Hanging a birdhouse on a pole is certainly possible, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure it is done properly. In the opening paragraphs below, we’ll provide quick answers to some common questions related to hanging birdhouses on poles, before diving into more detail in the sections that follow.
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Quick Answers
– What type of pole should you use? A wooden 4×4 or metal pole with a flange that can be anchored in the ground works best.
– How high should you hang the birdhouse? 5-10 feet high is ideal for most songbird houses.
– Should the birdhouse hang from the pole or attach to the side? Hanging it from the pole generally works better.
– How do you attach the birdhouse to the pole? Using an eye screw, rope, wire, or metal pole hanger bracket.
– Does the direction the entry hole faces matter? Yes, facing east or southeast is best.
Selecting the Right Pole
When it comes to selecting a pole to hang a birdhouse from, you have a couple different options:
- Wooden pole – A 4×4 wooden post or beam works well. Use pressure treated lumber rated for outdoor use.
- Metal pole – Look for a steel or aluminum pole that has a flange on the bottom to anchor it in the ground. Wrought iron plant hanger poles can also work.
The main requirements are that the pole should be straight, durable, and anchored securely in the ground. Wood and metal both have advantages – wood blends in well outdoors and is easy to install, while metal is extremely durable and less prone to rotting or woodpecker damage.
Try to select a pole that will withstand your local weather conditions. Pressure treated 4×4 posts are inexpensive and hold up well in most environments. For very wet or windy regions, a sturdy wrought iron or steel pole may be a better choice.
Pole Height
The optimal pole height depends on the type of birdhouse you are hanging:
| Birdhouse Type | Recommended Pole Height |
|---|---|
| Small birdhouses (chickadees, nuthatches, etc) | 5 – 6 feet |
| Medium birdhouses (bluebirds, swallows, etc) | 6 – 8 feet |
| Larger birdhouses (woodpeckers, owls) | 8 – 12 feet |
The goal is to hang the house high enough that cats, raccoons and snakes cannot reach it, but low enough that it is still accessible for the target bird species. For most standard backyard songbird houses, a pole height of 5-10 feet is ideal.
Hanging Method
There are a few different ways you can hang a birdhouse from a pole:
Eye Screw or Hook
Install an eye screw or hook into the top outer face of the pole. Use an exterior-rated screw or hook. Then run rope, wire, or cable through the eye and attach it to the birdhouse hanger or chain.
Bracket
Attach a metal birdhouse hanger bracket to the pole, and then hang the birdhouse from the bracket. This provides a sturdy permanent mounting solution.
Shelf
For metal poles, you can purchase specially made birdhouse shelves that clamp to the pole at the desired height. These provide a flat shelf for the birdhouse to sit on.
Side Mount
It is also possible to mount the birdhouse directly to the side of the pole using screws or brackets. However, hanging it from the top of the pole generally provides better protection.
Direction Birdhouse Entry Hole Faces
Pay attention to the direction the birdhouse entry hole faces. In general, you will want the entry hole to face east or southeast if possible. Here’s why:
- East facing allows morning sun to warm the interior and dry out any moisture.
- Southeast facing protects the entry hole from prevailing winds and rain.
- North facing entry holes are more prone to problems with dampness.
Before mounting the birdhouse, be sure to position the pole and orient the house accordingly. You may need to add a swivel or pivot to the hanging wire or hardware to change the direction the house faces if needed.
Other Birdhouse Hanging Tips
Here are a few more quick tips for getting the best results when hanging a birdhouse from a pole:
- Add predator guards – Adding metal predator or squirrel guards over the pole can prevent hungry animals from raiding bird eggs and nestlings.
- Use weather resistant hardware – Use exterior rated screws, eye hooks, wire, rope and other hardware that can withstand the elements.
- Clear vegetation – Clear any branches or vegetation around the pole and birdhouse so adult birds have a clear flight path.
- Add perches – Small wooden perches or landing pads attached below the entry hole can give birds a place to rest.
Conclusion
Hanging a birdhouse from a wood or metal pole can be a great way to provide birds with an elevated, safe nesting site. When choosing a pole, be sure to consider the height, mounting method, and direction the entry hole will face. With proper setup and placement, a pole-mounted birdhouse will attract happy nesting pairs for seasons to come.