Learn how to make a DIY bird feeder! This guide provides easy steps to build a feeder using recycled materials, attracting birds to your garden.

Getting Started: Building Your Own Bird Haven

Want to attract more feathered friends to your garden? Building your own bird feeder is a fun, rewarding, and surprisingly simple project. Not only will you be providing a valuable food source for local birds, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of creating something useful from readily available materials. This guide will walk you through a few different methods for making a DIY bird feeder, suitable for a variety of skill levels and using items you likely already have lying around the house.

Choosing Your Design and Materials

Before you dive in, consider what kind of birds you want to attract and where you plan to place your feeder. Different bird species prefer different types of food and feeder designs. For example, a ground feeder is ideal for robins and blackbirds, while a hanging feeder might attract tits, finches, and sparrows. Think about the size of the birds too – smaller birds need smaller access points.

Once you have a design in mind, gather your materials. Here are a few popular options:

• Plastic Bottles: Old fizzy drink bottles or water bottles are excellent for creating simple hanging feeders.
• Milk Cartons: These are sturdy and easy to cut and decorate.
• Coconut Shells: A rustic and natural option, perfect for a decorative feeder.
• Pine Cones: Covered in peanut butter and seeds, these make a great winter snack for birds.
• Recycled Tin Cans: These can be used as either hanging feeders or ground feeders.

Regardless of the material, you’ll also need some basic tools like scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision is required for children!), string or wire for hanging, and birdseed. Safety is paramount, so always be careful when using sharp tools.

The Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder: A Simple Project

This is probably the easiest and most popular DIY bird feeder.

1. Clean your plastic bottle thoroughly and let it dry completely.
2. Cut two holes on opposite sides of the bottle, about 5-7cm from the bottom. These will be the feeding ports.
3. Just below each feeding port, cut a small hole to insert a perch. You can use small twigs or wooden dowels for this.
4. Create a hanging mechanism by poking two holes near the top of the bottle and threading string or wire through them.
5. Fill the bottle with birdseed and hang it in a suitable location.

Remember to regularly clean your plastic bottle feeder to prevent the spread of disease among the birds.

The Milk Carton Bird Feeder: A Recycled Classic

Milk cartons offer a stable platform for birds to feed from.

1. Rinse out the milk carton and allow it to dry.
2. Cut a large opening on one side of the carton, leaving a small lip at the bottom to hold the birdseed.
3. Cut a small hole below the opening for a perch.
4. Decorate the carton with paint or waterproof markers if desired.
5. Punch holes near the top of the carton and thread string or wire through them for hanging.
6. Fill with birdseed and hang in a safe location.

Milk cartons are biodegradable, so they might not last as long as plastic feeders. However, they are a great sustainable option.

The Coconut Shell Bird Feeder: A Tropical Treat

Coconut shells offer a natural and attractive alternative to plastic.

1. Carefully cut a coconut in half and scoop out the flesh.
2. Drill three or four holes around the rim of the shell.
3. Thread string or wire through the holes to create a hanging mechanism.
4. You can leave the shell open or create a small opening at the top and fill it with birdseed.
5. Hang the coconut shell feeder in a sheltered spot.

Coconut shells can be filled with birdseed, fat balls, or even nesting material.

Important Considerations

• Placement: Choose a location that is safe from predators like cats. Consider hanging your feeder from a tree branch or mounting it on a pole, at least 1.5 metres above the ground.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean your bird feeder to prevent the build-up of mould and bacteria, which can be harmful to birds. Use warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
• Food: Provide a variety of birdseed to attract different species. Sunflower seeds, peanuts, nyjer seeds, and suet are all popular options.
• Water: Don’t forget to provide a source of fresh water for the birds. A bird bath is a great addition to your garden.
• Observation: Enjoy watching the birds that visit your feeder! It’s a great way to connect with nature and learn more about the wildlife in your area.

Building your own DIY bird feeder is a fantastic way to contribute to the wellbeing of local bird populations and bring a touch of nature into your garden. With a little creativity and some recycled materials, you can create a beautiful and functional feeder that will provide hours of enjoyment for both you and the birds.