Birdwatchers, have you been struggling to attract small birds to your garden while keeping the larger birds like grackles and crows at bay? This DIY bird feeder project is the perfect solution!
The Camera Feeder We Use In Our Own Backyard
See Today's PriceFollow these simple steps to create a budget-friendly, small bird feeder that’s also squirrel-proof. Here’s how you can do it.
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What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather the following 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
Take a piece of 4-inch Schedule 40 PVC pipe and cut it to your desired length. This will be the main body of your bird feeder.
Next, cut the 1-inch PVC pipe into 2-inch pieces. These will serve as perches for the small birds. You may need about 4 of these, depending on your design.
Step 2: Drilling the Holes
Use a hole saw or paddle bit to drill holes into the main PVC pipe. These holes should be about 1 inch in diameter and spaced evenly around the pipe. These will be the feeding ports for the birds.
Drill smaller holes about 1 inch to 1.25 inches beneath each feeding port. These will hold the perches. Angle the drill slightly to create a slot, allowing the perches to lock into place.
Step 3: Inserting the Perches
Cut the 2-inch pieces of 1-inch PVC pipe in half lengthwise to create a half-moon shape. Compress these pieces slightly with pliers and insert them into the perch holes. They should fit snugly and extend about 2 inches from the main pipe.
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Use wire ties to secure the perches from the inside if necessary. This will ensure they remain sturdy for the birds to land on.
Step 4: Assembling the Feeder
Place the 4-inch PVC cap on the top of the main pipe. Drill a hole in the center of the cap for the nylon rope, which will act as a handle for hanging.
Thread the nylon rope through the hole in the cap and tie a knot on the inside to secure it. This will allow you to hang the feeder from a tree or hook.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Use carb and choke cleaner to remove any permanent marker or residue from the PVC pipe. Wipe it clean with a rag.
If you’d like, you can paint the feeder with plastic-safe paint to make it more attractive. Choose a color that blends well with your garden and ensure the paint is safe for outdoor use.
Step 6: Installing the Feeder
Once the paint is dried, fill the feeder with birdseed through the top opening.
Find a suitable location in your garden to hang the bird feeder using the nylon rope. Ensure it’s in a sheltered spot to protect it from strong winds and rain.
Step 7: Enjoying Your Creation
Now, sit back and watch as small birds like chickadees, titmice, and finches flock to your new feeder. Larger birds and squirrels will find it difficult to balance on the small perches, making this design highly effective.
Conclusion
This DIY bird feeder project is a great way to repurpose PVC pipes and create a functional and decorative addition to your garden. It’s easy to make, cost-effective, and a joy to watch in action.
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