How to Make Bird Feeders With Kids

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Making a bird feeder with your kids not only will feed the birds, but you also will get to spend time together doing something creative that will help the local environment. There are bunches of different ways you can make a homemade bird feeder, with some being easier than others. Choose a design that will allow the children to do most of the work. Once completed, the bird feeder can provide joy as the whole family can watch the birds come and eat from your handmade craft. Don't spend money on a feeder when you can make your own.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Making a Platic Jar Bird Feeder

Things You’ll Need:

Plastic jar or container Marker Scissors Knife Stick or wooden dowel Non-toxic paint Paint brushes String Birdseed
Plastic jar or container
Marker
Scissors
Knife
Stick or wooden dowel
Non-toxic paint
Paint brushes
String
Birdseed

Step 1

Wash the plastic jar or container to remove any leftover remains of what was previously stored inside of it. Allow the container to dry before you start working on the bird feeder.

Step 2

Place the cleaned lid back on top of the container and screw it shut. You don't want to leave the top open, or water can get inside of the feeder and spoil the seed.

Step 3

Mark an opening on both sides of the container with your marker. This will give you a pattern you can cut out to make the entrance where the birds can get to the seed. Start the opening at the center of the container and work down. Depending on the size of your container, make the opening approximately 4 inches by 4 inches, leaving enough space in the bottom so the seed will not spill out. Cut out the openings and discard the leftover plastic.

Step 4

Cut a small opening that your stick or wooden dowel will fit through, below where you have cut out the opening for the seed. This will make a perch for the birds to sit on when they come to your feeder to eat.

Step 5

Slip the wooden dowel or stick through the opening, being sure to leave several inches sticking out on both sides for the birds to sit on it.

Step 6

Poke several small holes in the bottom of the feeder. This will allow the feeder to drain in the event water gets inside of it.

Step 7

Use a non-toxic paint and allow the kids to paint the bird feeder. By using earth colors such as browns, tans and greens, your kids can create a bird feeder that will blend into the natural environment around it. Allow the paint to completely dry before hanging the feeder and filling it with seed.

Step 8

Tie a string around the top of the feeder that is long enough for it to hang from a branch. You want the feeder to hang freely and not be obstructed by branches.

Step 9

Fill the feeder with birdseed and hang the feeder outside. Watch and wait for the birds to arrive and start feeding. Fill the feeder with fresh food once the old food is eaten.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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