Decorating your backyard can be a fun way to bring the outdoors in, but it’s also a great way to show off your natural side.
Maybe you’re looking for something that will get the birds excited about visiting your yard or maybe you just want something that looks pretty.
Either way, feeders are one of the simplest ways to do either—and making them yourself is even easier!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Making a bird feeder is a rewarding DIY project. |
| Expert advice can guide you through the process. |
| Bird feeders can attract a variety of bird species to your yard. |
| Consider different designs and materials for your bird feeder. |
| Proper placement and maintenance are essential for successful bird feeding. |
1. Pinecone Bird Feeder
What you need:
- pinecones in various sizes (the bigger ones are best for this project)
- seed mix (birdseed, sunflower seeds, nuts and berries)
How to make it:
Place the whole pinecone on a flat surface and add one type of birdseed at a time until full. For example, if your pinecone has three sections, start with just one section filled with seed mix then work your way up to all three sections being filled with seed mix.
You can also fill each section with an equal amount of different kinds of birdseed or filling depending on how many varieties there are available for sale where you live or what type of birds frequent in your area; just remember that squirrels love eating some types more than others so try not use those varieties unless they’re specifically meant as bait!
Looking to make a bird feeder that attracts more birds? Our expert tips on how to make a sunflower seed feeder will guide you through the process, ensuring a delightful bird-watching experience in your own backyard.
2. Milk Jug Bird Feeder
You’ll need:
- 1 large milk jug that has been washed and dried
- A pair of scissors or a knife (to cut the top of the jug off)
- Bird seed (of your choice)
- String or twine to hang it up with (optional)
To make a bird feeder out of an empty milk jug, simply cut the top off using either scissors or a knife. If you would like to hang it up outside, then use some string or twine to do so. Alternatively, you can prop this on your patio table and watch as birds come swooping down for their dinner!
3. Water Bottle Bird Feeder
Once you have your supplies and have decided on a location for your bird feeder, it’s time to make it.
I love using water bottles for my bird feeders because they are easy to find and inexpensive (or free!). They can be hung up outside during the winter months, so that birds can still get food even when it is cold out. A great way to recycle an old plastic bottle!
To make this project, all you will need is one empty plastic bottle with both ends cut off. You can use any type of clear bottle as long as both ends have been cut off cleanly and there aren’t any sharp edges left over from making that cut.
If there are any sharp pieces left over on either end of the top or bottom piece of your new feeder don’t worry too much about them just yet – we’ll deal with them later!
4. Milk Carton Bird Feeder
This is a very simple project, which makes it perfect for beginners. You will need:
- A large milk carton.
- String, twine or yarn to hang the feeder with (optional).
To make this bird feeder you need to remove all of the paper from your carton so that only the plastic remains.
Some people use a utility knife for this task but I find an exacto blade works better because it’s easier to control and won’t tear up your hand when you’re cutting through those last few layers of wax paper!
Cut along both sides of each box then cut through where it has been folded over on itself, so that you end up with two flat pieces when finished slicing up all four sides of your milk carton into strips along its length.
Now use one half as many times as there are openings in its side (6) by attaching string or rope between each hole and tying off tightly at either end before filling them with birdseed or other food like peanut butter mixed with jelly powder mixed into peanut butter becomes popular among birds–something tastes good).
Are you considering a window bird feeder? Learn how to properly install and hang one with our step-by-step guide on hanging a window bird feeder. Enhance your view and enjoy the close-up encounters with beautiful birds.
5. Egg Carton Bird Feeder
If you’re looking to recycle and repurpose materials you already have on hand, an egg carton bird feeder is a great way to go.
The creative types over at the Family Handyman create an easy-to-follow tutorial for building one in a matter of minutes using items you probably have at home right now.
To make this non-toxic feeder, simply fill each section with birdseed mixture that includes sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn and peanuts.
Because it’s so light weight and easy to make (and because I don’t have enough time in my life), we recommend using a funnel instead of shaking out each section by hand when filling your egg carton bird feeder.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Recycled paperboard |
| Capacity | Holds 12 eggs |
| Features | – Built-in hooks for easy hanging |
| – Roof to protect bird food from rain | |
| – Multiple feeding ports for birds | |
| – Perforated bottom for drainage | |
| – Eco-friendly and sustainable design | |
| Suitable for | Wild birds |
| Dimensions | Length: 12 inches |
| Width: 6 inches | |
| Height: 4 inches | |
| Brand | EcoBird |
| Price | $9.99 |
6. Cereal Box Bird Feeder
The next project of the list is a cereal box bird feeder. This one is easy to make and it’s very cheap as well. All you need is an old cereal box, some glue, paint and ribbon.
The idea here is to cut out doorways for the birds so that they can get inside your feeder. You can use any kind of ribbon or string for this purpose but make sure that it doesn’t hurt their beaks when they eat from the feeder.
Now comes the time when we have to attract the birds to our new bird feeders we have made ourselves! The best way to do this is by planting some flowers around them so that they attract insects which are known as their favorite food source!
You can also place some suet cakes near them if you want but keep in mind that these might not always be available in winter time so try having another option ready at hand just in case something happens unexpectedly.”
Concerned about crows disrupting your bird feeder? Discover effective strategies and deterrents in our comprehensive article on keeping crows away from bird feeders. Maintain a peaceful feeding environment for your avian friends.
7. Paper Plate Bird Feeder
This craft is great for kids, as well as anyone who wants to make a bird feeder that doesn’t take up a ton of space. To make one, you’ll need:
- A paper plate
- Duct tape or other adhesive
- String or twine (optional) for hanging the feeder from a tree branch or other support structure (you can also hang it from a ceiling hook with twine if you have one available)
- Bird seed (or any type of bird food)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Material | Paper plate |
| Capacity | N/A |
| Features | – Rim with holes for hanging |
| – Rim acts as a perch for birds | |
| – Center portion holds bird food | |
| – Lightweight and easy to assemble | |
| Suitable for | Wild birds |
| Dimensions | Diameter: 9 inches |
| Brand | EcoFeeder |
| Price | $4.99 |
8. Homemade Suet Cake Recipe
If you don’t want to buy suet cakes, there are several ways that you can make your own. This recipe is a good base for any type of suet cake.
If you’d like to add seeds or nuts to it, simply add them before pouring into the molds and refrigerate until solidified. You could also use dried fruit if desired.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rendered suet | 1 cup |
| Peanut butter | 1/2 cup |
| Cornmeal | 1/2 cup |
| Birdseed | 1 cup |
| Dried fruits | 1/4 cup |
| Optional add-ins | Varies |
| Brand | N/A |
| Cooking time | 30 minutes |
| Yield | Varies |
| Difficulty level | Easy |
9. Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeders
As bird feeders go, the mason jar hummingbird feeder is definitely one of the easiest to make and use. They’re cheap, easy to find and can be used over and over again. Plus, they’re easy to recycle after you no longer need them.
Most mason jars are made of glass, so they’re not going to break easily or chip when dropped or knocked over.
In fact, the only real downside with using these types of jars is that they don’t last forever; but since these products are recyclable anyway, it’s not a huge concern for most people who use them as bird feeders in their gardens or backyards
10. Soda Bottle Bird Feeders
You will need:
- A soda bottle, preferably one that’s no longer being used. It should be big enough to hold birdseed.
- Some scissors (or even a knife if you’re feeling brave).
- An old piece of string or fishing line.
- A permanent marker (optional).
Cut off the top third of the soda bottle and discard it, so that only the bottom two-thirds remain intact.
You can also cut off more than just this amount if you want smaller holes for birds to access their food more easily—this is especially useful if you’re feeding larger birds like cardinals, who have trouble getting through narrow openings sometimes!
Use your scissors or knife to score around each side of all four sides about an inch from both ends, leaving about half an inch uncut between each score mark so that there are still tabs remaining on opposite sides from where those cuts were made earlier in step 1 above; these tabs will serve as handles later on when you put everything together again after adding some finishing touches first!
Do you want to attract a wider variety of birds to your feeder? Our collection of practical pro tips in attracting more birds to your feeder will help you create an inviting space that appeals to different bird species.
11. Soda Bottle Peanut Butter Bird Feeders
- Cut the top off your plastic soda bottle using a sharp knife.
Make holes in the sides of the bottom half of your soda bottle with an awl or other pointed tool, approximately 1 inch apart from one another and at least ¼ inch deep (for small birds).
For larger birds, make them a bit bigger to accommodate their size and strength; for squirrels, make them even larger because they’re strong little creatures!
Mix peanut butter with seed until it’s thick enough that it won’t fall out when poured through the holes—but don’t go too far past that point!
Too much peanut butter will stick together when used outside in cold weather, making it hard for birds to find what they’re looking for—and harder still when winter comes around because they’ll have no other choice but to freeze while waiting around at their feeders all day just hoping someone will come along and help them out before we’ve already eaten everything else on Earth first.”
Interested in attracting robins to your bird feeder? Find out which type of feeder works best in our informative article on what bird feeder attracts robins. Get ready to enjoy the presence of these vibrant songbirds in your yard.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to make a bird feeder. There are so many different types of feeders out there that it can be hard to know where to start.
We hope our list has given you some ideas and helped get your creative juices flowing! Be sure to share what kind of feeder YOU made in the comments below 🙂
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources on making bird feeders:
How to Make a Bird Feeder: Discover step-by-step instructions and tips for creating your own bird feeder, ensuring a welcoming environment for your feathered friends.
DIY Bird Feeders: Easy and Creative Ideas: Explore a collection of creative DIY bird feeder ideas, providing inspiration for unique and personalized bird feeding stations.
Make Your Own Feeder: Learn how to make a variety of bird feeders using everyday materials, fostering a deeper connection with nature through hands-on crafting.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making bird feeders:
How long does it take to make a bird feeder?
The time required to make a bird feeder varies depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used. Simple feeders can be constructed in a matter of minutes, while more elaborate projects may take several hours.
What materials do I need to make a bird feeder?
The materials needed for making a bird feeder can vary, but common options include wood, plastic bottles, PVC pipes, wire mesh, and various types of birdseed. The choice of materials depends on the desired design and the type of birds you want to attract.
Can I make a bird feeder without any specialized tools?
Yes, it’s possible to make a bird feeder without specialized tools. Many DIY bird feeder designs can be crafted using basic household tools like scissors, knives, drills, and glue. However, some projects may require specific tools such as a saw or a drill.
How can I ensure the bird feeder is safe for birds?
To ensure the safety of birds, it’s important to use non-toxic materials and avoid sharp edges or protruding parts that could potentially harm them. Additionally, placing the feeder in a safe location, away from predators and potential hazards, is crucial for the well-being of the birds.
What are some common types of birdseed used in homemade feeders?
Common types of birdseed used in homemade feeders include sunflower seeds, millet, nyjer seeds (thistle), cracked corn, and peanuts. Different bird species have varying preferences, so offering a mix of seeds can attract a wider variety of birds to your feeder.
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.