How to Build a Birdhouse for a Blue Jay

A birdhouse specifically planned and designed to offer nesting space to blue jays will mimic a tree cavity, according to Birdhouses101.com. A platform with an open side and front and a roof offers the best option for attracting blue jays. This type of nesting platform will also attract other tree-nesting birds. The project requires common hand or power tools and the skill to use them.

Things You'll Need

  • 1-by-8 inch lumber, 2 ft
  • 1-by-2 inch lumber, 3 ft
  • 1 1/2-inch deck screws, 1/4 lbs.
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut three 8-inch long pieces from a 1-by-8 inch board. Cedar is decay resistant and the best choice for birdhouse projects, but any lumber will work. Cut two 8-inch long pieces of 1-by-2 inch lumber and three 6-inch long pieces of 1-by-2 inch lumber.

    • 2

      Fasten the floor and roof, two of the 8-inch long pieces, to the back--the third 8-inch piece--with 1 1/2-inch deck screws. Place the floor and roof pieces so they cover the end grain of the back.

    • 3

      Fasten the two 8-inch 1-by-2 inch boards between the roof and floor at the front corners of the nest platform with 1 1/2-inch deck screws. Add the 6-inch pieces of 1-by-2 inch lumber to the sides and front of the floor to create a rim around the floor of the nest platform.