If you have a garden, then you certainly know that weeds are a major problem. Weeds take over the garden and block sunlight from reaching your plants. They also compete with your plants for nutrients in the soil, making it hard for them to grow well.
Weeding is an important part of gardening, but there is another way to deal with your weeds: mulch! Mulching is an easy way to keep unwanted plants away from your garden without having to do any heavy lifting.
It can also help control erosion caused by rainfall or wind while protecting roots from extreme temperatures and preventing soil compaction that could lead to plant stress or death over time. Before we get into how to make sunflower seed feeder let’s see what’s involved in doing this project:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Making a sunflower seed feeder is a rewarding DIY project for bird enthusiasts. |
| Use durable and weather-resistant materials when constructing the feeder. |
| Sunflower seeds are a popular choice for attracting a wide variety of bird species. |
| Consider adding perches or platforms to the feeder to provide comfortable feeding spots for birds. |
| Proper maintenance and cleaning of the feeder are essential for bird health and hygiene. |
| Placing the sunflower seed feeder in a safe and accessible location will attract more birds. |
| Experiment with different designs and sizes to accommodate the preferences of specific bird species. |
| Regularly monitor the seed levels and refill the feeder as needed to ensure a consistent food supply. |
| Incorporating squirrel-proofing measures can help deter squirrels from accessing the feeder. |
| Enjoy the beauty and joy of birdwatching as the feeder attracts various feathered visitors. |
#1. Prepare stuff you need
You’ll need a few essential tools and materials to make your bird feeder. You will need:
- Wood of choice, for example cedar
- Screws to attach the pieces together
- Drill machine (optional)
- Paint or weatherproofing material of choice, such as varnish or polyurethane (optional)
- Seed tray with holes in it that can be used as a sunflower seed dispenser
Now that you have gathered all the necessary equipment, it’s time to put everything together!
Looking to attract more birds to your feeder? Check out our expert tips on how to attract more birds to your feeder and create a welcoming environment for a variety of bird species.
#2. Cut and drill the bottom board
Cut a piece of 1/2″ plywood to size, approximately 12″ x 18″. Then use an electric jigsaw to cut holes for your feeder’s weight cables in both ends of this board, making sure they are big enough so that you can fit your cable rings through them later on.
Next, drill holes for hanging wires and add some weather protection by painting over it with exterior latex paint (or stain).
| Tools | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Circular Saw | Efficient cutting of the bottom board to desired dimensions |
| Drill | Creating holes for screws or other fasteners |
| Jigsaw | Precise cutting of curves or intricate patterns |
| Hole Saw | Drilling large holes for specific requirements |
| Chisel | Fine-tuning and shaping cuts on the bottom board |
| Router | Creating decorative edges or joints on the bottom board |
#3. Drill holes for the weight cables and cable rings
Now that you’ve finished cutting out the pieces, it’s time to begin drilling holes. First, mark where you want each cable ring and weight cable to go on your feeder.
This will depend on how far apart you want them and what material you’re using for your feeder. For example, if you’re going with a wood block like I did, then it might be best to place them closer together so they’ll all fit nicely inside of it.
Now use a drill bit that is the same size as the cable ring (or larger) and drill several holes in a row until they are deep enough to accommodate it comfortably.
If necessary, clean up any excess material from around these holes with an exacto knife or other sharp instrument until everything looks nice and neat!
#4. Screw on a piece of board for the mount ring
Screw on a piece of board for the mount ring. To do this, place the piece of wood over your bucket and mark where you want to drill holes.
Drill with a screwdriver or hammer and nails so that it is light enough for you to lift up without damaging the wood. You could also glue a screw into each hole if you’re worried about them falling out later when you are hanging your feeder in place.
Interested in making a square bird feeder? Our easy tips on how to make a square bird feeder will guide you through the process, allowing you to provide a unique feeding station for your feathered friends.
#5. Sand, paint and add some weather protection
You can make a nice, clean feeder by sanding the outside of the finished seed feeder and painting it. You could also make a weather-proof cover for your finished sunflower seed feeder by covering it with an old t-shirt, or using a plastic bag (like you would when you’re at the beach).
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Sanding | Smooth the surface and remove imperfections using sandpaper |
| Priming | Apply a primer coat to enhance paint adhesion |
| Painting | Apply the desired paint color or finish to the project |
| Weather Protection | Add a weather-resistant sealant or coating for durability |
| Clear Coating | Apply a clear protective coat to enhance longevity |
| Brand-Specific Products | Utilize brand-specific sandpaper, primer, paint, or coatings |
#6. Install S hooks for the seed tray
The S hook will attach to the bottom of the door, and it’s how you’ll hang your seed tray. You can find these at any hardware store or home improvement store—just look for a hook that can hold up to 10 pounds!
To install your hook, use a pencil and ruler to mark out where you want it placed on your frame.
Then use an electric drill with a bit that’s smaller than your wood screws (so they don’t split through when you screw them into place) and carefully drill holes in each mark until all four sides have been drilled.
Next up is installing those lovely little screws through those holes! Simply place them in so they’re sticking out just enough that they’ll catch when hung up later on, but not so far as they’re hard to grab with pliers if needed later on down the road (which could happen).
Curious about the bird feeder that attracts robins? Discover the ideal bird feeder for robins in our article on what bird feeder attracts robins, and enhance your yard to welcome these beautiful birds.
#7. Make the Seed Tray
The next step is to make the seed tray. You can use a scrap piece of wood and cut it to size using a miter saw or table saw.
Drill holes for the seed tray where you’d like it to be placed on your birdfeeder stand. Then sand and paint your feeder stand so that it’ll last longer, adding some weather protection if needed as well.
| Materials | Description |
|---|---|
| Wood | Durable and commonly used material for constructing seed trays |
| Plywood | Affordable option for making the base or sides of the seed tray |
| Plastic | Lightweight and weather-resistant material for seed tray |
| Metal | Sturdy and long-lasting option for a more durable seed tray |
| Mesh or Screen | Provides drainage and prevents seeds from falling through the tray |
| Nails or Screws | Fasteners for securing the components of the seed tray |
| Drill | Used to create holes for drainage in the seed tray |
| Saw | Cutting tool for shaping the wood or other materials |
#8. Make the squirrel baffle and add it to your feeder pole
Now that you’ve made the feeder, it’s time to add the squirrel baffle. The best place for your baffle is at least 4 inches above the top of your feeder.
This will make it harder for squirrels to get their mouths on the sunflower seeds, but you can adjust this height depending on what kind of bird or animal you want to attract.
You can either buy a commercial squirrel baffle or make one yourself out of PVC pipe or other materials.
If using PVC pipe, cut six pieces long enough so they fit around your pole tightly and have room below them for mounting brackets.
If using another material such as wood, drill holes through one side piece at each end so that when it’s placed over top of your pole (with two pieces facing down), there are corresponding holes opposite each other on each side piece where screws can be inserted into wall studs at each end of the pole.
Worried about crows disturbing your bird feeders? Learn effective strategies in our guide on how to keep crows away from your bird feeders to protect your feeders and ensure they remain accessible to other bird species.
#9. Install your feeder!
Make sure to hang your feeder in a safe place. You don’t want your sunflower seed feeder to be accessible to birds and squirrels, so make sure you hang it somewhere that they can’t reach.
Make sure to hang your feeder at least 10 feet off the ground. This will ensure that pigeons and other larger birds can’t get access to it either.
Make sure to hang your feeder away from power lines: While this isn’t an issue for most people, if you live near an electrical substation or near any other sources of electromagnetic interference (EMI), it might be wise not to put up a bird feeder where there could be any chance of lightning strikes or EMP damage being caused by nearby electrical equipment like transformers, motors, etc…
Interested in making a sunflower seed feeder? Check out our pro tips on how to make a sunflower seed feeder and create a customized feeder that will attract various bird species to your garden.
Conclusion
With a little bit of patience and an idea, you can make your own sunflower seed feeder. The best thing about this project is that there are so many different ways to do it! It all depends on what materials you have available and how much work you want to put into it.
Take the time to figure out what kind of feeder will work for your needs before starting any project because once it’s done there’s no turning back!
Further Reading
Sunflower Seed Feeders by Family Handyman: Explore this comprehensive guide by Family Handyman for more information on different types of sunflower seed feeders and how to make them.
DIY Sunflower Tower Birdfeeder on Pinterest: Discover creative ideas and inspiration for building a sunflower tower birdfeeder through this Pinterest post.
Make Your Own Feeder by Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website to find step-by-step instructions on making your own bird feeder, including various types suitable for different bird species.
Now, here’s the FAQs section:
FAQs
Can I use any type of sunflower seeds for my bird feeder?
Yes, most bird feeders that are designed for sunflower seeds can accommodate different types of sunflower seeds, including black oil sunflower seeds and striped sunflower seeds.
How do I attract specific bird species with my sunflower seed feeder?
To attract specific bird species, you can modify your sunflower seed feeder by adjusting its size, perch length, or positioning. Researching the preferences of the targeted bird species can help you make appropriate modifications.
How often should I refill my sunflower seed feeder?
The frequency of refilling your sunflower seed feeder depends on the number of birds visiting and consuming the seeds. Monitor the seed levels regularly and refill the feeder when it’s almost empty to ensure a constant food supply for the birds.
How do I prevent squirrels from accessing my sunflower seed feeder?
To deter squirrels, consider using squirrel-proof feeders or employing additional squirrel deterrents such as baffles or squirrel guards. Placing the feeder away from jumping-off points like trees or fences can also help prevent squirrel access.
Are there any maintenance tasks I should perform for my sunflower seed feeder?
Regular cleaning of your sunflower seed feeder is essential to prevent the spread of diseases among birds. Clean the feeder with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry before refilling. Cleaning frequency may vary, but a monthly cleaning schedule is generally recommended.
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.