Now available: bird-house kits

Build-it-yourself bird houses are a great way to prep yourself for spring. The Bird House has two kits, one for chickadees and the other for wrens.

The kits are made of long-lasting cedar construction. Screws and nails are included. The only tools required are a hammer and a Phillips screwdriver.

The hole is appropriately sized for the bird. The houses are designed for easy clean-out after the nesting season is over.

The wren house can be hung from a tree limb. The chickadee house has a predrilled hole for attaching the house to a post, shed or tree trunk.

The kits contain American-made products.

There is no need to paint or stain. The cedar will hold up for many years, gradually weathering silvery gray patina. If you wish, you can use a water-based stain or preservative to the exterior of the house. However, don't apply stain or preservative to the hole or the interior.

The kits are a great project for kids or grandkids.