Easy to Build and Kid Friendly Dove Nest Box

If you’re hearing doves cooing in the morning this is a project for you and the kids. This is a very simple kid friendly Dove Nest Box. No special tools are really needed and you can even use hand tools. The kids will have great fun gluing and nailing this together. And they will love it when the doves move in. Free plans are included to make this an easy project with your family.

And follow this link to my Video to see how it is done.

Tools and Materials

This project is cheap and easy. All it requires as far as tools, is a saw, a square, glue, hammers, and nails. I will say however a table saw with a good blade, an air nailer, and a compound miter saw would make this a much faster and easier job. And if you’re doing this for kids you probably want a drill.

Materials could not be simpler to make a Dove Nest Box. All you need is a 6 foot long fence picket, waterproof glue, and 1-1/2 inch brads. Be sure you choose a western red cedar picket. Western red cedar is it soft, very easy to cut and weather resistant. These three things make it the best choice for a low maintenance birdhouse.

Layout

First don’t be over constrained by the dimensions in the sketch below. Just don’t make any small than the dimensions showing. The layout is super simple use the drawing below to mark the two roof pieces, the two sides, and the bottom.

Continue with the layout process by marking the length for the back at 14-1/8 inches as well as a piece for the bars add 13 inches. You will need to do more cutting on these later.

Cutting

Now you need to cut all your parts. Start by cross cutting to all the dimensions noted. Next, cut the bottom edge of both sides to 45 degrees. Then take the 13 inch piece and rip the crossbars. Last cut the back at 45 degrees. No you can do this after you install it also just by installing it and then cutting with a handsaw.

Assembly

Start your assembly process by gluing and nailing the roof pieces together. The short roof piece butts into the long roof piece. I used Tite Bond III waterproof glue and an air nailer. If you’re doing this with kids I don’t recommend the air nailer. Just pre drill several holes and have the kids hammer in 1-1/2 inch brads.

Trimming it up

Now that you have everything nailed in place grab a hand saw. I used a SUIZAN Japanese Pull Saw but you can use a normal Western style saw. Just place it flush on the side and cut off any excess wood. This trim work and it’s also a great thing for kids to learn how to saw. It’s hard for them to do any damage to this nesting box so stand close and show them how.

The Finished Project

As I said this Dove Nest Box project does not take a significant time or number of tools. Certain tools will help you complete the job faster and easier but when working with kids it’s sometimes best to stick with hand tools. Or prep the parts and get them involved in the assembly.

I hope you find the time or make the time to do this Dove Nest Box project with your kids. They’ll have a lot of fun with it and once it’s complete they’ll love watching the birds. If you do make this project, congratulations on a job well done. And do me a favor and post it on my Facebook page. I’d love to see your work.

Hope you got something out of this and if you did, do me a favor, hit like and subscribe. I’d appreciate that a lot.

Thanks for reading and until next time Good Making!

Bill

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Links to my Videos and Blogs

DIY Whiskey and Cigar Butler https://30minutewoodshop.com/?p=550

Farmhouse Key Rack https://youtu.be/I65FGq4dKYY

Create Your Own Lazy Susan https://30minutewoodshop.com/?p=491

Tools and Materials you may need

Titebond III Wood Glue https://amzn.to/3pzOm4G

Wire Brads 1-1/2″ https://amzn.to/3PG8Y69