Getting kids involved in nature is a wonderful way to spark curiosity and teach them about the world around them. What better way to bring nature right to your window than by feeding the local birds? Forget expensive store-bought feeders; you can create fantastic, functional bird feeders using simple household items and things found right in your backyard. These crafts are perfect for little hands, encourage recycling, and provide a great opportunity for learning and observation. Plus, the birds will thank you, especially during colder months when food is scarcer!
Let’s dive into three easy and fun bird feeder projects using pinecones, toilet paper rolls, and juice cartons. These projects require minimal supplies, most of which you probably already have lying around. Prepare for some slightly messy fun and the rewarding sight of feathered friends enjoying your creations!
Pinecone Bird Feeders: Nature’s Own Feeder
Pinecones are naturally perfect for holding onto tasty bird treats. Their overlapping scales create lots of nooks and crannies for seeds and suet. This is perhaps the simplest feeder to make and looks wonderfully rustic hanging from a tree branch.
What You’ll Need:
- Large, open pinecones (dry ones work best)
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) OR vegetable shortening/suet
- Birdseed mix (sunflower seeds, millet, cracked corn are popular)
- A plate or shallow dish
- Twine or sturdy string
- A butter knife or spatula
- Optional: Raisins or dried cranberries (use sparingly)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pinecone. First, make sure your pinecone is clean and dry. If you collected it from outside, you might want to gently brush off any dirt. Tie a piece of twine securely around the top scales of the pinecone, creating a loop for hanging. Make sure it’s tied tightly so it doesn’t slip off when laden with seeds.
Step 2: Spread the Good Stuff. Using a butter knife or spatula, scoop up some peanut butter or shortening. Carefully spread it all over the pinecone, pushing it into the gaps between the scales. You don’t need a super thick layer, just enough to make the seeds stick. This is the messy part kids usually love!
Step 3: Roll in the Seeds. Pour a generous amount of birdseed onto your plate or shallow dish. Take your sticky pinecone and roll it thoroughly in the seeds. Press gently to ensure the seeds adhere well to the peanut butter or shortening. Cover as much surface area as possible. You can also sprinkle extra seeds into any gaps.
Step 4: Chill (Optional but Recommended). For a less messy final product and to help everything set, you can place the finished pinecone feeder in the refrigerator or even the freezer for an hour or so. This helps the peanut butter/shortening harden slightly, making it easier to handle and hang.
Step 5: Hang it Up! Find a suitable spot in your garden or balcony. Choose a tree branch or hook where you can easily see the birds, but preferably somewhere relatively safe from squirrels (though they might enjoy the treat too!) and cats. Ensure it hangs freely and isn’t banging against a window.
Now, watch and wait for your feathered visitors to discover their delicious new snack bar!
Toilet Roll Bird Feeders: Simple Recycling Craft
Don’t throw away those cardboard tubes! Empty toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls (cut in half) make excellent bases for quick and easy bird feeders. This craft is incredibly straightforward and uses materials destined for the recycling bin.
What You’ll Need:
- Empty cardboard toilet paper or paper towel rolls
- Peanut butter or vegetable shortening
- Birdseed mix
- A plate or shallow tray
- Twine or ribbon
- A butter knife or spatula
- Optional: Hole punch
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Roll. If you’re using paper towel rolls, cut them into two or three smaller sections, similar in size to toilet paper rolls. If you want to thread the twine through the roll itself, use a hole punch to make two holes opposite each other near one end of the roll.
Step 2: Get Sticky. Just like with the pinecones, use your spatula or butter knife to spread a layer of peanut butter or shortening all over the outside surface of the cardboard tube. Try to get an even coating.
Step 3: Seed Coating Time. Pour your birdseed mix onto the plate or tray. Roll the sticky tube in the seeds, pressing gently so they stick firmly. Ensure the entire coated surface is covered in seeds.
Step 4: Add the Hanger. If you punched holes earlier, thread your twine or ribbon through the holes and tie a knot to create a hanging loop. If you didn’t punch holes, you can simply loop a longer piece of twine through the entire tube and tie it at the top. Alternatively, you can slide the finished tube directly onto a thin tree branch.
Step 5: Find a Spot. Hang your toilet roll feeder from a tree branch, hook, or shrub. These are lightweight, so make sure they are somewhat sheltered from strong winds if possible. They might not last as long as other feeders, especially in wet weather, but they are so easy to make, you can whip up replacements in no time!
Juice Carton Bird Feeders: A Sturdier DIY Option
Clean, empty juice or milk cartons offer a more durable base for a bird feeder. This project allows for a bit more creativity in terms of decoration and design, resulting in a little birdhouse-style feeder.
What You’ll Need:
- Clean, empty cardboard juice or milk carton (quart or half-gallon size works well)
- Scissors or a craft knife (adult supervision required)
- Non-toxic paint, markers, or crayons for decoration (optional)
- Twine or wire for hanging
- A stick, twig, or small wooden dowel for a perch
- Birdseed
- Hole punch or skewer
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Clean and Dry. Thoroughly wash the inside of the juice or milk carton with soap and water. Rinse it well and let it dry completely. Any residue could spoil the seed or harm the birds.
Step 2: Cut the Openings. With adult help, carefully cut openings on one or two sides of the carton. These will be the ‘windows’ where birds can access the seed. Make them large enough for small birds to perch comfortably but not so large that all the seed falls out easily. Leave at least an inch or two of cardboard at the bottom to hold the seed. You can make square, circular, or arched openings.
Step 3: Decorate (Optional). This is where kids can get creative! Let them decorate the outside of the carton using non-toxic paints, markers, or crayons. Bright colours can attract birds, but natural tones work just fine too. Let the decorations dry completely.
Step 4: Add a Perch. About half an inch below each main opening, carefully poke a small hole through the carton using a skewer or the tip of the scissors (adult help needed). Push your twig, stick, or dowel through the hole, creating a perch for the birds to land on while they eat. If you cut openings on opposite sides, you can push the perch all the way through.
Step 5: Prepare for Hanging. Near the top of the carton (the sealed end), punch two holes opposite each other. Thread a piece of sturdy twine or wire through these holes and tie securely to form a hanging loop.
Step 6: Add Drainage (Important!). To prevent rainwater from collecting and spoiling the seed, poke a few small drainage holes in the bottom of the carton using a skewer.
Step 7: Fill and Hang. Pour birdseed into the feeder through the top opening or the side windows, filling it up to just below the openings. Hang your colourful new feeder in a suitable location in your yard.
Keep it Clean! Regularly cleaning your bird feeders is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases among birds. Aim to clean feeders roughly every two weeks, or more often if they look dirty or wet. Use a solution of one part bleach to nine parts hot water, rinse thoroughly, and allow feeders to dry completely before refilling. This simple step helps keep your feathered visitors healthy.
Choosing the Right Seeds
While almost any standard birdseed mix will attract some visitors, certain seeds are more popular with specific types of birds. Black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for many species, including cardinals, chickadees, and finches, due to their thin shells and high oil content. Millet is enjoyed by ground-feeding birds like sparrows and juncos. Nyjer (thistle) seed is tiny and requires a special feeder, but it’s beloved by goldfinches. A general mix often provides variety, but focusing on sunflower seeds is usually a safe bet for beginners.
Where to Hang Your Feeders
Location matters! Place your feeders where you can enjoy watching the birds, perhaps near a window. However, also consider the birds’ safety. Hang feeders high enough off the ground to deter cats and other ground predators. Placing them near shrubs or trees provides cover for birds, giving them a quick escape route if needed. Avoid hanging them too close to windows to minimize the risk of collisions – placing them either very close (less than 3 feet) or further away (more than 10 feet) is generally recommended.
Crafting these simple bird feeders is more than just a fun afternoon activity. It’s a chance to teach children about recycling, caring for wildlife, and the simple joys of observing nature. It encourages patience as they wait for birds to arrive and offers endless opportunities for learning about different bird species and their behaviours. So gather your supplies, embrace a little mess, and get ready to welcome some cheerful, chirping visitors to your backyard!
