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How to Make Bird Feeders

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By Kittie McCoy
A yellow rumped warbler looking for a bird feeder.

Photo Courtesy of Mikebaird; Flickr Creative Commons

Making a bird feeder can help encourage birds to visit your yard. While your goal may be to enjoy the beauty of local song birds, setting out bird feeders can also help supplement the birds' natural diet and prevent birds from starving to death when food is scarce. Homemade bird feeders do not have to be complicated and many can be created using simple materials you probably already have in your home or backyard.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Recycled Milk Jug Feeder

Things You'll Need:
  • Plastic milk jug Marker Utility knife Birdseed Rope Pine cone Peanut butter Shallow dish String
  • Plastic milk jug
  • Marker
  • Utility knife
  • Birdseed
  • Rope
  • Pine cone
  • Peanut butter
  • Shallow dish
  • String
Step 1
Wash an empty 1-gallon plastic milk jug with warm soapy water to remove any remaining milk or odor. Rinse the jug and allow it to dry upside down on a towel with the cap removed.
Step 2
Turn the milk jug right side up with the handle facing away from you. Draw a rectangle onto the milk jug with a marker. The rectangle should be drawn directly opposite of the milk jug's handle and measure 6 inches wide and 3 inches tall. The bottom of the rectangle needs to be 2 inches above the bottom of the milk jug.
Step 3
Cut out the rectangle with a utility knife. Pierce the bottom of the milk jug with the utility knife several times. These small slits will allow rain water to drain from the bird feeder but should not be large enough to cause the birdseed to leak.
Step 4
Pour birdseed into the rectangular opening you have created.
Step 5
Tie one end of the rope to the handle of the milk jug. Attach the rope to a tree branch outside for the birds to enjoy.

Pine Cone Feeder

Step 1
Smear creamy or chunky peanut butter all over a large pine cone.
Step 2
Pour birdseed into a shallow dish or pan.
Step 3
Roll the pine cone in the birdseed until it is covered.
Step 4
Tie string to the end of the pine cone and secure the other end to a tree branch.

About The Author

Kittie McCoy has been a freelance writer since February 2008 and is also a part time personal trainer and licensed entertainer in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been published online by ehow. She enjoys sharing her love of physical fitness and experience in the entertainment industry via her writing.
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