Tired of throwing your used milk cartons away? Here is a way to reuse it and make a home for your favorite feathered friends*. Kids can help with this project, but an adult should be present to help with the cutting.

1. Completely open up the top of a milk carton.
2. Rinse well and let dry completely.
3. Close the top of the carton using staples or a strong tape, such as duct tape.
4. With a pen or other sharp object, poke a few holes in the bottom of the carton to allow moisture to escape.
5. Also poke some holes near the top to allow heat to escape.
6. With a pen or pencil, make a mark 6 – 8 inches from the bottom of the carton.
7. With a sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut a hole slightly larger than one inch where marked. Try to make the edges as smooth as possible to avoid bird injury.
8. At the top of the carton, make a hole to thread wire or twine through to hang it on a branch.
9. Hang it up and enjoy!

Most birds insist on making their own nest. If you would like to help them with this, please see the article, “Nesting Materials.”

*The following birds can be accommodated in the milk carton house: chickadee, downy woodpecker, nuthatch and titmouse. Other birds of similar size may also decide to live in the house.