Birdsong brightens mornings and adds life to quiet gardens. Encouraging those cheerful visitors starts with offering a simple invitation—food. A handmade bird feeder does more than hold seeds; it brings charm, personality, and creativity to your outdoor space. Store-bought feeders work fine, but nothing compares to the satisfaction of building your own with everyday materials.
From repurposed teacups to mason jars and pinecones, unexpected items can turn into clever feeding stations. Kids love the hands-on experience, and adults appreciate the personalized touch these projects bring. There’s no need for fancy tools or complex instructions. Just a little imagination and some basic supplies open up endless possibilities.
Each design serves a purpose beyond aesthetics. Some attract tiny finches; others accommodate jays or cardinals. Positioning the feeder in the right spot adds another layer of intention to the process. Your backyard quickly becomes a favorite stopover for migrating flocks or a permanent haven for locals.
Nature thrives through small efforts. A feeder placed with care supports local ecosystems and deepens your connection with the world just outside your window. Get ready to roll up your sleeves, gather materials, and build something both beautiful and beneficial.
Feeding birds in your backyard is a peaceful and rewarding activity. You enjoy the cheerful songs, colorful feathers, and natural behavior of local birds. Making your own bird feeders is a fun and easy way to bring them closer. You also save money and recycle household items.
Here are 10 simple DIY bird feeder ideas. Each one uses basic materials and takes little time to make. You don’t need special skills. Just some patience and care.
1. Plastic Bottle Feeder
This idea uses a plastic water or soda bottle. Birds can eat seeds through small holes.
Materials:
One empty plastic bottle
Two wooden spoons or sticks
String or wire
Birdseed
Scissors or knife
Steps:
Make two holes across from each other near the bottom of the bottle.
Push a spoon through both holes. Leave some space outside for birds to sit.
Repeat higher up for the second spoon.
Make small holes above each spoon for seeds to spill out.
Fill the bottle with seeds.
Tie a string around the top and hang it from a tree.
Birds land on the spoons and peck the seeds that spill out.
2. Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
This feeder is great for small kids and beginners. It uses an empty toilet paper roll.
Materials:
One cardboard toilet roll tube
Peanut butter or vegetable shortening
Birdseed
String (optional)
Steps:
Cover the roll with peanut butter.
Roll it in birdseed until fully coated.
Slide it onto a tree branch. Or add string and hang it.
That’s it. So easy and birds love it.
3. Pinecone Feeder
You can find pinecones in parks or forests. They make a natural and pretty feeder.
Materials:
One large pinecone
Peanut butter or lard
Birdseed
String
Steps:
Tie a string to the top of the pinecone.
Spread peanut butter into all the open parts.
Roll the pinecone in seeds.
Hang it from a tree branch.
Birds will cling to the pinecone and peck at the seeds.
4. Tin Can Feeder
Empty tin cans can be reused as feeders. Just clean them well first.
Materials:
One clean tin can
Paint (optional)
String or wire
Birdseed
Stick or dowel (for perch)
Glue gun
Steps:
Paint the can if you want.
Glue a stick inside the can for a perch.
Tie string around the can to hang it sideways.
Fill it with seeds.
The bird flies into the open side to eat.
5. Teacup Feeder
Old teacups or mugs can make cute and stylish bird feeders.
Materials:
One teacup and saucer
Strong glue
String or chain
Birdseed
Steps:
Glue the cup to the saucer sideways.
Let it dry for a day.
Tie string or chain for hanging.
Fill the cup and saucer with seeds.
Hang this from a tree or porch. It looks charming.
6. Milk Carton Feeder
Don’t throw away that empty milk or juice carton. Turn it into a bird feeder.
Materials:
One empty carton
Scissors or knife
Paint or stickers (optional)
String
Birdseed
Steps:
Cut square holes on each side of the carton.
Paint or decorate the outside.
Punch holes at the top and tie string.
Fill the bottom with birdseed.
Hang from a branch.
Birds will fly inside and eat in peace.
7. Mason Jar Feeder
Glass jars can be feeders too. They look clean and last long.
Materials:
One mason jar
Chick feeder base (or make your own with a plastic lid)
Birdseed
Wire or rope
Steps:
Fill the jar with seed.
Attach the base.
Tie wire around the top and hang it upside down.
Birds take seeds from the bottom. You can also set it on a table.
8. Orange Peel Feeder
Use fruit peels to make small, natural feeders. They also smell nice.
Materials:
One orange
Knife and spoon
String or sticks
Birdseed
Steps:
Cut the orange in half.
Scoop out the fruit and eat it.
Punch three holes near the edge.
Tie string to each hole and bring the ends together.
Fill the peel with seeds.
Hang it gently from a branch.
This feeder lasts a few days and is fully compostable.
9. Bread Feeder
Old bread becomes a treat for birds with this idea. It also helps reduce food waste.
Materials:
One thick slice of stale bread
Peanut butter
Birdseed
String
Steps:
Spread peanut butter on both sides of the bread.
Press into birdseed until covered.
Use a stick to poke a hole.
Tie string and hang it.
This feeder is soft, so small birds like it more.
10. Cookie Cutter Suet Feeder
Birds need fat in winter. Suet feeders are perfect for cold months.
Materials:
Birdseed
Lard or suet
Cookie cutters
Wax paper
String
Steps:
Melt suet in a pot.
Mix with birdseed.
Place cookie cutters on wax paper.
Fill them with the warm mix.
Press string into each one.
Let them cool and harden.
Push out the shapes and hang them.
These feeders look fun and work great in cold weather.
FAQs
How often should I refill my bird feeder? Refill when it’s almost empty. Birds return often and need a steady food supply.
Where should I hang my bird feeder? Choose a quiet, safe place. Avoid spots near windows or places with cats.
What seeds are best for backyard birds? Black-oil sunflower seeds work for many types. You can also use millet or safflower.
How do I clean bird feeders? Wash them every two weeks with warm water and soap. Dry fully before refilling.
Can I use salty or flavored peanut butter? No. Only use unsalted, natural peanut butter. Birds can get sick from salt.
Conclusion
Making bird feeders at home is easy and fun. Most ideas use things you already have. It helps birds, teaches kids about nature, and gives you peaceful moments. Pick one idea and try it today. Watch your yard fill with birds and their happy songs. Simple actions bring joy to both birds and people.
