What is the difference between gnome and fairy homes and birdhouses?

Function and design are the main differences between what we call our "functional" houses and the "whimsical" houses. Our functional birdhouses have round doors set above the floor of the dwellings. Fairy and Gnome houses have doors set on the ground level. All of our houses are secured with glue and nails. However, the birdhouses are built with weather-proof wood glue and are reinforced with screws. Additionally, they feature removable bottoms to facilitate seasonal cleaning.

Do birds really use the birdhouses?

Yes! And they love them! We enjoy hearing from satisfied customers and have gathered stories from across the states and around the world. Our birdhouses have been field tested on the west coast, the east coast, the Rocky Mountains, the great lakes, Alaska, Australia, England, Germany and Japan.

Many factors go into this great reception. Our birdhouses are designed to accommodate a wide range of small songbirds, based on the most highly respected and well researched habitat specifications. These design elements include the hole diameter, it's height from the floor, and the interior house diameter. Our houses are made of entirely natural materials, many of which are actually used by the birds in the wild. Additionally, we do not paint or finish our houses. The purpose for this is simple-- most exterior paints and finishes contain toxic chemicals and noxious fumes, which do not promote wildlife habitation.

Other factors that contribute to habitat usage are the location of the house, the proximity of food and water, and the house's height above the ground.

What kinds of birds use the houses?

These houses are designed to attract a variety of small songbirds found in many regions. These include wrens, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, bluebirds, finches and swallows. In addition, we build larger, custom houses for flickers, woodpeckers, kestrels and small owls.

Can these houses be cleaned?

Yes. Our birdhouses are designed with removable bottoms for seasonal cleaning. However, while this feature is available, it is a good idea to check on the nesting habits of the specific birds occupying the houses.

Do the houses hold up outside?

Our birdhouses are built with waterproof, exterior glue, nails and screws, using structurally sound designs that have been developed over a number of years. However, many other factors determine how long a house will last. Some of these include extreme outside temperatures, temperature fluctuation, humidity and wind.

We suggest putting houses in somewhat sheltered areas, out of the wind and direct sunlight. In addition, bringing houses in during the harshest winter months can prolong a house's life greatly. We have houses that we have been using for many years. With marginal care, a house can be expected to last several years.

What are your most popular designs?

Many retailers ask this question. Our best-selling designs are functional birdhouses and fairy houses.

Do you do custom orders?

While most of our common designs are represented in the pages on this site, we do create unique and original creations by request. Many of the natural elements in the woods that we use, such as knot holes and burls do not conform with standard dimensions. As a result we make many houses, both whimsical and functional, that work with unusual natural features and a variety of shapes and sizes.

As mentioned previously we do make custom houses for larger birds, such as flickers, kestrels and owls. In addition we will build all of our designs to any custom specifications. We enjoy building unique custom orders and look forward to working with you.