Bird feeders are a great way to attract and provide food for birds in your backyard. They can be used to attract many different kinds of birds, from sparrows to cardinals and blue jays! Making your own square bird feeder is easy, affordable, and fun!
By following these steps you will learn how to create a functional square bird feeder that will become a focal point for any yard or garden.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Building a square bird feeder can be done using easy tips and techniques. |
| Making a square bird feeder provides an opportunity to attract a variety of bird species to your backyard. |
| Following expert advice and instructions ensures a successful DIY project for creating a square bird feeder. |
| Square bird feeders can be made using different materials and designs, allowing for customization based on personal preferences. |
| Providing a welcoming space for birds with a square bird feeder adds beauty and enjoyment to your outdoor environment. |
Choose A Wood Type
When choosing a wood to use, it’s important to select one that is easy to work with. Using hardwood like oak or maple would be too hard for this project.
Softwoods like pine or cedar will work just fine, but you’ll want to avoid using softwoods that are prone to cracking and splitting, such as cedar shingles (which are made from Western red cedar).
If you don’t have access to local lumber in your area, consider ordering online or going with a balsa wood option instead.
Looking to attract different bird species to your backyard? Learn how to make a square bird feeder with our easy tips. Check out our guide on how to make a square bird feeder and create a welcoming space for a variety of birds to enjoy.
Figure Out How Big You Want It To Be
To determine what size you want your bird feeder to be, start with these questions:
- How many birds do you want to feed?
- Do you want a big or small community of birds in your backyard?
- Will this be an addition to an existing garden or will it stand alone?
- How much space are you willing to dedicate to the project and how much time can you spend on it?
| Size Option | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Small | 10cm x 10cm |
| Medium | 20cm x 20cm |
| Large | 30cm x 30cm |
| Extra Large | 40cm x 40cm |
Cut The Pieces
Before you can start putting the feeder together, you need to cut all of the wood pieces. Use a miter saw to do this as accurately as possible.
You can also use a hand saw if you are more comfortable with that, but make sure to clamp your pieces in place before cutting so they don’t get away from you while trying to measure them out.
Then pre-drill holes into each piece where they will be joined together with screws or nails so that the wood doesn’t split apart later on when putting it together.
Niger seeds are a popular choice for bird feeders. If you want to attract birds with this type of feeder, our step-by-step guide on making a niger seed bird feeder is here to help. Follow our expert advice and enjoy the company of beautiful birds in your garden.
Sand It Smooth
Now that you’ve made the frame, it’s time to smooth out the surface. You’ll want to use sandpaper for this step.
If your wood is very rough or has splinters, use a palm sander first to get rid of them. If there are still rough spots after using a palm sander, move on to a hand sander and then finish with sandpaper if necessary.
Once you’ve got all the large surfaces smoothed out and removed any excess glue from around the edges, vacuum up all the dust from your project area so that it doesn’t get on anything else in your home!
Assemble The Pieces
The next step is to attach the sides and bottom of your square bird feeder together. Make sure that all corners are flush as well as any seams, then secure them with a drill or by hand with a hammer and nails.
If you want to add some extra functionality and make it easier for birds to access food, you can use an old bottle opener (or similar tool) to cut out two holes near the top of your feeder.
This way, birds won’t have to fly around trying to find their food; they can just land on top of it!
You may also want these holes located so that only ground-feeding birds like sparrows can reach them – this will keep away larger critters like squirrels who are looking for easy meals off your property.
Building a bird feeder can be a rewarding DIY project. If you’re looking for expert advice and useful tips, our comprehensive guide on how to make a bird feeder is a must-read. Discover different designs, materials, and techniques to create a feeder that suits your needs.
Attach The Roof
Now that you have the bottom and sides of your square bird feeder completed, it’s time to attach the roof.
Use a hammer and nails or screws if you’d like for this project to be more durable. Attach the roof so that it is level with the bottom of your feeder.
| Attachment Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Screw | Secure the roof using screws for a sturdy attachment. |
| Clip | Use clips to easily attach and detach the roof for maintenance or cleaning. |
| Magnetic | Utilize a magnetic attachment system for convenient roof placement and removal. |
| Latch | Secure the roof with a latch mechanism for added stability and protection against wind. |
| Velcro | Use Velcro strips for a quick and adjustable roof attachment solution. |
Install The Latch And Handle Onto The Roof
The latch and handle should be installed onto the roof of the feeder. The latch should be placed on one side of the roof, and the handle on the opposite side.
Make sure that you install them so that they are accessible for humans to open, but not for birds to access. The best way to do this is by placing them at a height where a person could easily reach up and pull down – say about four feet off of ground level?
Cut And Install The Feeder Tray
Now it’s time to cut and install the bird feeder tray.
Drill a hole for the feeder tray, making sure that it is as close to the center of your square bird feeder as possible.
The size of this hole will depend on what kind of tray you are using: if you have opted for a large metal mesh or wire mesh, then make sure it is larger than your mesh; if you have chosen a plastic or acrylic sheeting material, then use a drill bit that’s slightly smaller than its dimensions (to allow for movement).
Use small nails or screws to attach this piece of acrylic or other material over top of where your drainage holes will go into the bottom of your square wooden box.
These holes should be located within about 1 inch from each other and evenly spaced around every edge; they should also be just barely large enough so that water can flow through them freely but still keep insects out (make sure they’re too small for ants!). Make sure these holes aren’t straight up-and-down—this will ensure proper drainage!
Crows can sometimes be a challenge when it comes to bird feeders. If you’re dealing with these clever birds, our guide on keeping crows away from bird feeders offers valuable tips and strategies. Implement these techniques to protect your bird feeders and attract the birds you desire.
Drill Drainage Holes Into The Feeder Tray
Once you have your bird feeder tray, it’s time to drill holes into it. If you’re doing a square-shaped feeder, then you’ll want to put drainage holes all around the bottom of your tray.
You can also add drainage holes at the back and front of the tray just for extra protection against leaking water.
Finally, since there are four corners on this tray, we recommend making some small drainage holes in each corner as well!
If you’re creating an oval-shaped bird feeder instead (like ours), then we recommend drilling drainage holes in all four corners of your tray as well as three or more along one side for good measure—but keep in mind that this will make them less stable than square ones would be without additional support from something else like our tripod stand idea mentioned above!
Add Screen Or Mesh To The Bottom Of The Feeder Tray
To keep the birds from spilling seeds, add screen or mesh to the bottom of the feeder tray. We used a wire mesh that we found in our local hardware store. If you don’t have a hardware store nearby, you can use any type of screen.
Window screen might be best because it is thin and easy to cut with scissors, but regular window screening would also work well if you can find some that fits your feeder tray.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Wire Mesh | Use wire mesh on the bottom of the feeder tray for drainage and ventilation. |
| Screen | Attach a screen to the bottom of the feeder tray to prevent food from falling through. |
| Perforated Metal | Opt for a perforated metal sheet for a durable and functional bottom for the feeder tray. |
| Plastic Mesh | Utilize a plastic mesh material on the tray’s bottom to provide a barrier while allowing airflow. |
| Fine Mesh Cloth | Attach a fine mesh cloth to the tray for smaller food particles to stay on the tray while allowing drainage. |
Create A Place For The Birds To Perch On Your Square Bird Feeder
Once you have your square bird feeder and the materials for your perch, it’s time to start building. The first step is to make sure that whatever branch or other natural material you’re using will be sturdy enough to hold your birds.
If it’s not strong enough, then it can break off under their weight and drop them into the water below.
In addition, make sure that your perch isn’t too high off of the ground; you don’t want it where predators can reach without any trouble!
On the other hand, don’t place the perch too close to your square bird feeder either—this might confuse any birds who are trying to land on this new structure!
Once all of these conditions are met (i.e., no predators nearby), then go ahead and start creating a space for them in which they can rest comfortably while feeding themselves from this convenient spot!
Attracting robins to your garden can be a delight. To learn about bird feeders that specifically attract these beautiful birds, check out our informative article on what bird feeder attracts robins. Discover the right food, design, and placement to invite robins into your outdoor space.
Attach A Bird Feeder Hanger Onto Your Square Bird Feeder
To make sure your bird feeder is safe and secure, you should attach a hanger to the bottom of your square bird feeder.
A screwdriver is the easiest way to go about this, but if you don’t have one handy, you can use any other tool that can punch holes into wood (like an awl).
Once the hanger is attached via screws or nails (whichever you prefer), make sure it hangs level with the ground.
This might take some adjusting on your part—and patience—but it’s important to get it right so that both birds and humans can easily access their food safely!
Conclusion
If you’re looking to feed the birds in your backyard, a square bird feeder is a great option. It has plenty of space for multiple birds to perch on at once, plus it makes for an attractive addition to any yard.
If you want to make one yourself, here are some tips: First off, find out what kind of wood you want to use.
We recommend cedar because it’s durable enough not only withstand weather elements like rain but also pests like termites or ants too!
Next step would be measuring out how big your square bird feeder should be based on how many birds will be visiting regularly (we recommend around 10 inches across).
Once finished cutting all pieces needed shape them into a rectangle then sand down both sides until smooth finish left over surfaces before assembling them together.”
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of homemade bird feeders:
Growing Family: Homemade Bird Feeders: Discover creative ideas for making homemade bird feeders with this comprehensive guide. Learn different techniques, materials, and designs to create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard.
Creating Creatives: Bird Feeder Crafts: Dive into a collection of bird feeder crafts that are fun and engaging for kids and adults alike. Find step-by-step tutorials and unique ideas to bring more birds to your outdoor space.
Messy Little Monster: Homemade DIY Bird Feeders: Explore a variety of homemade DIY bird feeders with this informative article. Get inspired by simple and creative projects that will attract feathered friends to your garden.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about homemade bird feeders:
- How do I choose the right type of bird feeder for my backyard?
- The choice of bird feeder depends on the bird species you want to attract and the available space in your backyard. Consider the bird’s feeding habits and preferences when selecting a feeder.
- What are some common materials used for homemade bird feeders?
- Homemade bird feeders can be made from various materials, such as wood, plastic bottles, recycled containers, or even natural materials like pinecones and gourds.
- What kind of bird food should I use in my homemade bird feeder?
- The type of bird food you use depends on the bird species you want to attract. Common options include sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, suet, mealworms, and fruit.
- How do I maintain and clean my homemade bird feeder?
- Regular cleaning is essential to keep bird feeders hygienic and prevent the spread of diseases. Clean the feeder with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry before refilling.
- Where should I place my homemade bird feeder for optimal bird activity?
- Position your bird feeder in a safe and visible location, preferably near trees or shrubs to provide shelter and a sense of security for the birds. Ensure it is easily accessible and away from potential predators.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.