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How to protect chipboard bird box?

I bought a cheap (now I have figured out why) bird box to house our two pet pigeons in. It is made of chipboard which means it won’t be weather resistant. Current cage is under the eaves but only ok if the rain is considerate enough to come straight down and not at an angle. Being metal it’s no problem but the one I bought is a much better option for overnight.

Considering painting both inside and outside with a recommended stain stop waterproof primer, wondering if that will be sufficient because there is no way these pigeons are living inside. Both pigeons have been hand reared and have no concept of personal boundaries.

ideas please?

Pfft chipboard No boundaries Current housing

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Comments

JacobZ

Hi @AliceNeedsHelp,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you understand, chipboard is not a good material for outdoor applications. This is because any moisture that gets into the chipboard will cause it to expand, distort and weaken over time.

To give it the best chance of survival, I would suggest painting it with a waterproof primer such as this Crommelin Flat Aquablock Waterproof Primer Undercoat, allowing it to dry, then applying three coats of an exterior paint such as Dulux Weathershield, ensuring every surface is well coated so no water can find its way in.

I would also suggest drilling some holes in the base of the birdbox to allow any liquids that get inside to drain. Ensure they are large enough so that you can use a craft brush to apply the same primer and exterior paint to the inside of these holes.

Also, make sure to allow the birdhouse a good amount of time to air out and off-gas, as exterior paints can have some strong fumes, and you wouldn't want your feathery friends to be subjected to them. I would give it 4-5 days in a well-ventilated area, maybe with a fan aimed inside, to allow the fumes to settle.

There's still a chance that, over time, water will find its way in, but this would give your birdhouse the best chance at survival.

Let me know what you think, and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

AliceNeedsHelp

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/55411#Comment_55411

Thanks Jacob,

don’t know why anyone would think chipboard was a good material for an external pigeon box, but it should last a few seasons at least once painted.

i went to Bunnings today and couldn’t find the smaller tin of the crommelin brand but having looked it up before the zinsser (?) one seems comparable. I bought some of that and hopefully will get a chance to paint it tomorrow. After all the other jobs like mowing, trying to get doors to shut and pruning the fruit trees. It never stops, and with work that takes me away quite often and on my own with 3 adult kids at home… hopefully this bird box will get done before something else needs doing!

AlanM52

Hi Alice,

You could also consider this.

Screenshot 2025-08-04 000940.jpg

Do the initial prep thing as @JacobZ suggested then measure and cut the Flute board to cover the whole box - a bit of Art & Craft - and fix with building adhesive.

Screenshot 2025-08-04 002218.jpg

Seal the top edges with silicon.

Screenshot 2025-08-04 001909.jpg

Trim the edges with iron-on tape.

Give it two coats with spray cans.

Cheers

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