Have you ever thought of turning everyday items into something useful for nature? In this easy-to-follow DIY project, we’ll show you how to make a bird feeder out of a tin can. It’s a simple yet rewarding activity that both birdwatchers and DIY enthusiasts will enjoy.

Amazon Deal Alert

20 Suet Cakes - Attract More Birds

Check Price

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. 1/30/2026 10:30 am GMT ⓘ

This guide details each step so you can create your own tin can bird feeder, providing a unique way to feed and observe the birds in your backyard.

What You’ll Need

• Tin can
• Tin opener
• Knife
• Scissors
• Drill
• Bamboo stick or wooden dowel (or even a pencil)
• Heavy-duty cord
• Pliers
• Safety gloves (optional but recommended)
• Bird food

Step 1: Preparing the Tin Can

Start by taking a full tin can. Using a tin opener, begin removing the lid, but stop when the lid is just over halfway off. Carefully bend the lid out using a knife and empty the contents.

This method ensures that the lip stays on the can’s body and not on the lid, which means the lid will have sharp edges, but the body won’t. Wash out the can thoroughly. Repeat the same process on the other side of the can, ensuring both sides match.

Step 2: Removing Sharp Edges

Next, use a pair of scissors to take off a small slice from both the lid and the base, resulting in something that looks like a can with two partially removed lids. You’ll need to bend these bits inward.

Since the whole lid can flex, use the back of a blunt knife to support the lid in the middle while bending it over with your other hand. Be sure to use safety gloves or pliers to keep your hands away from sharp edges. After bending the lid inward, there should be no sharp edges left, but always handle with care.

Step 3: Drilling Holes

Now, drill a hole roughly in the middle of each side of the tin can. If the drill doesn’t go through both layers, clamp the can together and try again. Drill both sides, resulting in a can with a hole on each side.

Step 4: Inserting the Perch

Take a piece of bamboo, a wooden dowel, or even a pencil and feed it through the drilled holes. This will act as a perch for the birds to sit on while they eat.

Step 5: Creating Hanging Holes

Finally, drill two holes at the top of the tin can. Use pliers to flatten off any burrs to avoid sharp edges. Thread a piece of heavy-duty cord through these holes and tie the ends to create a loop for hanging.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

And there you have it—your finished tin can bird feeder! Fill it with bird food and hang it outside in your garden, ready for the birds to enjoy.

Conclusion

This tin can bird feeder is a fantastic way to recycle an everyday item into something beneficial for wildlife. It’s a simple, inexpensive, and fun project that adds a charming touch to your garden and helps you attract and observe various bird species.