How to Make Your Own Bird Feeder
Teaching your kids how to care for animals is a great first step in explaining the importance and fragility of the environment. And what better way to introduce them to wildlife than by making a bird feeder? Not only will this project allow little ones to exercise their imagination muscles, it’ll foster a compassion for critters and, ultimately, a better understanding of the natural world. From the basic pine cone bird feeder to more complicated tea cup feeders, these five DIY bird feeder projects should cater to crafters of all ages, ability levels, and styles:
- Pine Cone Bird Feeder. An oldie but a goodie, you can’t go wrong with a pine cone bird feeder. Even young kids can tackle this easy craft. Before you get started, get some pine cones at either the craft store or pick them up from the ground if you have pine trees nearby. Then attach a loop of string to the uppermost sturdy spike for hanging, and slather the entire pine cone in peanut butter. Roll it in the bird seed of your choice and whatever sticks will become a feast for your local birds when you hang the feeder outside.
- Egg Carton Bird Feeder. This repurposed egg carton craft is simple enough to make with the kids. Cut a standard egg carton in half (or buy a carton of a half-dozen eggs) and shear off the lid. Then punch a hole in each corner of the egg carton. Measure two pieces of string, a foot each, and pull the string from one hole through another on the same side. Fill each compartment with birdseed and string it up on a tree outside, then watch the birdies flock.
- Wine Bottle Bird Feeder. This project puts a classy spin on the DIY craft. You’ll need to learn how to drill a hole in the bottom of a wine bottle (or find a handy friend who does), but other than that, the process is pretty straightforward. After two holes have been drilled on opposite sides of the bottle, uncork the bottle and pack it with birdseed. Use a strong glue like epoxy to affix a saucer to the bottom of the bottle, which will catch the seed that leaks out of it. Wrap wire around the top of the bottle and hang in the nearest tree.
- Juice Carton Bird Feeder. It’s back to basics with this juice carton bird feeder. Let your little ones paint an empty, washed orange juice or milk carton to look like an owl—you can cut out flaps to serve as “wings” and add bottle caps as the eyes. Make sure you cut a large mouth, too, so that the real birdies can get access to the seed. Then fill the bottom of the carton with food and affix a popsicle stick as a tongue that birds can also use as a resting spot while they feast.
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