Who says you need expensive bird supplies to attract feathered friends to your backyard? As someone who’s been watching birds for decades, I’ve discovered that some of the best bird-attracting items can be found right at your local dollar store.

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The Camera Feeder We Use In Our Own Backyard

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Here are some budget-friendly finds that our avian neighbors absolutely love.

1. Plastic Storage Containers for DIY Bird Baths

Shallow plastic containers can make effective DIY bird baths when properly mounted and maintained. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, birds prefer water sources that are no deeper than 1-2 inches, making these containers potentially suitable.

Ensure the container has a textured bottom for better footing, and clean it regularly with a 10% bleach solution to prevent the spread of diseases.

2. Uncooked White Rice

Even those birds that do not commonly feed on rice in the wild will be glad to eat some uncooked rice on a bird feeder, and it will not do them any harm. Larger birds tend to eat rice more frequently than smaller ones, due to the size of the grains.

There has been a myth going around for many years that if birds consume uncooked rice, whether this is placed on feeders or thrown at weddings, that rice will expand in their stomachs and harm or even kill them. Some even believe that birds will explode!

So, we’ve ascertained that uncooked rice won’t expand in a bird’s stomach, and won’t harm them at all. But not harming is not the same thing as doing good.

3. Small Plastic Baskets

According to the National Wildlife Federation, suet feeders need proper drainage and ventilation. Plastic baskets can serve as temporary suet holders, but ensure they’re sturdy enough to withstand weather conditions and wildlife activity.

Clean them regularly and inspect for damage that could harm feeding birds.

4. Cotton String or Twine

One of the many easy DIY suet feeders anyone can make is a pine cone suet feeder. All you have to do is collect some pine cones, tie them onto some string or natural twine, then squash bits of suet mix around it, firming it into place.

Simply tie string, sisal rope (will be very strong), yarn, wire or chain to a basket or up-cycle a plastic takeout food container instead of using a basket.

5. Small Cleaning Brushes

In the cleaning bucket, dunk all of the components of the feeder and scrub the whole thing with your feeder cleaning brushes. Rinse in your rinse bucket, and there you go!

I have several different size brushes for cleaning my various types of bird feeders. Having different sizes of brushes makes getting into all the “nooks & crannies” much better and does a thorough job.

This set of three little brushes can be used for a number of household chores, including cleaning jewelry, detailing a car, or cleaning a hummingbird feeder. They are small enough to fit into the tiny spaces of feeding ports.

6. Shower Hooks

While plastic shower hooks can support lightweight feeders, the National Wildlife Federation emphasizes the importance of proper mounting hardware. Use hooks rated for outdoor use and verify they can support the combined weight of the feeder, wet seed, and multiple feeding birds.

Metal hooks designed specifically for bird feeders are recommended for long-term use.

7. Mesh Produce Bags

The Audubon Society cautions against using mesh bags not specifically designed for bird feeding, as they can pose entanglement risks. If using mesh bags, choose appropriate mesh sizes, replace them frequently, and monitor for wear.

Commercial feeders designed for birds remain the safest option.

8. Plain Paper Plates

Use plates that are not deep. Cover them with mesh so hummingbirds and other species can poke their bills through to feed without falling in or making a mess of their plumage.

9. Small Plastic Colanders

While plastic colanders offer good drainage, ensure they’re made of bird-safe materials and are sturdy enough for outdoor use. The National Wildlife Federation recommends using feeders specifically designed for wild birds when possible, as they’re tested for safety and durability.

Remember: According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, regular cleaning of all bird feeding equipment with a 10% bleach solution is essential for preventing disease transmission. Always prioritize bird safety over cost savings, and monitor DIY solutions carefully for signs of wear or potential hazards.

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