An hobby that combines creativity, artistry, and a love for our tiny feathered companions is building bird feeders. For both children and adults, watching birds in your garden can be an enjoyable and intriguing experience. It not only offers a chance to commune with nature, but it also offers a worthwhile educational opportunity.
We’re looking at a range of entertaining and simple bird feeders that kids may create on their own. Additionally, we provide some helpful hints and tricks to improve your bird feeding experience. Get ready for an amazing excursion that will draw colorful guests to your yard .
12 Bird Feeder Tips and Hacks
While the specific supplies may depend on your bird feeder design, here are some essential items to have on hand as well as some helpful tips and hacks:
1. Craft Knife or Scissors
To create apertures or certain shapes in containers, use a sharp craft knife or pair of craft scissors.
2. Timing
Early in the morning and late in the day are when birds are most busy. For the best chances to see birds during these periods, make sure your feeders are full.
3. Water Source
Having a birdbath or shallow dish nearby will draw even more avian guests to your yard because birds require water for drinking and washing.
4. Birdseed
Use a variety of birdfeed, such as sunflower seeds, millet, or cracked corn, to draw in a greater range of birds. Look at the label and select a premium blend that is appropriate for the birds in your region. Additionally, think of using nectar to draw in a variety of species all year long.
5. Recyclable Materials
Utilize objects you already have around the house, like as empty milk cartons, toilet paper rolls, and plastic bottles, to make eco-friendly feeders.
6. Observation
Children should be encouraged to watch and recognize the birds that come to their feeders. For children to record sightings and learn more about each species, suggest they keep a notebook or make a bird-spotting checklist.
7. Wooden Skewers or Sticks
Create a variety of perches for your bird feeder using wooden skewers or sticks from your yard.
8. Location
Place your bird feeder away from potential predators like cats and in a calm, secure area. Make sure they are also conveniently located for cleaning and refilling.
you stop the spread of infections, be sure you clean your bird feeders on a regular basis. Before refilling, give them a good wash in warm, soapy water, followed by a thorough rinsing.
10. Peanut Butter
In addition to being a popular sandwich spread, peanut butter is an excellent adhesive for seeded bird feeders.
11. Twine or string
Twine or string is essential for securely hanging or suspending your bird feeder.
12. Paints or Markers
Assemble a selection of paints or markers to add color and creativity to your feeders. Choose waterproof options to ensure your designs can withstand outdoor elements.
9 Bird Feeders Kids Can Make
1. Pinecone Bird Feeder
Gather big pinecones, then wrap the top with a string to hang them. The pinecone should be covered in peanut butter or vegetable shortening before being thoroughly covered in birdseed. Pinecone feeder should be hung from a hook or limb of a tree.
2. Orange Cup Feeder
Scoop out the fruit by halves a huge orange. Each half should have a few tiny holes pierced around the rim. Thread twine or string through the holes, securing it with knots as you go. The orange cups should then be filled with bird seed and hung from a tree branch.
3. Milk Carton Bird Feeder
On one side of a paper milk carton, cut a rectangular slot, giving enough room for the birds to access the seeds. Use paint or markers to draw colorful drawings on the carton. Next, put the wooden stick or dowel that will serve as the birds’ perch through a hole you made at the top of the carton. In order to hang it, thread a length of string through the hole and tie it safely.
4. Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder
Birdseed should be combined with either powdered gelatin or peanut butter to create a sticky combination. On a pan covered with parchment paper, put a cookie cutter and fill it with the seed mixture. After that, apply pressure and take out the cookie cutter. Before adding a string for hanging, let the birdseed form dry and firm.
5. Recycled Bottle Feeder
Take a clean, screw-on plastic bottle. Make a few tiny holes around the bottle’s base so that birds may get to the seeds. After adding birdseed and tightening the top, you may hang the bottle by tying a thread or wire around its neck.
6. Cereal Box Bird Feeder
Make a huge rectangular aperture on one side of an empty cereal box. A wooden rod or dowel should be inserted horizontally through the box and placed at the bottom to serve as a perch. Fill the box with birdseed after decorating it using vibrant markers or paint. By putting a string through the box’s top, you may hang the feeder.
7. Bagel Bird Feeder
Put some cream cheese or peanut butter on each sides of a stale bagel. Once the birdseed is adhered, push it firmly onto the bagel. Finally, hang the bagel outside for the birds to enjoy by threading a string through the bagel’s center hole.
8. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
Start by liberally covering the outside of a toilet paper roll with peanut butter. Then, coat the entire surface with birdseed by rolling it in it. Finally, make a loop for hanging by weaving a string or pipe cleaner through the roll.
9. Egg Carton Feeder
Make tiny holes in the bottom of each cup and cut the lid off an egg carton made of cardboard. Add birdseed to each cup, then tie a thread to the top of the carton so it can be hung.
Additional Useful Tips and Hacks
Weather Protection
To protect your feeders from rain and snow, consider adding a small roof or cover made of materials such as plastic or wood. This will help keep the bird food dry and prevent mold growth.
Squirrel Pproofing
If squirrels are a problem, add a baffle above or below your feeder. These dome-shaped barriers prevent squirrels from reaching the feeder and stealing the birdseed.
Natural Perches
Incorporate natural elements such as small branches or twigs as perches on your feeders. Birds are more likely to visit feeders that mimic their natural environment.
Customize Seed Mixes
Experiment with different seed mixes to see what birds you attract. Black oil sunflower seeds are popular with many birds, while nyjer seeds are great for finches. Adjusting the mix can bring a variety of birds to your yard.
Feeder placement
Place feeders at different heights and locations throughout your yard. Some birds prefer feeders close to the ground, while others like them higher up. This variation can attract a wider variety of species.
Window feeders
Install a window feeder to get an up-close view of visiting birds. These feeders attach to your window