How to Make Simple Bird Feeders

A simple bird feeder is a great craft project to share with your kids. It will help them learn an appreciation for nature and your whole family will benefit from the birds it attracts. The first bird feeder project is fit for very young children with adult supervision. The second one is a bit more involved, and well suited to older children.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

String Feeder

Things You’ll Need:

Needle Thread Popcorn Cranberries Bread Milk carton Milk jug Beverage bottle Skewer Dowel Hole punch Scissors Twine Birdseed
Needle
Thread
Popcorn
Cranberries
Bread
Milk carton
Milk jug
Beverage bottle
Skewer
Dowel
Hole punch
Scissors
Twine
Birdseed

Step 1

Thread a needle with a double strand of solid thread. If you don't have any thread around, you can use dental floss.

Step 2

Tie a double or triple knot near the end of the thread. You can use any sort of knot you want as long as it is thick enough to stop things from falling off the feeder.

Step 3

Stick the needle through cranberries, popcorn kernels, dried raisins and chunks of bread. Keep going until you've strung most of the string with bird treats.

Step 4

Cut the thread near the top and remove the needle.

Step 5

Tie the top of the thread to an evergreen tree so that the string feeder lies against the branches. The birds can perch and eat the treats.

Beverage Container Feeder

Step 1

Get a cardboard milk carton or plastic jug or a beverage bottle. Wash it thoroughly and dry it with a paper towel.

Step 2

Poke a small bamboo skewer or dowel straight through near the bottom of the container or jug so that it sticks out about 2 inches on either side for a perch. If you are using a plastic container, you may have to poke a hole in it with a hole punch or other sharp tool.

Step 3

Cut small holes about 2 inches above each perch. The holes should be around 1/3 inch in diameter.

Step 4

Cut two small holes near the top of the container and thread wire through both. Twist the wire together.

Step 5

Fill the bird feeder with seed and close the top. If you are using a cardboard container, use a clothespin to hold the top closed.

Step 6

Wrap the wire around a branch. The birds will be able to sit on the perches and feed through the small holes.

Tips & Warnings

Paint your container feeder bright colors to make it more attractive and help draw birds to it.

Article Written By Isaiah David

Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.

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