On bird housein the garden or balcony is not just a visual benefit. It supplies our native bird species with food even in the cold season. Anyone who installs and fills his birdhouse in the right place can observe quite rare species. But so that the hunting cat has no chance, the location should be well chosen. What are important characteristics of an aviary? We have collected some points.

What qualities should an aviary have?

The classic birdhouse has a rather puristic design: it has a rectangular base, which is usually mounted on a three-legged stand. So that the food does not get wet, have the classic birdhouses a gable roof, which protrudes beyond the dimensions of the base. Often these are simply kept birdhouses made of coarse wood, which is usually still provided with bark.

What the manufacturers offer today as standard models, in comparison are already true bird palaces. Of course, the design has gained in importance: made of high quality wood, the often multi-shaped houses not only have numerous openings, perches and little windows, but even have bitumen covered roofs. Who does not want to be a bird and move in immediately?

Nevertheless, these luxury versions meet the most important criteria for a bird house: The material should be weatherproof or impregnated in a natural way. The forage area needs a roof so that the food does not get wet. In addition, the house should be easy to clean, because the bird droppings leaves its mark over time. An integrated Feederis optimal: it prevents the grainscome into contact with the droppings or moisture.

Find the right location

Bird houses can be set up or hung up. In addition, the attachment to a wall, a balcony railing or in a tree is possible. In any case, the house should be at least one and a half feet above the ground fixed, because the neighboring cat can reach it otherwise jumping. Make sure there is no wall, parapet, or other elevation in the immediate area that could become a jump-off ramp for a chasing cat. Unfortunately, cats are very inventive when it comes to reaching bird houses.

If you can be sure the site is protected from predators, there are other criteria. For example, large glass panes near the house are dangerous for the birds – the animals fly easily against them and can become seriously injured. The place should also be sheltered from the wind. However, it is also important that you can see it – after all, you want to be able to watch the fed birds.

Do you have a garden shed, a gazebo or a terrace in the garden? It makes sense to attach the birdhouse directly to this protected from the weather places. The pillar of a terrace roofing is just as ideal a location as the wall of the garden house.

How do I feed properly?

If the winter is not unusually severe, the native bird species find enough food even without additional feeding. Nevertheless, many garden owners do not want to take the winter food fun. However, the feeding time should be limited to the months of November until the end of February. A summer feeding is really completely unnecessary. It can even be harmful: In the summer heat, pathogens such as salmonella quickly become lodged in the food.

The most hygienic form of feeding is the feed dispenser. Many birdhouses are equipped with it. The food stays dry and clean in these containers and can not easily spoil. If the feed is offered in a conventional aviary, it should be cleaned regularly with hot water. It is better to always offer only a small amount of food. Sunflower seeds and free-range feed mixes, which are ready for sale, are suitable for feeding.