Creating bird feeders at home is an enjoyable and educational activity that offers children a chance to connect with nature. By involving kids in crafting these feeders, they not only learn more about different bird species but also develop an appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors.

This type of activity provides a wonderful balance of fun and learning, perfect for a family project. How can you keep children entertained while also teaching them about the importance of wildlife conservation? 

In this article, we will explore 20 DIY bird feeder ideas that are simple, creative, and suitable for kids of various ages. Each project promotes hands-on learning and creativity, making it an ideal way to inspire the next generation of bird enthusiasts.

Window Suction Cup Bird Feeder

First, use glass cleaner to make sure your windows are clean. A dirty window is the top problem for people trying to make suction cups stick longer.

Use warm water on the suction cups to help them stick better. Make sure to use warm water, as cold windows and suction cups can cause the suction cups to release.

You may find that window feeders don’t stick as well during cold months, so use warm water when attaching your feeder. Some experts suggest using a small amount of petroleum jelly on suction cups for better adhesion.

Once you have a clean window, firmly press the suction cups for several seconds before releasing them.

Pine Cone Peanut Butter 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!

Press large pieces of cereal into the peanut butter. Then, sprinkle the bird seed all over the cone.

You may get a little messy for this part, especially if you need to push the bird seed into the peanut butter with your fingers.

Milk Carton Bird Feeder

A milk carton bird feeder is an easy and fun project for kids. Start by cleaning an empty milk carton.

Cut out a large section from one side, leaving a few inches at the bottom to hold birdseed. Decorate the carton with paint, markers, or stickers for a creative touch.

Next, poke a small hole below the opening and insert a dowel or sturdy stick to create a perch. This helps birds land and eat.

Attach a string to the top for hanging. Fill with birdseed and hang it in a spot frequented by birds.

For detailed instructions, check out this guide on milk carton bird feeders.

Recycled Plastic Bottle Feeder

Creating a recycled plastic bottle feeder is a great project for kids. It helps teach the importance of recycling while also being simple to make.

All you need is an empty plastic bottle, some string, and a few other basic materials.

First, wash and dry the bottle. Cut a hole near the bottom wide enough for birds to access the seeds.

Attach a perch just below the hole for birds to sit on while they eat.

This feeder is eco-friendly and can attract various birds. Check out more ideas from Easy Homemade DIY Bird Feeder Ideas.

Such projects can help kids connect with nature.

DIY Cheerios Bird Feeder

Creating a DIY Cheerios bird feeder is a simple but effective activity for kids. This craft uses basic materials like Cheerios and pipe cleaners, making it accessible and fun.

Kids can thread Cheerios onto a pipe cleaner, which helps improve their fine motor skills. Twist the pipe cleaner into a shape, like a circle or heart, and add a loop for hanging.

This bird feeder is effective in attracting small birds. For more ideas on making Cheerios bird feeders, you can visit Red Ted Art.

Citrus Cup Feeder

You can also dry lemon or other citrus fruit slices and hang these up for birds to enjoy. Why not use a dried scooped-out lemon or other citrus halves to make a bird feeder filled with fat and seeds?

You might also place a fat ball within a dried lemon or another citrus half with the flesh scooped out to give backyard birds a boost – especially in the winter months.

Wooden Spoon Feeder

The wooden spoon feeder is a simple and effective project for kids. It requires minimal materials and can be completed in a short amount of time.

To create this feeder, take a plastic bottle and poke two wooden spoons through the sides. Enlarge the hole at the bowl end of each spoon to allow birdseed to flow.

Fill the bottle with birdseed, ensuring the seeds reach the spoon bowls. This design allows birds to perch on the spoon handles while accessing the seeds, making it an engaging activity for children who enjoy watching birds.

For more details, you can visit the Life, Creatively Organized site.

Popsicle Stick Feeder

Building a popsicle stick feeder is perfect for kids. Start by creating a base using eight sticks lined up side by side.

Then, secure them with two sticks glued across. This simple structure will serve as the foundation.

For the sides, build a small crate by stacking and gluing sticks on the base. Ensure the walls are sturdy enough to hold bird feed.

Adding a stick as a perch will help birds land easily.

Finally, attach strings or ropes to hang the feeder. Cut four pieces of string, each about 4 feet long, and tie them to the corners.

This feeder is both fun and educational for children. To learn more about other bird feeding ideas, you can explore some ideas at The Best Ideas for Kids.

Mason Jar Feeder

Mason jar feeders are easy to make and great for attracting a variety of bird species. These feeders require a few materials, including a mason jar, bird seed, and a small round chicken feeder.

Using a vintage mason jar can add a rustic touch. The chicken feeder acts as the base, holding the seeds.

Twine or any strong string is used to hang it up, making the feeder secure and easy to install.

Applying a little creativity can make this project enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

Egg Carton Bird Feeder

An egg carton bird feeder is a simple and eco-friendly project for kids. To start, cut off the top of a cardboard egg carton.

Using scissors, create holes in each corner of the carton.

Thread a piece of string or twine through these holes. Knot the ends to secure them.

This will form the hanger for your feeder.

Fill each section of the carton with birdseed. Hang your egg carton feeder from a tree branch or hook.

This feeder is easy for kids to assemble and great for attracting local birds.

Terracotta Pot Feeder

Creating a terracotta pot feeder is simple and fun. Start by flipping a terracotta pot upside down.

This will serve as the base of your feeder.

Apply non-toxic adhesive to the rim of the pot. Press a terracotta saucer on top to form a roof.

Let it dry completely before hanging.

Hang your feeder in a safe location. Birds will appreciate the shelter and food, creating a delightful spot for watching bird activities.

For more details, you can visit this guide.

Easy Bagel Seed Feeder

Kids can make an easy bagel seed feeder to attract birds. Start by cutting a bagel in half and spreading peanut butter on one side.

Pour birdseed into a bowl and press the bagel, peanut butter side down, into the seeds.

Tie a string through the bagel’s center hole to create a loop for hanging. This simple bird feeder is a great way to feed backyard birds while engaging children in a fun activity.

For detailed instructions, visit PBS Crafts for Kids.

Yogurt Cup Feeder

The yogurt cup feeder is an easy and cost-effective project. First, save an empty yogurt cup.

Clean it thoroughly to remove any residue. Then, pierce a hole in the bottom of the cup to thread a string through.

Fill the cup with bird seeds and raisins. Hang it in your backyard.

Birds will be drawn to the visible seeds. This feeder suits various birds, offering them a nutritious treat while reusing materials.

For more ideas like these, check out different homemade bird feeders that kids can make.

Lollipop Stick Feeder

A lollipop stick feeder is a simple yet captivating project for kids. Start by taking an empty cardboard tube and making two pairs of slits on opposite sides, just big enough for lollipop sticks.

Insert the sticks into the slits to create perches. These perches allow birds a place to rest while they eat.

Coat the tube with a mixture of peanut butter and bird seed. Hang the feeder in a tree using a piece of string or jute cord.

This unique feeder attracts a variety of small birds to your garden.

Painted Clay Pot Feeder

Using a clay pot to create a bird feeder combines creativity with functionality. Begin by selecting a medium-sized clay pot and painting it with non-toxic, weather-resistant paint.

Bright colors attract birds and add vibrancy to the garden.

After painting, apply a clear sealer to protect the design from the elements. Once dry, attach a saucer to the base with waterproof glue.

This forms the feeding platform.

For easy hanging, thread a sturdy rope through the pot’s drainage hole and tie a secure knot. Hang it from a tree branch or a hook to draw birds to your yard.

For inspiration, check out colorful designs on sites like DIY Clay Pot Bird Feeders.

Orange Peel Feeder

One easy and eco-friendly bird feeder idea is the orange peel feeder. To make this, you take an orange, cut it in half, and scoop out the flesh.

After that, punch two or four holes near the edge and thread some twine through the holes, making a hanging loop.

Fill the hollowed orange halves with birdseed or a mixture of birdseed and peanut butter. Hang the feeder from a tree branch and watch the birds enjoy.

This feeder is simple, biodegradable, and perfect for kids to help make. Great for attracting local birds to your yard.

More details can be found on the Easy Peasy Creative site.

DIY Teacup Feeder

A DIY teacup feeder can add charm to any garden. It is easy to make and uses everyday items like a teacup and saucer.

These feeders can be mounted on poles or hung from trees using strong adhesive or hooks. Birds will enjoy the perch while feeding, and this setup keeps the food dry.

For a detailed guide, visit 20 charming DIY teacup bird feeders which offers tips and variations for creating these delightful feeders.

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. 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.

However, even if you are not feeding the coconut meat itself to the birds, the shell can be retained (perhaps after you have eaten the flesh). This shell can be used as a container for a mixture of fat and bird seeds, and have holes drilled into it to hang it in a suitable spot in your garden.

Paper Plate Feeder

A paper plate feeder is an easy and enjoyable project for kids. It requires two paper plates, paint, markers, and a cardboard tube.

First, paint one plate a dark shade and the other a light shade.

Once dried, cut from the edge of the plates to the center to form petals. Attach a cardboard tube painted green by making a hole in the center of each plate.

This simple feeder provides a hands-on activity for kids while helping birds. For more details, check out this paper plate bird feeder guide.

Bamboo Tube Feeder

A bamboo tube feeder is an eco-friendly and durable option for feeding birds. To create this feeder, start by finding a thick bamboo stalk.

Cut the stalk into a manageable length, typically around 12 inches.

Once you have the bamboo tube, make small holes towards the bottom. These holes will serve as feeding ports for the birds.

Ensure that the holes are smooth to avoid harming the birds’ beaks.

Thread a strong string or wire through the top of the bamboo tube to hang it. Fill the tube with birdseed, and it’s ready to attract your feathered friends.

This project is simple and quick, making it perfect for kids.

For more ideas, visit 32 Easy Homemade Bird Feeders.

Kid feeder projects we can actually build

Project	What our writers say
Suction cups	Clean the glass first; dirty glass is why cups fail
Suction wash	Warm water on the window and cups; press firmly for several seconds
Pine cone	Smear peanut butter, roll in birdseed, and hang
On the cone	Press cereal into the peanut butter, then sprinkle seed
Citrus cup	Hang a dried scooped-out lemon or other citrus half
Citrus plus fat	Set a fat ball in the scooped half
Coconut	Pack seed-and-fat mix into a hung half shell

Keep reading

• Turn Your Backyard Into A Bird Paradise With These 15 DIY Feeder Ideas
• 18 Bird Feeder Area Ideas to Attract More Birds
• DIY Window Bird Feeder Options – A Step-by-Step Guide