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A Coconut Birdhouse

It is good to see small species of birds move into the safety of my coconut houses, away from competition from some of the larger birds. These little houses are both fun and easy to make, and I am happy to share the plans.

Begin by choosing two or three well-rounded, medium-to-large coconuts. For each house, you will also need about two feet of No. 12 copper wire, a bolt (or dowel) suitable for a perch, two washers and two nuts for the bolt, and one extra-large washer.

You will need to have access to an electric drill and to two or more different-sized hole-saw blades from a hole-saw set. (A hole-saw is what is used to drill holes in doors for installation of lock sets.) The size of the blades that you select will represent the size of the entrances to your birdhouses. You may decide to make these one size and thus need only one saw. You will also need a corkscrew and perhaps a small paring knife or a jackknife.

Notice the three spots on one end of each of the coconuts. Use the corkscrew and turn it into two of the spots, opening two holes for drainage. Turn the coconut over a cup or bowl and collect the juice (milk). (You can save this milk for drinking or cooking.)

Next drill one hole in the end of the coconut opposite the two other holes. This is for the wire to enter. Select a hole-saw blade, and with the coconut in a vise or held firmly by some other safe means, carefully drill the entrance hole in a preselected spot. Now drill a small hole beside the entry-exit hole, just big enough for admitting the bolt or dowel for the perch.

I like to leave most of the coconut "meat" in place for insulation, just removing enough around the door and near the bolt-hole for better looks and convenience. I use a jackknife to remove this "meat."

Now thread the wire through the top hole and pull it out through the entrance hole. After the wire is pulled through the entrance, securely fasten by neatly wrapping it around the larger washer. This prevents the wire from slipping back through. The other end of the wire should be twisted into a loop for hanging in a tree. I have found that a short wire for hanging the house is best.

All that remains now is to thread a nut onto the bolt to about 1/2 inch from the end. Push on a lock washer, and insert the end of the bolt. Reach inside the entrance, and apply another washer and nut. Thread the inside nut about four turns. Firmly tighten the outside nut, and the job is completed.

I usually hang by birdhouses inside and allow the coconut "meat" to dry. Sun-drying may crack the houses and is not recommended. This inside-drying may take about a week, and after drying it is sometimes necessary to tighten the outside nut a bit. Be careful not to over tighten, as this may cause the house to crack.

I have painted some of my coconut houses, and they are very nice. My wife, however, likes them left natural.

Avoid placing the houses in direct sunlight, which would be harmful for the houses and perhaps too warm for the birds. Select a nice, shady, pleasant spot away from predators, hang your houses, and wait for tenants.