Homemade Bird Feeders: Gifted Ideas from Your Backyard
A good way to combine your creativity and attract birds is by getting a DIY bird feeder in your garden. Making your own feeders is also money-saving and a method to recycle materials around the home, but it can also involve creating designs that fit in with your garden.
We have outlined some easy and creative ideas on how you can create a bird feeder that will attract birds to your yard in this article.
Plastic Bottle Feeder (Upcycled)
Plastic bottles are a great base for bird feeders; they are multi-functional and can be found everywhere.
What You’ll Need:
- An empty plastic bottle
- Wooden spoons or dowels
- Twine or wire for hanging
- Bird Seed
How to Make It:
- Thoroughly cleaning the bottle and removing labels.
- Punch small holes just above the bottom of the sides of your bottle and stick in wooden spoons or dowels for perches.
- Cut small holes above the perches so that bird seed can pour out.
- Topping off the bottle with some bird-seed, pop on a cap and get it swinging in your garden.
Why It Works:
This one is very easy to build, super simple for refilling, and a great option for smaller bird species like finches or sparrows.
Tea cup and Saucer Feeder
If you have a little whimsy left in your garden, consider converting a teacup and saucer into a dainty bird feeder (and check out my new book on that front here
What You’ll Need:
- A teacup and saucer
- Strong adhesive or epoxy
- Rope or chain for hanging
How to Make It:
- Attach the tea cup to the saucer at an angle with glue, so that you can use seeds in the cup and also perch in the saucer.
- Before hanging in your garden, let dry completely.
- Pour some bird seed into the cup and observe the birds fill it.
Why It Works:
A little whimsy to your garden with this fancy bird feeder.
Pinecone Feeder
Squirrel Feeder Made from Pinecone:
A pinecone feeder is an evergreen classic, quick and easy to make together with kids.
What You’ll Need:
- Large pine cones
- Peanut butter or suet
- Bird Seed
How to Make It:
- On the top of the pinecone, string or wire is tied to hang.
- Step 1: Smear pinecone scales with peanut butter or suet.
- Gently press the pinecone into a bowl of birdseed.
- The feeder should be suspended from a branch.
Why It Works:
Works In Cold-climate Feeding Additionally, this natural feeder disappears into the landscape.
Mason Jar Feeder
Mason jars are stylish and functional for making long lasting bird feeders.
What You’ll Need:
- A mason jar
- Base (Small Chicken Feeder or Similar Attachment)
- Twine or wire for hanging
How to Make It:
- Pack the birdseed into the mason jar.
- Screws the feeder base to the jar mouth.
- Twine or wire to secure the jar horizontally. Hang in your garden!
Why It Works:
The sturdy design means less mess and is refillable, making this great for year-round use.
Coconut Shell Feeder
Transform a coconut shell into an eco-friendly bird feeder.
What You’ll Need:
- A halved coconut shell
- Drill and string for hanging
- Suet or bird seed mix
How to Make It:
- Use a drilling machine and drill three holes, around the rim of the coconut shell for string.
- Make a hanger by threading some string through the holes and tying a knot atop them.
- Pack it with suet or birdseed mix and hang it up in a stable location.
Why It Works:
Using coconut shells are one of the safest and strongest natural, environmental friendly feeder.
Tin Can Feeder
You can repurpose tin cans into feeders with little to no effort.
What You’ll Need:
- A clean tin can
- Paint (optional)
- Rope or wire
- Birdseed
How to Make It:
- Wash the tin can and if desired, paint it.
- Seal the can with a rope/wire to hang it up.
- Put wild bird seed in the can and hang it horizontally in your garden.
Why It Works:
This feeder is extremely versatile, wallet-friendly, and perfect when outdoor space is limited.
Guide for your Homemade Bird Feeder Success
Proper Placement:
Feeders should be hung in shady areas away from noise to attract birds and keep them safe from predators.
Maintain Clean Feeders:
Wash feeders consistently with a vinegar/water solution to avoid mold, bacteria and disease.
Offer Quality Birdseed:
Provide a seed mix that is appropriate for the birds in your area.
Have Patience:
It can often take several days for birds to find your feeder so stick with it.
Benefits of DIY Bird Feeders
Budget-friendly:
Use bits you already have in your home.
Go Green:
Use what you already have, recycling whatever you can
However, they can be shaped as per the structure of your garden and the birds you wish to attract.
An educational activity that will allow kids (and adults!) to connect with nature through an engaging, hands-on project.
Final Thoughts
Building your own bird feeders is an exciting and gratifying method for drawing in birds to your garden while living sustainably.
These feeders will not only make your garden the haven of these birds but regardless if using a plastic bottle, teacup, or coconut cup. Get started now and experience the birds chirping in your own backyard
