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This Factory is Producing Roof Tiles That Serve As Bird Shelters
A Turkish company has found the perfect solution to millions of birds in urban areas: bird’s nest roof tiles.
Turkish company is now manufacturing roof tiles that double as bird shelters
Today, some 55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas,according to the UN. As a result, animals are forced to find ways to share these tight urban spaces with us humans, and it isn’t always straightforward. Birds are no exception. BoredPanda report that a creative design could be key to solving a decline in urban bird populations
A company operating in Çorum produces birdhouse tiles with a price of $70 abroad using hand workmanship and sells for 35 liras. Founded by Cengiz Başaranhıncal and Ali Arslan, the partners of the company that has been producing bricks and tiles for four generations in the city, inspired by the fact that many products used by the Hittites are made of soil, the company has been producing kitchens and ornaments for about 7 years. Source: HititTerra.com
The Turkish company Hitit Terra is now manufacturing these roof tiles that double as bird shelters
It all began when the Dutch product design agency Klaas Kuikencame up with the ideato design a roof tile that doubles as a bird house.The idea was pounced upon by Hitit Terra, a Turkish terracotta manufacturer based in the town of Çorum, which then started producing the bird nest tiles for the local communities.
Mahmoud Basic, the regional director for Turkish National Parks,tolda local news website that the tiles were to be produced and distributed to the people free of charge.
The Hitit Terra founders, Cengiz Başaranhıncal and Ali Arslan,saidthat the idea to produce bird nest tiles came after they saw the design on social media. Ali explained that the price of the tile online came out at around $70* which, in his opinion, was too high and they started making their own product for a local market.
*The Dutch tiles they are referring to are in fact more than twice that price, so wherever they saw them for $70 was a bargain.
Hitit Terra’s bird nest tiles were tested by Afyon Nature Conservation and the 5th Regional Directorate of National Parks and re-designed according to the demand. They now produce 5 different tile designs that accommodate different bird species.
Bird houses are rooted in Turkish history. Back in the times of the Ottoman Empire, people would build elaborate miniature palaces for the birds. Not only did they give animals shelter, they were also believed to grant good deeds to whoever built them.
The company, which produced various kitchen and ornaments, mostly handmade cake molds, raw meatballs trays, jugs, as well as various items used in the Hittite period, also started to produce tiles with bird nests. Bird’s nest tiles, which find buyers for $70 abroad, are produced in a way that different bird species can be sheltered using handcrafts and sold for 35-60 liras ($5–$10) Source: HititTerra.com Ali Arslan, one of the company partners, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they started producing roof tiles with bird nests two years ago. They have sent 3 thousand products to various municipalities and institutions so far. Source: HititTerra.com Explaining that they redesigned the birdhouse tile on the internet in a different way, Arslan said, “It was sold on the Internet for around $ 70 each. We thought it was a disadvantage to launch a product related to nature with such a high price. We get the point. those who want, instead of bringing Turkey from abroad, we provide access to these products from Corum.” Source: HititTerra.com “Demand is increasing as it is a new product” Expressing that the interest in bird nest tiles is increasing day by day, Arslan stated that until today, the 5th Regional Directorate of Afyon Nature Conservation and National Parks, municipalities of various provinces, companies and citizens who want to put them on the roof of their homes have produced 3 thousand pieces. Source: HititTerra.com Source: HititTerra.com Stating that they received very good comments, especially on social media, Arslan said: “Especially in many buildings built during the Ottoman period, we see that there are such structures for the eating, drinking and sheltering needs of birds. We also wanted to keep the tradition of our ancestors alive and contribute to the animals we share our world with. We received very good reactions from all segments after production. Congratulations from many places, especially organisations and municipalities, and thanks on social media. This happiness leads us to make more quality and different products. The demands are increasing gradually as it is a new product. ” Source: HititTerra.com Source: HititTerra.com Source: HititTerra.com Source: HititTerra.com
A product that contributes to the increase of the bird population in cities and villages
In consultation with Vogelbescherming Nederland (Dutch organisation concerning the protection of birds), Klaas Kuiken originally developed “Vogelhuisjesdakpan” (the Birdhouse roof tile); the merge of a basic terracotta roof tile with the archetypal shape of a house. The result is a remarkable product that not only looks good, but also contributes to the increase of the bird population in cities and villages.
Inside the Birdhouse, underneath the roof tile, a carefully designed nesting basket made of wood and bird screen is attached. This nesting basket ensures good ventilation, prevents the birds from moving to other places underneath your roof and makes it really easy to clean the nest after a breeding period.
By installing one or more of these Birdhouse roof tiles, you ensure that birds are provided with a safe place to stay and raise their chicks. Instead of crawling under the rooftiles to build a nest, the birds can now linger in their own cozy cottage.
The ‘birdhouse tiles’ is new and improved! And can be ordered atColored Roofs
A product that contributes to the increase of the bird population in cities and villagesSource: KlaasKuiken.nl In consultation with Vogelbescherming Nederland (Dutch organisation concerning the protection of birds), Klaas Kuiken developed the Birdhouse; the merge of a basic terracotta roof tile with the archetypal shape of a house. Source: ColoredRoofs.nl The result is a remarkable product that not only looks good, but also contributes to the increase of the bird population in cities and villages. Source: ColoredRoofs.nl Inside the Birdhouse, underneath the roof tile, a carefully designed nesting basket made of wood and bird screen is attached. This nesting basket ensures good ventilation, prevents the birds from moving to other places underneath your roof and makes it really easy to clean the nest after a breeding period. Source: ColoredRoofs.nl By installing one or more of these Birdhouse roof tiles, you make sure that birds are provided with a safe place to stay and raise their chicks. Instead of crawling under the rooftiles to build a nest, the birds can now linger in their own cozy cottage. Source: KlaasKuiken.nl
WINTER BIRD FEEDING — HOW TO HELP BIRDS SURVIVE WINTER
As the cold, wind and snow begin to arrive, it’s time for a few winter bird feeding tips to help keep our little flying feathered friends safe and sound in the frigid weather.
