The Old Rugged Cross Birdhouse

The Old Rugged Cross

A small, handmade birdhouse fashioned after an old country church, with a tall steeple, weathered tin roof, and simple metal cross; all handcrafted from salvaged barn wood and old barn tin roofing.

Please note, orders placed today will ship, Lord willing, August 14th.

About the Makers

Ray, longtime owner of the Listowel Florist, has been crafting birdhouses for over 30 years, salvaging wood and tin from old Ontario bank barns and an old church roof, and giving these weathered materials a second life.

Last summer, I (Caleb) helped take down two wooden bank barns and am now learning Ray’s time-tested designs as he eases into semi-retirement. These birdhouses will continue to be found at the Listowel Florist, and now, here online through The Keeping Company.

The Wood It’s Made From

From century-old Ontario bank barns and an old church roof to your garden, the wood and tin in each birdhouse have already weathered generations.

Now given a new purpose, they become a beautiful home for your feathered neighbours, and perhaps a quiet reminder of how our Father tends the sparrows… and you.

Birdhouse Placement

Birds choose their homes as they do in the wild, some seeking sunny branches and others the shelter of shade. If your birdhouse remains unoccupied, it may simply need a change of place.

Different species will often nest nearer to each other than members of the same kind, who guard their space with care. For the best welcome, place your birdhouse at the height and in the setting preferred by your local birds. A nearby birding group or nature club can point you toward the perfect spot.

Care & Maintenance

• Clean annually after nesting season by removing the bottom panel.
• Check for loose screws each year.
• Place where it is protected from the harshest winds for the longest life.

Dimensions & Weight

Weight: 2lbs 2 oz / 987 grams

Height: 11.5 inches / 28 cm

Width: 6 inches / 15 cm

Depth of base: 7 inches / 17.7 cm