Handicraft & Hobby
Exhibits Rules

Birdhouses

ENTRIES TAKEN 5PM-7PM SEPTEMBER 27^TH ONLY
PICK UP ENTRIES 2:30PM-5PM SEPTEMBER 29TH

GENERAL RULES:

1. All entries must be built and/or decorated by the entrant within the last 12 months.
2. Entrants must indicate whether the birdhouse is functional or decorative.
3. Age groups:
   -Adult 18 years of age and up
   -Youth A (6 – 9 years of age)
   -Youth B (10-13 years of age)
   -Youth C (14-18 years of age)

Section 1. Decorative

These will be judged on aesthetics, imaginative theme or concept, whimsy, exceptional use of form, texture, color, composition, and *craftsmanship (*THIS CLASS IS NOT REQUIRED TO USE BIRDHOUSE SIZE REQUIREMENT)

Class 10: Original
Class 11: Kit
Class 12: Premade

Section 2. Functional

Requirements:

1. Birdhouses must be original and suitable for a type of species that nests in Illinois. Entrants must indicate the species the house is designed for and use accepted standards. (Refer to birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo/downloads/songbirdholesize.pdf for these standards)
2. The walls and roof should be at least ¾ inch thick to provide insulation against spring and summer sun.
3. The entry hole should be the correct size for the species. The over-all inside dimensions should also be appropriate for the species.
4. The house should be assembled, with appropriate fastening material, to ensure it will last through an entire nesting season. (Example: Cord or string hanger will probably fail.)
5. No perches should be provided near entry holes to reduce threats from predators.
6. There should be a way to open for monitoring nesting activity and for cleaning after use.
7. The roof should be slanted to allow for water run-off and provide enough overhang to minimize rain entering the house
8. There should be ventilation under the eaves to provide air flow. (Gaps or holes drilled)
9. If a house is painted, the colors should be light or neutral tones. Dark colors absorb the sun’s rays and make the box too warm inside.
10. The inside wall of deep houses (wood duck, owl, etc.) should have recessed grooves or rough surfaces under the entrance hole to help baby birds climb out.

Class 13: Original
Class 14: Kit

NOTE: As little as one foot in hanging height can make a big difference in the birds you attract. If you desire winter wrens, for example, one less foot in height will help keep out other wrens. Make certain that all entry holes 1.5 inches and smaller in diameter are sized exactly in order to keep starlings out.

For more information on birdfeeders and birdhouse specific species, check internet sites such as www.50birds.com