Birdwatchers, interested in attracting small birds to your garden while also keeping larger ones like grackles and crows out? Then this DIY bird feeder project is just for you!

In this post, see easy steps to make a small bird feeder that is squirrel proof and also budget friendly.

What You’ll Need

First, gather these supplies.

• Schedule 40 PVC pipe (4 inches in diameter)
• 4-inch PVC cap
• Small plastic test caps (4 inches)
• Wire ties
• Drill and hole saw or paddle bit
• 1-inch PVC pipe
• Nylon rope
• Optional: Plastic-safe paint (e.g., Krylon)

Step 1: Preparing the Materials

A piece of 4-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe cut to your desired length will be used to create the main body of the bird feeder.

Then, take a 1-inch PVC pipe and make it into 2-inch sections. These will be used for perch’s for the small birds, so depending on how many you want, make 4 of these.

Step 2: Drilling the Holes

Use a hole saw or a paddle bit to make holes in the main PVC pipe. You will be putting holes about 1 inch around the pipe, spaced evenly. These will be feeding ports for birds.

Drill smaller holes about 1 inch to 1.25 inches below every feeding port to hold perches. When you are drilling, make sure to drill at an angle to create a slot so the perches are locked in.

Step 3: Inserting the Perches

For the 2-inch sections of 1-inch PVC pipe, cut them in half lengthwise so you will have a half-moon shape. Then you’re going to want to use pliers on these pieces to compress them and then put them in the perch holes. They should be a snug fit so they will stick about 2 inches out from the main pipe.

From the inside, if necessary, use wire ties to secure the perches. This will ensure that the perches are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the birds landing on them.

Step 4: Assembling the Feeder

Cap the top of the main pipe with an end cap. Drill a hole through the center of the cap for the nylon rope that will serve as a handle for hanging.

Tie a knot on the inside of the cap to secure the rope. This will allow you to hang your feeder from a tree or a hook.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Use carb and choke cleaner for PVC markings and any residue. Wipe it clean.

To add to its appearance you can use paint on the feeder that is safe for plastic.

Step 6: Installing the Feeder

Once the paint is completely dried, you can fill the feeder with a birdseed mixture through the top opening.

Look for a spot in your garden where you want to use the nylon rope to hang the bird feeder. Try to pick a protected location so the feeder will not get blown around or covered in rain.

Step 7: Enjoying Your Creation

Now enjoy your garden as it attracts little birds like chickadees, titmice, and finches. Large birds, and squirrels, will have a hard time balancing on the small perches so it will be an effective design.

Conclusion

This DIY bird feeder project is a simple and inexpensive way to reuse some PVC pipe. Making the feeder will be fun, and it will give you something nice to watch in your garden.

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