How to Build Bird Feeders

William T. Trobaugh, Jr.

Birdwatching is a wonderful way to get in touch with nature no matter where you are. Since birds exist nearly everywhere in abundant numbers, you don't need to live near a forest or drive a long distance to enjoy them. In most areas, you'll see a large variety of birds, and that makes the hobby of birdwatching more challenging and fun. Because of their diverse needs, different species of birds require varied types of foods.

Providing the correct food in the right type feeder is essential for attracting a large variety of birds. Building your own bird feeder is not only satisfying and money-saving, it also ensures that you get exactly what you want for your environment and the birds' diets. Although there are a number of types of feeders, a covered platform feeder is a good all-around feeder that will attract a variety of birds.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Buiding the Feeder

Things You’ll Need:

5 board feet of 1/4-inch-thick cedar (usually sold in planks) 1-foot by 2-foot precut screen 1-inch by 1-inch 8-foot piece of cedar Wood screws Saw Electric drill
5 board feet of 1/4-inch-thick cedar (usually sold in planks)
1-foot by 2-foot precut screen
1-inch by 1-inch 8-foot piece of cedar
Wood screws
Saw
Electric drill

Step 1

Cut a 1-foot by 2-foot piece of cedar plank for the bottom of the feeder. Drill holes at 2-inch intervals in the piece of wood.

Step 2

Cut two 1-foot and two 2-foot sections from the 1-inch x1-inch 8-foot length of cedar. Screw the pieces to the top of the bottom piece to form a lip.

Step 3

Bend 1 inch of the screen down all the way around and fit it into the feeder. This will make a platform that will let the rain go through the feeder without washing away the seeds. Don't secure the screen into the feeder; you'll need to easily remove it for cleaning periodically.

Step 4

Cut two 6-inch by 6-inch pieces of cedar plank. Screw them into the each side of the platform facing each other.

Step 5

Cut a 1-foot by 1-foot piece of cedar plank and screw it to the top of the side pieces to form a roof. This will give smaller birds protection while still providing an open area for others to feed.

Tips & Warnings

Provide a variety of food to attract the most birds. Try thistle for finches, sunflower seeds for cardinals and live meal worms for robins.

Article Written By Catherine Rayburn-Trobaug

Catherine Rayburn-Trobaugh has been a writer and college writing professor since 1992. She has written for international companies, published numerous feature articles in the "Wilmington News-Journal," and won writing contests for her poetry and fiction. Rayburn-Trobaugh earned a Master of Arts in English from Wright State University.

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