auger separately and insert the base of the pole into the top of the auger.
- Twist the pole clockwise to drive the pole and auger into the ground. Select a location in your front or back yard that's easily visible from 1 or more windows. Set the point of the auger in the ground. Then, twist the pole clockwise to drive it into the ground as deep as the auger is long. If the pole has 3 or 4 "legs" that will stabilize it once it's in the ground, you can hold on to these to give yourself more leverage as you twist.[15]
- If you have a metal pole without an auger attached, you can just drive it into the ground. However, it will be a more wobbly setup than if you'd used an auger.
- Turn the birdhouse clockwise to screw the birdhouse onto the pole. Once the pole is firmly in place, it's time to set the birdhouse on top. Line the hole on the bottom of the house up with the top of the pole. Make sure the house is balanced, and slowly turn the birdhouse clockwise until it's tightly in place on top of the pole.[16]
- If you'd like to adjust the direction that the birdhouse is facing after it's screwed onto the top of the pole, you should be able to turn the pole clockwise or counterclockwise in the ground.
- Whenever you want to clean the birdhouse, you simply need to turn it counterclockwise to loosen the threads and unscrew the house.
EditThings You'll Need EditMounting Against Flat Surfaces - Birdhouse
- Ruler
- Pencil
- 2 screws
- Hammer
- Philips head screwdriver
- Electric drill
- Philips head attachment
- Compass (optional)
EditMounting on a Pole - Screw-on birdhouse
- diameter pole
- Metal auger
- If you're hanging a birdhouse on a metal pole, locate it at least away from any low-hanging branches, large rocks, or other objects that a crafty predator could leap from to gain access to the birdhouse.[17]
- If you're worried that some of your birdhouses may go unused because of their proximity to other birdhouses, try mounting them in locations where one birdhouse isn't visible from another.
EditReferences
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| How to Make Butter or Bulletproof® Style Coffee Posted: 12 Apr 2019 09:00 AM PDT You've probably seen butter or bulletproof-style coffee sold in upscale coffee shops. If you can get your hands on high-quality ingredients, it's easy to make this nutritious beverage at home. Brew a cup of black coffee and blend it with MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil and grass-fed butter. This creates a drink that's creamy, filling, and energizing. EditIngredients EditOriginal Bulletproof-Style Coffee - of water
- 2 ½ heaping tablespoons (15 g) of ground coffee
- of MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil or high-quality coconut oil
- 1 to 2 tablespoons (14 to 28 g) of unsalted organic, grass-fed butter
Makes 1 serving EditMaking Original Bulletproof-Style Coffee - Brew the ground coffee with the water. You can use your favorite brewing method, such as a French press, drip coffee machine, or pour over. For the best cup of coffee use 2 ½ heaping tablespoons (15 g) of ground coffee for of water.[1]
- If you'd like to keep the natural oils from the coffee instead of filtering them out, use the French press to brew the coffee.
- Pour the coffee into a blender along with MCT oil and butter. Once the coffee is brewed, pour it while it's hot into a blender. Add of MCT (medium chain triglycerides) oil and 1 to 2 tablespoons (14 to 28 g) of organic, grass-fed butter.[2]
- If you're just starting to drink bulletproof-style coffee, start with the lesser amounts of MCT oil and grass-fed butter. This can help you adjust to the taste and determine how the brew affects your body.
- Cover and blend the mixture for 20 to 30 seconds. Put the lid on the blender and turn it on to blend until the butter is dissolved. The coffee should now look creamy brown instead of black and there should be a layer of foam at the top.[3]
- It's important to blend the bulletproof-style coffee in order to completely incorporate the oil and butter. If you only stir the coffee, the fats will separate which will make the drink taste oily.
- Pour the bulletproof-style coffee into a mug. Remove the lid from the blender and slowly pour the hot mixture into a coffee mug. Sip the drink while it's still hot to enjoy the best texture.[4]
- If you have leftover bulletproof-style coffee, cover and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. Although you can drink it cold or hot, you should blend it again just before drinking to improve the texture.
EditTrying Variations - Use chai tea instead of coffee for a different flavor. If you don't like the flavor of coffee or want to consume less caffeine, make a cup of your favorite chai or herbal tea. For example, you could also use rooibos or green tea.[5]
- For a decadent drink, make a cup of hot cocoa and make it bulletproof-style by blending in the MCT oil and butter.
- Substitute coconut oil for the MCT oil. If you can't find MCT oil, use high-quality organic coconut oil. Although the MCT oil is usually included to make you feel more energized, coconut oil is easier to find and it contains beneficial fatty acids.[6]
- If you'd also like to substitute the grass-fed butter, use 1 to 2 teaspoons (3 to 6 g) of ghee instead of the butter.
- Add collagen to make a thicker drink. To get even more protein in the bulletproof-style coffee, put 1 to 2 tablespoons (7 to 14 g) of collagen powder in the blender with the other ingredients. Blend until the powder is dissolved.[7]
- Collagen is a good supplement for repairing damaged skin and keeping your joints healthy.
- Mix in mushroom powder for additional antioxidants. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons (2 to 4 g) of dried mushroom powder when you blend the bulletproof-style coffee. The antioxidants in the mushroom powder may improve your immune system and make you feel less fatigued.[8]
- Purchase high-quality mushroom supplements from local health food stores or vitamin supplement stores.
- Include cinnamon and salt for a spiced drink. If you enjoy flavored coffee, try blending in 1/4 of a teaspoon of pink salt and 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of ground cinnamon. You can also try adding up to 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) of your favorite spices, such as:[9]
- Ground nutmeg
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Mixed spice
- Gingerbread spice
- If you don't have a blender, you can use an immersion blender. Keep in mind that the coffee may not have as creamy of a texture.
- If you are watching your cholesterol, limit the amount of bulletproof-style coffee you consume on a regular basis since it can significantly raise your cholesterol levels.[10]
- Always talk with your doctor before replacing a meal with bulletproof-style coffee. This beverage is not a replacement for a nutritious meal that's part of a balanced diet.
EditThings You'll Need - Measuring cups and spoons
- Coffee brewer
- Mug
- Blender
EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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| How to Make Clay Posted: 12 Apr 2019 01:00 AM PDT Making your own clay is a fun craft that you can use to create gifts, keepsakes, and school projects. Fortunately, mixing up a batch of clay is also really easy, and you likely already have the ingredients at home. For a simple option, stir together flour, salt, and water to create a basic clay that will dry out fairly quickly. If you want a nice modeling clay, mix together cornstarch, salt, and water. For a softer, longer lasting clay, mix a little oil into flour, salt, and cream of tartar. EditIngredients EditFlour and Salt Clay - 4 cups (480 g) of all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups (417 g) of salt
- of water
EditCornstarch, Salt, and Water Clay - 2 cups salt of (550 g)
- of warm water
- 1 cup (120 g) cornstarch
- of cold water
- Food coloring (optional)
EditFlour, Salt, and Cream of Tartar Clay - of water
- 3.5 cups (420 g) of all-purpose flour
- .5 cup (137 g) of salt
- 1 tablespoon (9 g) cream of tartar
- of vegetable oil
- Food coloring (optional)
- Vanilla extract (optional)
EditCombining Flour and Salt - Mix 4 c (480 g) of flour and 1.5 c (417 g) of salt in a large bowl. Add both dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Then, use a big plastic or wooden spoon to stir the dry ingredients until they are thoroughly mixed.[1]
- Make sure the flour and salt are mixed well before you add the water because it will be harder to redistribute one of the ingredients once the clay starts to form.
- Add of water gradually as you stir the mixture. Pour small amounts of water into the bowl at a time, stirring between pours. Blend the mixture as well as you can before you add more water. By the time all of the water is added to the bowl, your clay should be forming a ball.[2]
- It should get harder to stir each time you add more water.
- Knead the clay until it reaches an even consistency. Take your clay out of the bowl and place it on a flat surface, like the kitchen counter. Use your hands to push and pull the clay to work it into a nice consistency.[3]
- You can also pick up your clay and throw it down on the counter to work out any air bubbles that might be present. This will help your clay stay moist longer.
- Sculpt the clay as you desire. Now that your clay is ready, you can mold it into a figure, create ornaments, or just play around. Use it as you would use a store-bought clay.[4]
- This kind of clay can make great keepsakes. For example, press your child's foot or hand into the dough until there is an imprint, then let the mold harden to make a gift.
- Allow the clay to air dry for 2 days to preserve your model. If you want to create a sculpture or keepsake, you'll need to let your clay dry. This kind of clay dies out pretty quickly, but it's best to leave it untouched for at least 2 days to make sure it's fully dry.[5] for 3 hours. If it still feels soft after 3 hours, you can put it back in the oven for up to 2 more hours.}}
- Store unused clay in an airtight container. You can preserve your clay for a few weeks by keeping it in an airtight container. Make sure you leave the clay in the container whenever you're not playing with it, as it will dry a little bit whenever it's exposed to the air.[6]
- For instance, you can use a plastic bag with a zipper or a Tupperware container. For extra longevity, place the clay in the refrigerator.
EditMixing Cornstarch, Salt, and Water - Heat of water and 2 c (550 g) of salt for 4 minutes. Pour the water into a saucepan, then stir in the salt to create a lumpy consistency. Place the saucepan on your stove and heat it over medium heat for 4 minutes. Stir the mixture as it heats to prevent it from burning.[7]
- Use potholders or a towel to handle the pot so you don't accidentally get burned.
- Move the pot to a cool surface and add 1 c (120 g) of cornstarch and of cold water. Remove the pot from the heat source, then pour in the cornstarch and cold water. Use a big plastic or wooden spoon to stir the mixture together.[8]
- It should feel difficult to stir the clay, as it's going to have a thick consistency.
- Knead the mixture until it feels smooth. Put the clay on a flat surface, such as the countertop. Then, use your hands to push and pull the clay until it reaches an even consistency. It should feel very pliable in your hands.[9]
- As you knead the clay, it helps to throw it down against the counter to push out any air pockets.
- Add a few drops of food coloring if you'd like colored clay. Squeeze a few drops of food coloring over the clay, then knead to mix in the color. Continue to add food coloring until you reach your desired color.[10]
- If you like, you can also add glitter to your clay to make it sparkly.
- Heat the mixture until it starts to feel thick, if necessary. Put the clay back into the pot and heat it over medium heat. Stir the clay as it warms to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan and burning. Remove the pot from the heat when your clay reaches the consistency you like.[11]
- You can skip this step if you're already happy with your clay.
- Let the clay cool to room temperature before you play with it. Don't touch the clay while it's hot, as you could get burned. Instead, spread the clay out on a baking sheet or the counter to let it cool down. When it feels just slightly warm, it's ready for use.[12]
- Allow your clay to air dry for 2 days if you want to preserve it. You can play with your clay or sculpt something out of it. If you do make a model or keepsake, you can preserve it by letting it dry. The clay will air dry if you let it sit out.[13]
- Make sure you leave the clay untouched for at least 2 days so your sculpture doesn't get messed up.
- Store your clay in an airtight container when you're not using it. Your clay will dry out in the air, so it's important to put it away between uses. You can expect your clay to last for about 2 weeks if you consistently put it away in an airtight container.[14]
- The best storage containers for this type of clay are plastic bags with a zipper or Tupperware.
EditUsing Flour, Salt, and Cream of Tartar - Bring of water to a boil. Pour the water into a saucepan, then warm it over high heat. Watch for bubbles rippling on the surface of the water, which means it's boiling. Then, remove it from the heat.[15]
- Be careful when heating the water. Use a towel or potholder to handle the saucepan.
- Add a few drops of food coloring if you want your clay to be colored. Squeeze the food coloring into the water while it's coming to a boil. Use as much food coloring as you need to create the color you want.[16]
- You can also add food coloring later, if you like. Just squeeze the food coloring into the clay as you knead it.
- Mix 3.5 c (420 g) of flour, .5 c (137 g) of salt, and 1 tbsp (9 g) of cream of tartar in a bowl. Add the ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Then, use a plastic or wooden spoon to stir until the ingredients are blended. Make sure they are in an even consistency before moving on to the next step.[17]
- It's important to blend them thoroughly. Otherwise, it will be hard to redistribute the ingredients once you add the water.
- Move the pot to a cool surface and add of vegetable oil. Remove the water from the heat so it will start to cool. Then, slowly pour the vegetable oil into the pot. Use a spoon to mix the oil into the water.[18]
- Oil and water naturally separate, so you will still see oil bubbles floating in the water.
- Pour the water and oil mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Slowly add the water and oil to the flour, salt, and cream of tartar. Be careful not to splash, as the water will be hot.[19]
- Stir the ingredients until they reach a smooth consistency. Use your spoon to mix the ingredients together. When the clay starts to cool, you can take it out of the bowl and begin kneading it with your hand. Push and pull the clay until you're happy with its consistency.[20]
- The clay still won't be ready to use at this point. It needs to sit for a few minutes.
- Add a few drops of vanilla if you want your clay to smell good. Although this step is optional, it may make playing with your clay more fun. Pour a little vanilla extract over the clay as you're stirring or kneading it. Then, mix in the extract until it's spread throughout the clay.[21]
- You can add as much or as little vanilla extract as you like.
- Let the clay sit on a baking sheet until it feels pliable. Spread the clay on the baking sheet, then wait a couple of minutes for it to reach room temperature. It's okay to poke the clay often to see if it's ready to use.[22]
- This shouldn't take very long. Expect it to be ready in about 5-10 minutes.
- Allow your clay to air dry if you want to create a sculpture or keepsake. If you want to use your clay to create a figurine, keepsake, or project, you can preserve your work by letting it air dry for about 2 days. Leave the clay untouched during this time, then check on it. If it still feels a little moist, it may need more drying time.[23]
- Store your clay in an airtight container so it doesn't dry out. Your clay will dry out if it's exposed to air, so make sure you put it away after each use. Storing it properly can make it last for about 2 weeks.[24]
- You can store the clay in a plastic zip-up bag or a piece of Tupperware.
EditThings You'll Need EditCombining Flour and Salt - Large bowl
- Plastic or wooden spoon
- Airtight container
EditMixing Cornstarch, Salt, and Water - Pot
- Plastic or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Airtight container
EditUsing Flour, Salt, and Cream of Tartar - Pot
- Large bowl
- Plastic or wooden spoon
- Baking sheet
- Airtight container
- You can add food coloring or glitter to your clay to make it prettier.
- Once your clay is dry, it's okay to decorate it with paint or glitter glue.
- Stir the mixture every 15-30 seconds to avoid burning the clay.
- If the clay is too dry, add a bit of water or cooking oil to make it wetter.
- Store your clay in an airtight container when you aren't using it so that it lasts longer. However, keep in mind that your clay will still spoil eventually.
- Never leave your stove or oven while it's on.
- This clay may grow mold if you leave it out for a long time.
EditRelated wikiHows EditReferences
EditQuick Summary
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