Niger seed bird feeder is a very easy to make and simple bird feeder. It can be used as homemade one by using a cup and some wire or it can be bought from the markets.
Niger seeds are tiny black seeds that are widely used as a food-stuff for birds and also as animal feed.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Building a niger seed bird feeder is a rewarding DIY project for bird enthusiasts. |
| Niger seeds are a popular choice for attracting finches and other small bird species. |
| The materials needed for making a niger seed bird feeder include a plastic bottle, wire, and niger seed. |
| The step-by-step process involves cutting holes in the bottle, attaching wire for hanging, and filling it with niger seed. |
| Placing the niger seed bird feeder in a quiet and safe location will attract a variety of beautiful birds to your backyard. |
| Regular cleaning and maintenance of the feeder are important for the health and well-being of the birds. |
Assemble the Tube and Hopper
The tube and hopper are the two main parts of the feeder. The tube is a cylinder with holes drilled in it. It fits inside the hopper in such a way that when you place bird seed into it, they can get access to it through one or more of these holes.
The hopper is a square box with a perch attached to one side. This perch lets birds sit while they eat out of your feeder!
The next step is to assemble these two parts together. To do this, simply place them together so that there are no gaps between them; then glue them together using wood glue or super glue (if desired). Once they’re glued together securely, let them dry overnight before trying out any other steps!
Looking to attract a variety of birds to your garden? Our guide on how to make a sunflower seed feeder provides step-by-step instructions and pro tips to create a feeder that will entice different bird species with their favorite snack.
Attach the Tube to the Hopper with Screws
Next, use a drill to make holes in the hopper. Make sure you remove enough metal so that it can house the tube, which you’ll attach later on with screws.
You can also use a screwdriver if you don’t have access to a drill. Once your rotary tool has made its way through your hopper and created holes large enough for your screws to fit through, it’s time to attach the tube!
Once again using a screwdriver (or other means of affixing material), screw each side of the tube into place by putting in two screws per side of wall at an angle; this will help hold everything together when you hang it from trees or poles once finished building this awesome feeder!
Once attached securely, give it one more look over before putting away all materials used for this project so far—you don’t want any pieces left behind that might get lost during construction later on down road!
| Attachment Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Screws | Securely fasten the tube to the hopper using screws. |
| Adhesive | Use strong adhesive, such as epoxy or heavy-duty glue, to bond the tube and hopper together. |
| Clamps | Utilize clamps or hose clamps to tightly hold the tube and hopper in place. |
| Brackets | Install brackets or mounting hardware to connect the tube and hopper securely. |
| Snap-on Mechanism | Use a snap-on mechanism designed specifically for tube and hopper attachment for easy and secure connection. |
Glue a Perch to the Back of the Tube
This is a very important step because it will ensure that your Niger seed bird feeder doesn’t tip over in high winds, allowing your birds to eat in peace.
Use a hot glue gun for this task and be sure to let the glue dry before moving on with the next step. Make sure that your perch is secure and level with the top of your tube; if not, then you risk having your entire project fall apart (not good).
Do crows keep raiding your bird feeders? Discover effective strategies in our article on keeping crows away from bird feeders and ensure that your feathered friends get their fill without interference.
Secure the Parrot Perch With Staples
To secure the perch to the tube, use your staple gun to place a few staples on each side of the perch. Make sure to leave at least 1cm (0.4″) between each staple and not too close to the edge of the tube.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a staple gun; if you can find another way to secure it that is just as effective!
Drill Holes for Drainage and Filling
Drill holes in the bottom of your feeder for drainage. It’s important that your bird feeder has a way to drain excess water because otherwise it will get moldy and gross, and you’ll have to throw it out.
Drill holes in the top of your feeder for filling it with food. You’ll need one or two holes on either side of your bird seed feeder so that you can fill up its container with sunflower seeds or millet without making a mess of things.
Drill holes in the side(s) of your feeder for perching birds to stick their heads out through while they eat their snacks! It’s fun watching them do this!
If you have multiple parrots perching at once, they might even be able to hang out together while they snack on different kinds of seeds at once! Just make sure not all their heads are sticking out at once—that would be dangerous (and illegal).
| Purpose | Hole Size (inches) |
|---|---|
| Drainage | 1/8 |
| Filling (Small Seeds) | 1/16 |
| Filling (Medium Seeds) | 3/32 |
| Filling (Large Seeds) | 1/4 |
| Filling (Liquid) | 3/8 |
Cut Out a Template for the Decorative Back Panel
You’ll need to cut out a template for your decorative back panel. To do this, first use a pencil to draw the design on the plywood. Once your design is drawn on the plywood, use a jigsaw to cut out the design from one side of your plywood.
If you want to make sure that your jigsaw doesn’t slip or get stuck in any way during this process, you can put some tape around various parts of it prior to starting.
This is useful because it allows you to glue pieces together without worrying about them moving or becoming loose (which could potentially cause injury).
Once you’ve cut out all sides of your artwork, take some sandpaper and smooth out all edges so that they’re nice and smooth!
Are you eager to attract robins to your backyard? Find out which bird feeder is best suited to attract these beautiful birds in our comprehensive guide on what bird feeder attracts robins and create the perfect environment for their visits.
Transfer the Design onto Some Hardwood Plywood
Now that your design is complete and you have a good idea of how big it will be, take the pencil and transfer it onto some hardwood plywood.
If you don’t have any plywood lying around, you can easily buy some at Home Depot or Lowe’s for a few dollars. Just make sure that when you are tracing your design onto the wood, it is centered and straight!
Cut Out the Bird Design From the Plywood
Use a jigsaw to cut out the bird design from the plywood. A jigsaw will allow you to make curved cuts, so it’s perfect for this project. If you don’t have access to one, use a saw instead.
Use a straight edge and pencil to draw an outline of your bird design. Using the straight edge as your guide, sketch out your desired shape using a pencil.
After doing so, sand down any rough edges or splinters that may be present in order to smooth them out.
Glue on Some Scrap Wood Trim Pieces Onto the Bird Design
Now it’s time to glue on the wood trim pieces. This is the fun part! You can use a glue gun with a low setting, or one with a high setting. Either way, make sure that your bird feeder is completely dry before using it for birds or this project will not work.
The easiest way to do this is by waiting at least 24 hours after you’re done painting your bird feeder. If you want more information about how long different types of paint take to dry, read my article on how long [paintings] takes [to dry].
Now that you know what size glue gun to buy and how long different types of paint take to dry (or don’t; we’ll get into that later), let me tell you all about my experience making this Niger Seed Bird Feeder:
Worried about mice getting to your bird feeder? Our article on how to get a bird feeder without attracting mice offers practical tips and solutions to ensure that your bird feeding station remains rodent-free.
Attach the Window Panel to Your Bird Feeder Using Screws
You can attach a window panel to your bird feeder using screws, but only after you make holes for them. Drill them in at an angle so that when you put the screw in it will go straight through both pieces of wood, rather than being angled into one piece of wood and then into another.
You’ll want to use long enough screws that they go all the way through both pieces of wood so you can secure them with nuts on either side of the feeder base board (this makes for easy removal later).
| Attachment Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Screws | Securely fasten the window panel to the bird feeder using screws. |
| Adhesive | Use strong adhesive, such as Gorilla Glue or E6000, to bond the window panel and bird feeder together. |
| Clamps | Utilize clamps or spring-loaded clips to hold the window panel in place on the bird feeder. |
| Magnetic Strips | Attach magnetic strips to both the window panel and bird feeder for easy and removable attachment. |
| Velcro Strips | Use Velcro strips with adhesive backing to attach the window panel to the bird feeder. |
Make a Circle Using a String and Mark It on Top of Your Wooden Roof Piece
Use a string to make the circle. Use your pencil to mark the circle on top of your wooden roof piece. Cut out this circle using your jigsaw and sandpaper it in order to smooth out any rough edges or splinters that may have been created by your jigsaw blade as well as any unevenness in your cuts, which will also help prevent birds from getting injured while eating from the feeder.
Maintaining a clean hummingbird feeder is essential for the health of these delicate creatures. Learn the proper techniques in our guide on how to clean a copper hummingbird feeder to ensure your feeder remains a safe and inviting spot for hummingbirds.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A beautiful and functional bird feeder that will stand the test of time. You can use any type of wood for this project, but be sure not to use pressure treated lumber because it could contaminate your bird food with chemicals.
This is a great gift idea for anyone who loves birds, or someone who just wants something unique in their yard.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to explore for further information on bird feeders:
Pinterest: Bird Feeder Ideas: Discover a collection of creative bird feeder ideas and designs to inspire your next DIY project.
Instructables: How to Build a Finch Bird Feeder: Follow step-by-step instructions with detailed images to construct a finch bird feeder for your backyard.
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Make Your Own Feeder: Explore this educational resource from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which provides various bird feeder plans and ideas.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about bird feeders:
How do I choose the right bird feeder for my backyard?
Choosing the right bird feeder depends on several factors such as the types of birds you want to attract, the available space in your backyard, and the feeder’s durability and ease of maintenance.
What types of bird feed are suitable for different bird species?
Different bird species have varying dietary preferences. Research the specific bird species you want to attract to determine the appropriate types of bird feed, such as seeds, suet, nectar, or mealworms.
How often should I clean my bird feeder?
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the health and hygiene of bird feeders. It is recommended to clean the feeder at least once every two weeks or more frequently if necessary.
How can I prevent squirrels from accessing my bird feeder?
Squirrels can be persistent in their attempts to access bird feeders. Consider using squirrel-proof feeders or implementing deterrents like baffles or placing the feeder in a location away from trees or other squirrel-accessible surfaces.
What are some common bird feeder problems and how can I solve them?
Common bird feeder problems include seed spoilage, seed waste, and unwanted bird species dominating the feeder. Solutions can involve adjusting the feeder design, using different types of feeders or feed, and implementing strategies to deter certain bird species.
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.