The Perfect Blue Bird House: A PVC Pipe Solution That Lasts
For years, I built traditional wooden bluebird houses—some painted, some stained, some left natural. But no matter what I did, they never lasted. Rot, woodpeckers enlarging the entrance, or just general wear and tear meant I was constantly repairing or replacing them.

Then, one day while hiking, I saw a bluebird nesting in an old, rotted-out fence post. The bird had made a cozy home inside the hollow center, and it got me thinking: If she’s happy in a weathered old post, why not use something more durable, like PVC pipe?

The PVC Bluebird House Experiment
I grabbed an old 4-inch thin-wall PVC pipe, cut it to 9 inches long, and added two end caps. For the bottom, I drilled five small drainage holes in one cap and glued it in place. The top cap was left unglued so I could easily remove it for cleaning. Then, I drilled a 1.5-inch entrance hole just below the top cap.

That was it—simple, quick, and built to last for decades.

Surprising Success
I didn’t expect much the first year, but the bluebirds moved in almost immediately. Now, they raise at least two broods in each house every season. The PVC doesn’t rot, woodpeckers can’t damage it, and it stays dry inside—perfect conditions for nesting.

Easy Maintenance
After the fledglings leave, I slide off the top cap and shake out the old nest into a garbage bag. I never leave the old nesting material nearby—this helps prevent mites and parasites from infesting the next brood.

Mounting Options
There are several ways to secure these PVC nest boxes:

• Screw Mount: Drill a hole in the back and attach it to a post.
• Wire Hanger: Run wire through holes in the pipe and secure it to a tree or fence.
• Bungee Cord (Best Option): Wrap a bungee with hooks around the pipe and tree/post. It stretches as the tree grows and won’t damage the bark like wire or nails.

Perches & Color—Do They Matter?
I’ve added small bolts as perches on some houses, and the birds use them—but they’ll nest just as happily without one. As for color, I used to paint them to blend in, but the birds don’t seem to care. Some of my older PVC houses have faded and even started growing lichen, but the bluebirds still love them.

Final Thoughts
Switching from wood to PVC was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my bluebird houses. They’re low-maintenance, predator-resistant, and will last for years without rotting. If you’re tired of replacing wooden birdhouses, give PVC a try—your bluebirds will thank you!

Don’t let the price scare you! Yes, PVC costs a little more than wood upfront, but it will last so much longer—no more replacing rotten or damaged houses every few years. Shop around, and you can find great deals on pipes and fittings. In the long run, it’s a smart investment for both you and your feathered friends.

Parts
PVC Pipe (will make 10, one will be flared – as of 8/6/2025 $2.56 per house)
PVC Caps (need two for each house – as of 8/6/2025 $3.67 Each)
PVC Glue (the one I used – as of 8/6/2025 $7.96 per can)
Bungee Cord with Hooks (as of 8/6/2025 $19.86 for a pack of 10)