When it comes to attracting birds to your garden, there’s nothing more rewarding than making your own bird feeder. Not only will it provide a much-needed food source for the birds, but it’s also a great way to recycle plastic waste and engage in a fun and creative DIY project. Making a homemade bird feeder is easier than you might think, and with a few basic materials and simple steps, you can have a beautiful feeder that will attract all kinds of feathered friends to your yard.
One of the key materials you’ll need for your DIY bird feeder is a plastic bottle. Instead of throwing away plastic bottles, you can give them a new life by using them as the base for your feeder. Cut a small hole in the front of the bottle, then take a piece of twine and thread it through the hole, tying it securely at the top. This will be used to hang your feeder from a tree branch or pole.
Next, you’ll need to prepare the feeding area. Take a plastic bowl or plate and place it at the base of the bottle, slightly below the hole. This will serve as a platform for the bird to stand on while feeding. Fill the bowl with bird seed, or for a different treat, mix the seed with peanut butter or suet to create a delicious bird food mix.
Now that your feeder is set up, it’s time to hang it in your garden. Find a suitable spot, preferably in a quiet and sheltered area, such as a woodland or garden. Use a strong piece of twine or thread to attach the feeder to a tree branch, making sure it is secure and won’t swing around too much. This will ensure that the birds can feed in peace, without any disturbances.
Once your bird feeder is hanging in place, all that’s left to do is sit back and wait for the birds to come. It won’t take long before word gets out in the bird community, and you’ll start to see a variety of different species visiting your feeder. Remember to clean and refill the feeder regularly to maintain hygiene and ensure the birds always have a fresh supply of food.
In conclusion, making a homemade bird feeder is a fun and rewarding project that not only benefits the birds but also helps to reduce plastic waste. By repurposing materials that you already have at home, you can create a unique and attractive feeder that will provide a safe and reliable source of food for the birds in your area. So why not give it a try and see how many feathery visitors you can welcome to your garden!
- Peanut butter bird feeder
- Did you know
- How to make a plastic bottle bird feeder
- Before you start
- To make a bird feeder you will need
- Recycle Your Food Waste
- The ‘Bird Kebab’ Feeder
- The ‘Orange Hammock’
- Step 5
- Squirrel-proofing
- Feeder on a pole
- Feeder hanging from a washing line
- Feeder hanging down on a line
- Video:
- DIY | How to Make a Bird Feeder (Easy Kids Craft!)
Peanut butter bird feeder
If you want to attract birds to your garden, making a homemade bird feeder is a great idea. One easy and fun option is a peanut butter bird feeder, which allows you to provide birds with a nutritious and tasty treat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a peanut butter bird feeder.
| Step 1: Gather the materials you will need:
| Step 2: Prepare the bottle
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| Step 3: Fill the bottle
| Step 4: Squirrel-proofing
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| Step 5: Hanging the feeder
| Step 6: Enjoy bird feeding
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With this simple and effective peanut butter bird feeder, you can enjoy the beauty of birds visiting your garden and trust that you are providing them with a nutritious and delicious treat.
Did you know
Did you know that you can make bird feeders from recycled plastic bottles? These homemade feeders are not only a great way to feed the birds in your garden, but they also help reduce waste by recycling old plastic bottles.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own bird feeder using a plastic bottle:
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By making your own bird feeder, you can provide a food source for the birds in your garden and help support their population. The birds will also help control pests in your garden by eating insects.
Did you know that there are different types of bird feeders that you can make? For example, you can make a ‘bird hammock’ by tying a piece of twine or thread between two trees and filling it with bird food. This creates a safe and comfortable feeding spot for the birds.
If you want to prevent squirrels from accessing the bird feeder, you can try squirrel-proofing techniques such as using a metal pole or hanging the feeder from a line that the squirrels can’t reach.
So, why not give it a try and make your own bird feeder from recycled plastic bottles? It’s a fun and easy project that will attract more birds to your garden and help reduce waste at the same time. The birds will thank you for it!
How to make a plastic bottle bird feeder
Do you trust your garden birds feeding by getting food from a homemade bird feeder? If so, making a plastic bottle bird feeder is a fun and easy project for you. Not only will it provide a reliable source of food for your feathered friends, but it can also be a great way to squirrel-proof your feeding area.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a plastic bottle bird feeder:
1. Start by cleaning a plastic bottle thoroughly. You don’t want any leftover food or waste to attract pests or harm the birds.
2. Once the bottle is clean, use a pair of scissors to cut two small feeding holes near the base of the bottle. The holes should be big enough for birds to reach in and feed but small enough to prevent squirrels from stealing the food.
3. Cut a small piece of twine or thread, and attach it to the neck of the bottle. This will be used to hang the feeder from a tree or pole in your garden.
4. Next, mix birdseed with peanut butter or vegetable shortening. This sticky mixture will hold the seed together and provide a tasty treat for the birds.
5. Fill the bottle with the birdseed mixture, making sure to pack it down slightly. You want the feeder to be sturdy and secure.
6. Screw the bottle cap back on to create a secure base for the feeder. This will prevent the seed from spilling out and keep the food fresh.
7. Find a suitable spot to hang your feeder. Ideally, it should be in a quiet area away from predators, such as cats, and close to trees or bushes where birds can rest and feel safe.
8. Use twine or thread to hang the feeder from a tree branch or pole. Make sure it is at a height where you can easily observe the birds visiting the feeder.
9. Sit back and enjoy watching the birds flock to your homemade bird feeder! You may even attract different species of birds depending on the types of seed you used.
Making a plastic bottle bird feeder is a great way to recycle waste and provide a sustainable source of food for the birds in your garden. It’s a simple and rewarding project that can bring joy and beauty to your outdoor space, as well as help support the local bird population.
So, why not give it a try? Follow this guide and create your own ‘bird hammock’ or ‘orange kebab’ feeder today! Your feathered friends will thank you for it!
Before you start
Before you start making your homemade bird feeder, there are a few things you need to know. First, birds love to feed in a quiet and peaceful spot. So, find a place in your garden where birds will feel safe and undisturbed. Hanging your bird feeder from a tree branch or pole is a good option.
Next, you will need some materials to make your bird feeder. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A clean plastic bottle (which you can recycle)
- A pair of scissors
- A piece of twine or thread
- A small bowl or plate
- Some bird seed or a mix of seeds
Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the next step.
Step 1: Cut a small hole near the base of the plastic bottle. This hole should be big enough for a bird to stick its beak through.
Step 2: Cut two small holes on opposite sides of the plastic bottle, near the top. Thread a piece of twine or thread through these holes and tie a knot at the top. This will be used for hanging your bird feeder.
Step 3: Fill the small bowl or plate with bird seed or a seed mix. Place this bowl on top of the plastic bottle, covering the hole that you cut earlier.
Step 4: Hang your bird feeder from a tree branch or pole. Make sure it is at a height that is easily accessible to the birds, but won’t be reached by squirrels.
Step 5: Sit back and enjoy! Birds will soon start coming to your feeder, and you can trust that you’re helping to feed them.
One more tip: If you want to make your feeder more squirrel-proof, you could try mixing some peanut butter with the bird seed. Birds love the mix, but squirrels are not big fans of the flavor.
Now that you know how to make a bird feeder, why not make a few more using different bottles or materials? You could even create a ‘bird hammock’ by recycling an old washing line. The possibilities are endless!
To make a bird feeder you will need
- Recycled plastic bottles or containers
- Scissors
- Clean and empty plastic bowl
- String or twine
- Bird seed mix
- Peanut butter or vegetable shortening
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden stick or dowel
- Thread
- Slightly thicker piece of wood or bark as a base
- Number 5 England kebab’ sticks
- Tree or pole to hang the feeder
When making a homemade bird feeder, it’s important to recycle materials that you already have. Start by washing and cleaning plastic bottles or containers that you’ve found in your garden or as waste. Make sure they are clean and dry before proceeding.
Next, take your scissors and make several small holes in the sides of the bottle or container. These holes will serve as the feeding holes for the birds, so make sure they’re big enough for them to reach through. You can also make a few slightly larger holes near the base to prevent water from gathering inside.
Now, it’s time to mix the bird seed. In a mixing bowl, combine different types of bird seed to create a varied and nutritious blend. You can also add some peanut butter or vegetable shortening to the mix to help it stick together and attract the birds.
Thread a piece of string or twine through the holes in the bottle or container, creating a loop that will be used to hang the feeder. Make sure the string is securely attached and won’t easily come loose.
Place the slightly thicker piece of wood or bark at the base of the bottle or container. This will provide stability and support for the feeder when it’s hanging.
Using the wooden stick or dowel, spread the peanut butter or vegetable shortening mixture onto the sides of the bottle or container. This will create a sticky surface for the bird seed to adhere to.
Fill the bottle or container with the bird seed mixture, making sure to pack it down slightly. This will help to prevent the seed from spilling out when the feeder is hanging.
Now, find a suitable tree or pole in your garden to hang the feeder. Make sure it’s a spot that is easily accessible for the birds and provides a safe environment for them to feed.
Suspend the feeder from the tree or pole using the thread or twine. Make sure it’s securely fastened and won’t fall down.
And there you have it – a homemade bird feeder using recycled materials! Hang it up and enjoy watching the birds flock to your garden to feed.
Recycle Your Food Waste
If you are passionate about feeding birds and want to make a homemade bird feeder, then this guide will help you get started. Not only will you be providing food for our feathered friends, but you’ll be recycling your food waste as well.
One easy way to make a bird feeder is using a plastic bottle. Start by washing out an empty plastic bottle, then cut a number of small holes around the sides. These holes should be just big enough for the birds to be able to take the food out but not too big for squirrels to get in.
Next, make a small hole in the base of the bottle. Take a piece of twine or string and thread it through the hole, tying a secure knot at the end. This will allow you to hang the feeder from a tree branch or pole.
To make the bird feed, mix together peanut butter and bird seed in a bowl. You can also add in some dried fruit or crushed nuts if you’d like. Once the mixture is slightly sticky, spread it onto a wooden kebab stick or a piece of butter from an orange. Then insert the stick or butter into the bottle, making sure it is securely in place.
Now, you can fill the feeder with the bird feed. Make sure to clean the bottle before filling it to ensure it’s free from any residue that could harm the birds. Hang the feeder in your garden or near a woodland area, where the birds can find it easily.
By recycling your food waste and using it to feed the birds, you’ll be contributing to a healthier environment and providing nourishment for the local bird population. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of these lovely creatures right in your own backyard!
The ‘Bird Kebab’ Feeder
To start, here’s a list of the items you will need:
- A plastic bottle (recycle one you already have!)
- A pair of scissors
- A piece of twine or string
- A wooden pole or branch
- Bird seed or a mixture of peanut butter and seed
Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started on making the ‘Bird Kebab’ feeder!
Step 1: Cut two small holes on opposite sides of the plastic bottle near the base. These holes will be used to thread the twine through, so make sure they are big enough for the twine to pass through.
Step 2: Take the piece of twine and thread it through one of the holes in the bottle. Then, tie a knot at the end of the twine to secure it in place. This will serve as the hanging mechanism for the feeder.
Step 3: Fill the plastic bottle with bird seed or the mixture of peanut butter and seed. You can also use an ‘orange hammock’ made from recycled fruit netting to fill with bird seed and hang from the bottle.
Step 4: Find a suitable spot in your garden to hang the feeder. It’s best to hang it in a tree or on a pole away from any squirrel-friendly areas.
Step 5: Hang the feeder by attaching the twine to a sturdy branch or pole. Make sure it is secured tightly so it won’t fall down.
Now, sit back, relax, and watch as the birds come flocking to your homemade ‘Bird Kebab’ feeder! The birds will love having a variety of food options and the different ways they can feed from it.
This feeder is also squirrel-proofing as they will have a harder time accessing the food inside. If you notice any squirrels trying to get to the food, you can try adding some squirrel baffles or greasing the pole to deter them.
So, why not give it a try? Making your own bird feeder is a rewarding and enjoyable activity that will benefit both the birds and your garden. Plus, it’s a great way to recycle and reduce waste!
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to help you along the way.
The ‘Orange Hammock’
If you’re looking to make a homemade bird feeder that is not only functional but also environmentally friendly, then the ‘Orange Hammock’ is the perfect choice for you. This unique bird feeder is easy to make and will provide a safe space for birds to feed while also recycling waste materials.
To make the ‘Orange Hammock’, you will need the following materials:
| – | An empty plastic orange juice bottle |
| – | A wooden stick or kebab skewer |
| – | Twine or thread |
| – | Scissors |
| – | A small bowl or container |
| – | Bird seed or peanut butter |
| – | Clean, empty yogurt or pudding cups |
| – | A washing line or twine |
Step 1: Start by cleaning out the plastic orange juice bottle. You can do this by rinsing it with water and soap. Make sure to remove any remaining juice and dry the bottle before proceeding.
Step 2: Cut two small holes on opposite sides of the bottle, near the base. These holes will be used to thread the twine or thread through to hang the feeder.
Step 3: To make squirrel-proofing a little easier, you can slightly mix bird seed or peanut butter with melted butter and line the inside of the bottle with the mixture. This will make it difficult for squirrels to climb up to the feeding holes.
Step 4: Take the wooden stick or kebab skewer and push it through the sides of the bottle, slightly above the base. This will act as a perch for the birds to land on when feeding.
Step 5: Fill the clean yogurt or pudding cups with bird seed or peanut butter and attach them to the washing line or twine. You can hang these cups from the tree or any other structure near the feeder to attract more birds.
Step 6: Attach one end of the twine or thread to the holes on the bottle, and the other end to a sturdy base, such as a pole or a tree branch. Make sure the feeder hangs at a height that is easily accessible for birds to feed from but difficult for squirrels to reach.
And there you have it – your very own ‘Orange Hammock’ bird feeder! Hang it in your garden or in a woodland area, and watch as the birds flock to feed from this unique and eco-friendly feeder. Not only will you be providing food for the birds, but you’ll also be recycling waste materials in the process. Trust us, the birds will thank you for it!
Step 5
Now it’s time to squirrel-proofing your bird feeder. Squirrels can be quite clever and persistent, so you want to make sure they don’t steal all the food you put out for the birds. One way to do this is by hanging the feeder from a pole or tree branch that is too far away for squirrels to jump to. You can also use a squirrel baffle, which is a dome-shaped device that goes around the pole to prevent squirrels from climbing up to the feeder.
Another option is to make a homemade squirrel-proof feeder by recycling a plastic bottle. Start by cleaning out the bottle and removing the label. Then, using a pair of scissors, cut two small holes near the base of the bottle. Take a piece of twine or string and thread it through the holes, tying knots on the inside to secure it in place. Fill the bottle with bird seed and hang it up in your garden. The birds will be able to feed from the holes in the bottle, but the squirrels won’t be able to get to the food.
If you know that squirrels are a big problem in your area, you might want to consider using a squirrel-proof bird feeder that has special mechanisms to prevent squirrels from accessing the food. These feeders often have weight-sensitive perches or compartments that close when a squirrel gets on them. These feeders can be more expensive than regular ones, but if squirrel-proofing is a top priority for you, they might be worth the investment. Trust me, the birds will thank you for it!
Squirrel-proofing
When making bird feeders, one important step is squirrel-proofing. Squirrels can be very crafty and persistent when it comes to getting at the food in your bird feeder, so it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure they don’t succeed.
There are different feeders to choose from, but one effective way to squirrel-proof your feeder is by using twine. Start by cutting a piece of twine and making two holes in the bottom of a clean plastic bottle. You can then fill the bottle with birdseed or any other type of food you’d like to use.
Next, thread the twine through the holes in the bottle and tie it securely. Make sure to leave enough twine so that you can hang the feeder from a tree branch or a pole. Squirrels will have a difficult time reaching the feeder if it is hanging high above the ground.
If you know squirrels are particularly persistent in your area, you may want to consider adding a squirrel baffle to your feeder. This is a dome or a cone-shaped device that makes it difficult for squirrels to climb up to the feeder. It can be attached to the base of the feeder or hung above it.
Another option for squirrel-proofing is to make a “bird kebab”. Start by skewering pieces of fruit, such as apples or oranges, onto a stick or a line. Birds will enjoy pecking at the fruit, but squirrels will find it more challenging to access.
Additionally, you can try using a “hammock” feeder. Take a piece of twine and tie it between two trees or poles, slightly higher than a squirrel can jump. Hang a bird feeder from the twine, and birds will be able to access it while squirrels will have a difficult time reaching it.
When squirrel-proofing your feeder, it’s important to keep in mind the safety of the birds. Opt for squirrel-proof feeders that have small holes that only birds can access. Avoid using materials that can harm the birds, such as sharp edges or toxic materials.
With these squirrel-proofing tips and strategies, you will be able to enjoy birdwatching and feeding the birds without worrying about squirrels taking over or damaging your feeder.
Feeder on a pole
If you want to make a bird feeder on a pole in your garden, here is a step-by-step guide to help you.
First, you will need a feeder bowl or a plastic bottle that has been cleaned thoroughly. You can recycle a plastic bottle for this purpose. Make sure to wash it with warm soapy water before using it as a bird feeder.
Next, take a piece of twine or thread and thread it through two small holes on opposite sides of the bottle or bowl. This will allow you to hang it from the pole.
For the pole, you can use a wooden stick or a kebab stick. If you want a more sturdy and squirrel-proof pole, you could consider using a metal pole.
Now, fill the feeder bowl or bottle with bird seed or a mixture of peanut butter and bird seed. Birds will be attracted to this food and will trust the feeder to feed them. You can fill the feeder with different types of bird seeds to attract different birds to your garden.
Finally, hang the feeder on the pole in a tree or in a slightly elevated area of your garden. Make sure it is easily accessible for the birds. You can also place it on a homemade ‘bird hammock’ to provide a comfortable feeding spot for the birds.
To make the ‘bird hammock’, take a rectangular piece of plastic or a clean plastic bag and cut it into a rectangular shape. Then, using twine or thread, tie the corners of the rectangle onto the pole, creating a small hammock for the birds to sit on while they feed.
This feeder on a pole is a great way to attract birds to your garden and provide them with food. It is also a fun and simple project that you can do with your family. Enjoy bird-watching and take pride in knowing that you are helping nature by providing a food source for our feathered friends.
Feeder hanging from a washing line
If you have a washing line in your garden, you could create a bird feeder that hangs from it. This guide will show you how to make a simple bird feeder using a plastic bottle, which won’t take much time or effort.
What you will need:
- A plastic bottle
- A strong piece of twine or string
- Scissors
- Bird feed (such as seed or peanut)
Step 1:
Start by cleaning out the plastic bottle. Make sure there are no leftover liquids or food waste inside to ensure the bird feeder is clean and safe for the birds.
Step 2:
Using the scissors, carefully cut a number of small holes in the sides of the bottle. These holes will allow the birds to access the food inside.
Step 3:
Fill the base of the bottle with bird feed. You could use a mixture of different types of feed to attract a variety of birds to your feeder.
Step 4:
Thread the twine or string through the holes in the bottle, creating a loop at the top to hang it from the washing line. Make sure the string is secure so that the feeder won’t fall off.
Step 5:
Hang the bird feeder from the washing line in your garden. Choose a spot that is visible to birds and away from any potential squirrel access points. Squirrel-proofing the feeder will ensure that only birds can access the food.
Step 6:
Now sit back and enjoy watching the birds feed from your homemade feeder. You can refill the feeder with bird feed whenever it is empty to continue attracting birds to your garden.
By recycling a plastic bottle and using simple materials, you can create a feeder that provides food for birds and reduces waste. This homemade bird feeder hanging from a washing line is an easy and effective way to attract birds to your garden and enjoy watching their woodland antics.
Feeder hanging down on a line
If you want to make a bird feeder that hangs down on a line, here’s a simple guide to help you get started.
- First, gather all the materials you’ll need. You will need a plastic bottle, some twine or string, a pair of scissors, and bird seed.
- Start by washing out the plastic bottle and removing any labels or debris.
- Next, take the scissors and carefully poke a few small holes near the base of the bottle. These holes will allow the bird seed to fall out and feed the birds.
- Now, thread the twine or string through the holes in the bottle. Make sure the twine is long enough that the feeder will hang down from a tree branch or pole.
- Fill the bottle with bird seed. You can mix different types of seed together to attract a variety of birds.
- Tie a knot at the top of the twine so that the bottle won’t slip off.
- Find a good spot to hang your feeder. Choose a tree branch or pole that is easy for birds to access.
- Hang the feeder by looping the twine around the branch or pole and securing it with a knot.
- Now, sit back and enjoy watching the birds come to feed in your garden!
A hanging bird feeder is a great way to attract birds to your garden and provide them with a reliable source of food. It’s also a fun and easy DIY project that you can do with materials you may already have at home. Plus, by making your own feeder, you can recycle materials and reduce waste. So why not give it a try and see how many different bird species you can attract to your garden?
