Spring is around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about welcoming some feathered friends to your garden. One of the best ways to do that is by building a wren birdhouse. Wrens are small, energetic birds known for their beautiful songs and charming behavior, and a well-constructed birdhouse will give them a safe and comfortable place to nest. Whether you’re an experienced woodworker or a beginner, these 10 free Wren bird house plans will help you build the perfect home for your tiny visitors.
1. One-Board Wren Birdhouse
If you’re just getting started with woodworking, the One-Board Wren Birdhouse Plan is a fantastic choice. This simple and straightforward design uses just one board of wood, making it an affordable and easy project. With minimal materials and tools, you’ll have a functional and inviting home for wrens in no time.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for beginners, this plan is quick and easy to follow, and it doesn’t require a lot of wood or complicated cuts.
2. Plastic Fence Post Plan
For a modern twist on the traditional birdhouse, why not use a plastic fence post? This innovative design from Family Handyman offers a durable and unique wren house. The small, compact size of the fence post makes it ideal for mounting on a tree or small post, allowing wrens to settle in comfortably.
Why It’s Great: It’s a creative solution that’s easy to make and mount, and the plastic material ensures longevity and durability.
3. Diamond-Shaped Birdhouse Plan
Add a touch of creativity with a diamond-shaped wren birdhouse. This plan is easy to follow and uses simple tools. The diamond shape provides an aesthetically pleasing look while still offering a cozy space for wrens to nest. You can even choose wood that matches your outdoor decor for a cohesive design.
Why It’s Great: The unique shape adds visual interest to your yard, and the plan is straightforward enough for even novice builders.
4. Wren Bird House with Side Door
This plan by Empress of Dirt offers a handy feature: a side door for easy cleaning. Wrens will love this design, which keeps predators out while offering a comfortable space to raise their young. It’s a simple yet effective design that only requires one piece of wood.
Why It’s Great: The side door allows for easy maintenance, and the sturdy design ensures a secure home for your feathered friends.
5. Two Hanging Bird House Plans
Why settle for one when you can have two? This plan includes two hanging wren houses: The Wren Nest Box and The Wren Cube Hanging Nest Box. Both offer a unique design, with slotted entrances for easier nesting and built-in ventilation gaps to ensure comfort.
Why It’s Great: These two designs give you options for placement and style, and the ventilation gap helps keep your wrens comfortable.
6. Wren Nest Box Plan
The Wren Nest Box Plan is a classic and simple design that’s easy to make with softwood. The box features a hinged roof for easy cleaning, and it can be mounted on a tree for the perfect location. The plan also provides mounting holes to make installation a breeze.
Why It’s Great: The hinged roof makes it easy to clean out the birdhouse at the end of the season, while the mounting holes make it simple to install.
7. License Plate Wren House Plan
Get creative and recycle by using old license plates to create the roof of your wren birdhouse. This fun and quirky design adds a bit of personality to your yard while providing a functional home for wrens. The tutorial includes step-by-step instructions with photos to guide you along the way.
Why It’s Great: Using license plates not only recycles materials but also gives your birdhouse a unique look that will stand out in your garden.
8. Metal Coffee Can Wren House Plan
Repurpose a metal coffee can into a cozy wren house with this fun and easy DIY project. By reinforcing the lid of the coffee can and adding ventilation holes, you can create a perfect little home for your wrens. Plus, the bright color of the coffee can will attract attention from both birds and visitors.
Why It’s Great: This upcycled project is an affordable and environmentally friendly way to create a wren house. It’s also an excellent conversation starter!
9. Soda Can Wren Birdhouse Plan
For another upcycled option, you can transform a soda can into a wren birdhouse. The tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to decorate the can, add moss for a natural look, and create a cozy space for your feathered friends. It’s a fun and creative way to recycle materials.
Why It’s Great: This birdhouse is an inexpensive and creative way to provide shelter for wrens, using something you might already have lying around.
10. Spacious Wooden Birdhouse Plan
If you want to give your wrens a little more space, this large wooden birdhouse plan is perfect. The spacious design offers plenty of room for wrens to nest comfortably, and it can easily be mounted or hung. This birdhouse plan is a simple yet impactful addition to your backyard.
Why It’s Great: This birdhouse provides ample space for wrens, making it ideal for larger breeds or those who prefer more room to stretch out.
Why Build a Wren Birdhouse?
Wrens are not only adorable, but they also help keep your garden free from pests, such as insects and spiders, as they are excellent hunters. Building a wren birdhouse can offer them a safe and comfortable place to nest while also attracting beautiful wildlife to your backyard. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding DIY project that requires minimal materials.
Tips for Building Your Wren Birdhouse:
- Hole Size: Make sure the entrance hole is no larger than 1 inch in diameter for House Wrens and 1-1/8 inches for Carolina Wrens to prevent other birds like sparrows from taking over the nest.
- Materials: Use untreated wood, as treated wood can harm the birds. Softwoods like pine are ideal.
- Location: Place the birdhouse 5 to 10 feet off the ground, away from predators and in a location where wrens can easily find food and shelter.
Wren Birdhouse Placement Tips:
To attract wrens, consider placing your birdhouse in a location that suits their habitat preferences. Carolina Wrens prefer homes nestled among trees or dense shrubs, while House Wrens are more adaptable and will accept homes mounted on posts or small trees. Wrens are territorial, so make sure to place your birdhouses at least 100 feet apart to avoid conflicts.
Conclusion
Building a DIY wren birdhouse is a great way to provide a cozy home for your feathered friends while also adding a creative touch to your outdoor space. With these 10 free plans, you can easily create a beautiful, functional birdhouse that will attract wrens to your yard. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIYer, these plans offer something for everyone. So, grab your tools, pick a plan, and get started—your feathered neighbors will thank you!
