Want to try something different at your wildlife porch, patio, balcony, or deck?

Why not gourds?

And how do you find the right gourd for a birdhouse or roosting box?

Quick Start

Bo Nine Gourd

Too busy to make a gourd into a birdhouse or roost?

You can buy prepared gourds or even man-made gourd-like structures.

Where to Find

If you (or a friend) have the space, you can grow your own gourds from seed. However, buying a prepared gourd is the easiest way to start.

Birdhouse Gourd Seeds

Garden centers and other retailers sell gourds in the fall, and some online retailers like Amish Gourds or Welburn Gourd Farm sell prepared gourds as well.

What Size of Gourd?

You're looking for a gourd at least four inches in diameter with room for at least a one-inch diameter entry hole. This will provide enough space for a smaller bird to nest.

Other birds, like purple martins, need a large compartment, at least ten inches in diameter.

You also want a gourd with around quarter-inch-thick walls. Thicker walls make a gourd better for roosting than nesting (it's warmer).

A basic table on gourd and entry hole sizes can be found here.

What Kind of Gourd?

You also want a gourd with a shape that allows an entry hole roughly in the middle of the largest part for nesting or near the bottom for roosting.

Kettle gourds are usually a good shape for birdhouses, but other gourds work, too.

What Condition?

If not bought fully cleaned and prepared, the gourd must be emptied, cleaned of its innards, cleaned of mold, and fully dried for several months.