5
The most commonly known bluebird house is a rectangular house with a 1-1/2" diameter entrance hole.
A hole any larger will admit European starlings. This house is relatively easy to make, but it should be on
a predator-proof post to avoid predation by cats. But probably the best all-around design is the
Peterson bluebird house, developed by Dick and Vi Peterson of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota after experience
with over 3,500 bluebird houses.
It meets all the requirements of a bluebird house. The front opens for easy cleaning. The sloping roof
with wide overhang discourages cats. There are provisions for insulation, ventilation, drainage, and ant
control.
Locate one
nail here to
hold front up
Allow a 5/8" gap between
the top of the front and
the inner roof
A. The Peterson house has seven
parts and is assembled in this
order:
B. The inner roof is toe-nailed to the
back.
C. Then, the floor is toe-nailed to
the back.
D. Third, one side is nailed to the
resulting frame.
E. Then the other side is nailed to
the frame.
F. Next the swing-down front is
fastened by a nail into each side.
A third nail is pounded part-way
into the side near the entrance
hole. This is removed each time
the house is checked.
G. Finally, the outer roof is nailed on
top.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
