Creating bird feeders can be a delightful and rewarding hobby for anyone interested in attracting birds to their backyard. With a variety of materials and simple steps, almost anyone can craft a feeder that will invite a colorful array of birds.
Two Leak-Proof Feeders, Zero Ants & Bees
Check PriceThis activity not only supports local wildlife but also provides an engaging project for individuals or families.
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Why are DIY bird feeders important? Building your own bird feeders allows you to customize the design to attract specific types of birds and cater to their dietary needs.
Additionally, DIY projects can be more sustainable by repurposing everyday items. In this article, you’ll find 20 easy DIY bird feeder ideas that are both fun to make and beneficial for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Peanut Butter Pine Cone Feeder
You can also serve peanut butter in a dried orange half or smear a pine cone with peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, and hang it for birds to enjoy. Spread peanut butter all over the outside of the cone.
Smooth peanut butter likely works best, but you could give crunchy a try. These don’t have to be perfect!
When offering peanut butter in a bird feeder, it’s important to check frequently for spoilage and keep the feeders clean. Leftover bits of peanut butter can cause mold to grow.
Recycled Plastic Bottle Feeder
Making a bird feeder from a plastic bottle is both eco-friendly and easy. Start by cleaning a 2-liter soda bottle thoroughly.
Use warm, soapy water and ensure it is completely dry.
Next, create holes near the bottom of the bottle. Insert wooden skewers through these holes to provide perches for the birds.
These should be placed opposite each other to balance the feeder.
Cut additional holes above the perches for the birds to access the seeds. Ensure the holes are not too large to avoid spillage.
Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it in your garden. For more detailed steps, check this guide.
Mason Jar Suet Feeder
A Mason jar suet feeder provides an easy and efficient way to attract birds to your yard.
To start, gather a Mason jar, suet, and heavy wire. Suet is a high-energy food made from animal fat, ideal for colder months.
Begin by filling the Mason jar with suet. Using pliers, shape the heavy wire to create a secure holder around the jar.
Ensuring the wire is tight helps prevent the jar from slipping.
Next, attach a small hook to the top of the wire for easy hanging. This feeder is perfect for attracting woodpeckers and nuthatches, who love suet.
Consider placing the feeder near trees or shrubs to provide a safe spot for birds to visit. For more ideas, visit DIY bird feeder projects.
Milk Carton Feeder
Plastic milk cartons are a versatile material for creating bird feeders. They are readily available and easy to work with.
Users can cut a hole in the side of the carton for birds to access the seeds.
Adding a small stick at the bottom serves as a perch. To enhance its appearance, consider painting the carton or wrapping it with decorative tape.
These feeders not only attract birds but also provide a way to recycle common household items. For more inspiration, visit this DIY guide.
Painted Clay Pot Feeder
Using clay pots to create bird feeders is both simple and effective. Start with a small or medium-sized clay pot.
Paint the exterior with non-toxic, weather-resistant paint to add color and design.
After painting, seal the pot with a clear sealer to protect it. Drill a hole in the center of the pot’s base for drainage.
Hang the pot using a sturdy rope or chain. This type of feeder can attract various bird species to your garden by providing a safe place for them to eat.
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For more ideas on clay pot bird feeders, visit Pinterest’s collection.
Tea Cup Bird Feeder
Creating a Tea Cup Bird Feeder is a charming project that can attract various birds to your garden.
To make one, choose a vintage teacup and saucer. Clean and dry both pieces thoroughly.
Apply waterproof silicone adhesive to the edge of the cup, and press it against the saucer at an angle. Make sure the seal is watertight.
If desired, attach the teacup set to a copper pipe or metal candle sconce for added stability. Allow the adhesive to dry completely before filling the saucer with birdseed.
Find more detailed instructions at Mommy Moment and On The Feeder.
Orange Peel Cup Feeder
Making an orange peel cup feeder is both simple and eco-friendly. Begin by cutting an orange or clementine in half and scooping out the pulp.
This leaves you with two empty, sturdy peels.
Punch two or four holes near the top of the peel for threading the twine. For stability, make double handles with the twine.
Fill the peel with a mix of birdseed, nuts, and peanut butter. Birds will enjoy the seeds and can even eat the peel.
This project is perfect for kids and helps teach them to appreciate and protect wildlife. Learn more about creating this feeder here.
Coconut Shell Feeder
A half shell of a coconut can be the ideal feeder container for a homemade seed and fat ball, which will attract far more birds in your garden than the flesh of the coconut itself. The tough outer shell of the coconut, covered with fibrous hair, is not eaten by birds.
However, the shell of the coconut is perhaps the most useful part when thinking about feeding the birds in your garden. You can pack the mix into a half coconut shell that can be hung up in a suitable spot in the garden and watch as birds flock to your makeshift feeder.
Wine Bottle Bird Feeder
A wine bottle bird feeder combines recycling and bird watching. This easy project requires minimal materials.
Start by wrapping copper wire around a bottle. Form an S-shaped hook for hanging.
Fill the bottle with bird seeds and attach a feeder base to the mouth.
For another idea, drill a hole in a wooden platform and insert the bottle. Secure it with a wooden dowel and attach a metal wire hanger.
This method creates stability.
Check out detailed ideas from Balcony Garden Web and House Grail.
Spiral Suet Feeder
The Spiral Suet Feeder is an innovative and effective way to attract a variety of birds to your backyard. Designed with a spiral shape, this feeder allows multiple birds to feed simultaneously, reducing competition and stress among them.
To make one, start with a sturdy wire and bend it into a spiral shape. Attach a hook at the top for hanging.
Fill the spirals with suet cakes or balls. The wire should be thick enough to support the weight of the suet and birds.
This feeder is especially useful in winter when birds need extra energy. Suet, which is high in fat, provides essential nutrients, helping them stay warm during colder months.
For more ideas on creating bird feeders, visit DIY bird feeder ideas.
Cheerios Necklace Feeder
Place a few on the ground to boost winter energy reserves for winter visitors perhaps, or string a few Cheerios up off the ground so predators are not a problem. While it is fine to feed wild birds a few Cheerios now and then, one thing to avoid is giving Cheerios in milk.
Bird’s digestive systems cannot cope with milk so this should never be left out for them.
Apple Wreath Feeder
However, if necessary, you can also add a few slices of apple to a feeder in your garden, or hang an apple from a tree or other support. Another idea involves not just making one hanging feeder, but creating a string of items birds like to eat, a swag, or a wreath with goodies for wild birds.
Mesh Produce Bag Feeder
A mesh produce bag feeder is a clever way to reuse old produce bags. He can fill the bag with birdseed and hang it from a tree.
This type of feeder makes it easy for birds to access the seeds.
The mesh allows the birds to peck through and reach the food. It’s an eco-friendly option that reduces waste.
For more ideas, visit 20 Homemade Bird Feeders.
Paper Plate Finch Feeder
The Paper Plate Finch Feeder is an easy and budget-friendly project. You need two paper plates, some string, and birdseed.
Punch holes in the edges of the plates.
Tie the plates together with the string, creating a small space between them. This space will hold the birdseed.
Hang the feeder from a tree or bird feeder pole. Finches will enjoy the easy access to the seed, and the simple design allows for quick refills.
This feeder is an excellent way to attract finches to your yard. For more ideas, visit House Beautiful’s DIY Bird Feeders.
Pasta Feeder Garland
A pasta feeder garland can be an easy and fun project. Use uncooked pasta, like rigatoni or penne, which can easily be threaded onto a string.
Attach the pasta pieces by threading them through the string or yarn. Once done, hang the garland in your yard or garden.
Birds will be attracted to the garland and may peck at the pasta.
For added appeal, consider coating the pasta with peanut butter and rolling it in birdseed. This simple addition makes the garland even more inviting to various bird species.
DIY feeders the archive actually covers
| Spec | What our writers say |
|---|---|
| Pine cone | Smear with peanut butter, roll in birdseed, and hang |
| Peanut butter on the cone | Smooth likely works best; crunchy is fine; they do not have to be perfect |
| Peanut butter safety | Check often for spoilage; leftover bits can grow mold |
| Coconut shell | A half shell holds a homemade seed and fat ball |
| Coconut use | Birds do not eat the tough outer shell; pack mix into a hung half shell |
| Cheerios | String a few up off the ground; never serve them in milk |
| Apple wreath | Hang an apple, or string a swag or wreath of foods birds eat |
