Cardinals are beautiful popular creatures that can bring your backyard to life. With the many bird houses in the market, choosing the right option for cardinals can be quite challenging, especially because they don't like an enclosed birdhouse. Instead, they prefer nesting boxes and nesting shelves.
From our research, we have concluded that the Little Giant Nesting Box with Perch is the overall best nesting box for cardinals.
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The 5 Best Birdhouses for Cardinals Reviewed
1. Little Giant Nesting Box With Perch – Best Overall
As aforementioned, cardinals are very picky, and they cannot live in just any birdhouse; after all, they do love an open place or a house with a huge entrance. Therefore, if you want an affordable nesting box, you should invest in the Little Giant Nesting Box with Perch.
This nesting box is made of impact-resistant, high-density polyethylene, so you will never have to worry about rust.
Another thing that stands out is the fact that you can easily install them side-by-side or vertically in your backyard.
If an easy installation process is not a turn-on, you should consider that it's very easy to clean. Its smooth plastic surface doesn't get cold like metals and is very easy to clean. And to make it even more comfortable, they come with perches.
The perches provide an exceptional place to land when these wild birds are entering the house. This nesting tray has a lowered floor that prevents the loss of bedding materials; plus, the fact that the roof is sloped means that you won't have to worry about roosting.
It is very easy to clean. But you will have to add some comfortable beddings like pine needles or grass clippings for this bird.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Rustproof
- No roosting
- Warm
- Spacious
- Affordable
Cons
- Can break if dropped
Takeaway
Even though plastic has some durability issues, it does have more benefits than metal or wooden birdhouses. So if you're looking for a comfortable option for your cardinal, you should get the Little Giant Nesting Box with Perch. After all, it is rustproof, warm, and, most importantly, affordable.
2. Coveside Nesting Perch – Best Design
Unlike plastic nesting boxes, wooden ones can guarantee durability. After all, they don't break or crack; plus, they can survive a wide range of weather conditions, and the Coveside Nesting Perch is no exception. Designed in the United States, this exceptional nesting unit is made of sustainably grown eastern white pines that are pesticide-free.
This house can attract birds that love an open-front house like the pigeons, Barn swallows, Phoebes, Thrashers, sparrows, and most importantly, the cardinals, among other birds, within just a couple of days. But make sure you have bird feeders near them with their favorite meals like safflower seeds and sunflower seeds.
This cardinal house is one of the easiest options to install; you can install it on the side of a building, in the barn or garage, or even under the eaves.
Personally, I love the fact that all I need to secure it and start attracting cardinals are a few screws. Plus, its simple but sturdy design and natural finish make it one box that anyone would love to have in their backyard.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Affordable
- Durable
- Spacious
- Beautiful designed
Cons
- The wood is a bit rough.
Takeaway
Cardinals love an open house, and the Coveside Nesting Perch is exactly what these birds need. This wooden house offers more than enough protection for the birds from all the elements.
3. Cedarnest Nesting Platform Handmade Free S/H – Value for Money
One of the best ways to attract birds that dislike closed a house is by installing an open nesting platform like the Cedarnest Nesting Shelve Platform Handmade Free S/H. These exceptional nesting shelves will never be vacant; they will be visited by a wide range of birds all year round.
These nesting shelves are made from Western red cedar to provide you with years of service.
The Western red cedar provides a reliable option for attracting these creatures to your yard; plus, it can attract a wide range of small birds, including cardinals, tree sparrows, juncos, and nuthatches.
The fact that it comes assembled is a bonus, and all you have to do is secure it into the mounting pole near the evergreen trees in your backyard, and you're good to go. This open nesting shelf platform provides a great place for baby birds to perfect their flying skills.
Pros
- Durable
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Spacious
Cons
- Doesn't offer protection from all elements
Takeaways
The Cedarnest Nesting Platform Handmade Free S/H offers you an exceptional method for attracting birds, including the ones that don't like enclosed houses. It is an exceptional platform that can attract a wide range of birds, including the cardinals.
Plus, the fact that it is preassembled means that you don't have to worry about assembling it; all you have to do is install it, and you're good to go.
4. Precision Pet 7029286 Single Nesting Box – Best Budget
Just because you're working with a tight budget, it doesn't mean that you can't attract these beautiful birds to your backyard. After all, some budget options like the Precision Pet 7029286 Single Nesting Box can easily attract birds. This nesting house can keep the birds warm even during the cold seasons.
This nesting tray can be a great addition to your garden or home as it provides the needed privacy and shelter to these beautiful small birds.
Its natural design makes it possible for this nesting house to fit in any living space, and this includes my small backyard.
This high-quality nesting tray is easy to maintain and install, thanks to its high-quality design. Plus, the cardinals can roost on the roof of this nesting box.
Pros
- Affordable
- High-quality construction
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Doesn't have too many features
Takeaway
Generally, you don't need an exceptionally designed high-end nesting tray to attract our feathered friends to your backyard. In fact, with a simple box like the Precision Pet 7029286 Single Nesting Box, you can have these birds waking you up every morning.
After all, it's designed to provide the basic needs for these creatures, which in most cases are shelter and privacy.
If you plan to host more than one family of cardinals and don't have enough space for three separate houses, you should invest in the Bird House for Outside 3 Rooms for 3 Cardinal Families. This beautifully designed nesting box can help enhance your backyard while providing a home to a number of birds at the same time without taking too much space.
It has a wide bottom that provides more than enough space for the birds to move around; plus, the addition of a perch at its 1.57-inch wide entrance is a bonus. This cardinal nesting house has played a key role in improving my home's curb appeal and giving it a natural feeling. Plus, thanks to the strong hemp ropes for securing it, you will never have to worry about it falling down.
But remember, keeping the doors open can help with ventilation, and the vines can protect the birds from snow, rain, and cold biting wind.
Other than its design, another thing that helps it stand out is the fact that you can place it anywhere in your compound. You can place it in a flat place or hang it on a sturdy branch.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to place
- Secure
- Proper ventilation
- Spacious
Cons
- Costly
Takeaway
The Bird House for Outside by STARSWR has everything the cardinal will ever need to survive in your backyard despite its price range. Plus, it plays a key role in improving your home's curb appeal, thanks to its beautiful design.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Birdhouse For Cardinals
As aforementioned, cardinals love an open nesting box, which means it must have a huge entrance or be an open platform. But other than the size of the entrance, you have to consider a few other factors when purchasing the best nesting box on the market.
Therefore, before you go to the store and pick the first option you find, try and spare a few minutes and find out more about the cardinals and what they like. For example, unlike in an ideal finch bird house, Cardinals prefer larger openings with prominent, sturdy perching areas available.
So here are a few tips that can help you pick the right option for your backyard:
Quality of Construction
Instead of investing in an enclosed structure that the cardinals will ignore most of the time, why don't you go for an open nesting box that can provide the needed shelter where they can feel safe and secure?
The materials used in your bird house plans to make the nesting box also matters. In fact, they should be able to protect the bird against all the natural elements.
Remember, cardinals build their nest between 1 to 15 ft. off the ground; therefore, you should aim for this height when installing the birdhouse. Since they're already looking for a home, you should make your birdhouse enticing, which means placing it on a solid surface in a place covered with green crops and trees.
Proper Drainage and Ventilation
Poor drainage can result in the nesting housing becoming dumpy during the wet seasons; therefore, you need a reliable drainage system that can keep the rainwater out. Proper ventilation can also come in handy during the hot seasons. Remember, a sloped and extended roof can help dry the nesting tray.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should the Nesting House Be Situated Next to the Bird Feeders?
For ease of access, it's always a good idea to place the nesting tray near the feeder. Plus, some bird house reviews indicate if they have perches that can provide additional roosting spots for the birds and make them feel comfortable and safe.
Where Should I Place the Cardinal Birdhouse?
There are a number of places where you can safely install these houses and still attract a number of birds. You can either place it in your yard or garden. You can also install them near your window so that you may be able to get a perfect view of these birds. Most importantly, make sure you secure the birdhouse by placing it in a location that predators can't easily access.
What Is the Best Design for Cardinal Birdhouses?
Cardinals rarely use a birdhouse so you should use a nesting tray or a nest with a huge entrance instead. You should attach it to a tree or a pole and make sure it's secured. Remember, the cardinal loves perching and nesting in places surrounded by evergreen trees and plants.
Conclusion
Birds can bring our backyards to life, so you should consider getting a house for cardinals in addition to installing one of the best cardinal feeders. A birdhouse can guarantee you some visitors every season, and the good thing about these houses is that they can attract more than just the cardinals.
One of the best options for cardinals is the Little Giant Nesting Box with Perch. Aside from being affordable, this is made from polyethylene, so you will never have to worry about corrosion. The nesting box has ventilation holes and a slanted roof that provides a perfect drainage system while preventing other birds from perching on its roof.
