10 Homemade Bird Feeder Ideas to Attract

Bringing the beauty of nature closer to home is a joyous experience, and one way to do so is by creating homemade bird feeders.

Not only do these DIY bird feeders provide nourishment for our feathered friends, but they also serve as delightful additions to our outdoor spaces.

From simple and budget-friendly designs to more intricate creations, there is a bird feeder idea for every craft enthusiast.

In this article, we will explore ten unique homemade bird feeder ideas, along with materials, designs, and step-by-step instructions to help you embark on your avian adventure.

1). Pinecone Bird Feeder

Turn a humble pinecone into an enticing bird feeder.

By combining a natural pinecone with peanut butter and birdseed, you can create a simple yet effective feeding station.

Hang it from a tree branch or a hook, and watch as birds flock to enjoy the treat.

Materials: Pinecone, string, peanut butter, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Tie a string around the pinecone, spread peanut butter over it, and roll it in birdseed.

Design: Hang the pinecone feeder from a tree branch or a hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Select a pinecone with open scales.
Tie a sturdy string securely around the top of the pinecone, creating a hanging loop.
Use a butter knife to spread a layer of peanut butter all over the pinecone, making sure to cover the scales.
Pour birdseed onto a plate or shallow container.
Roll the peanut butter-coated pinecone in the birdseed, pressing gently to ensure the seed adheres to the peanut butter.
Hang the pinecone feeder from a tree branch or a hook, making sure it is securely fastened.

2). Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

Transform a plastic bottle into a practical bird feeder that repurposes waste.

With a few modifications, such as cutting holes for birds to access the food and attaching perches, you can create a versatile feeder that can be hung or mounted for easy bird feeding.

Materials: Plastic bottle, scissors or craft knife, wire or string, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Cut holes in the bottle, attach wire or string for hanging, and fill with birdseed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Take a clean plastic bottle and remove any labels.
Using scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut small feeding holes near the bottom of the bottle. Make sure the holes are large enough for birds to access the birdseed.
On the opposite side of the bottle, create small perches by cutting horizontal slits.
Attach a wire or string to the top of the bottle, creating a hanger.
Fill the bottle with birdseed through the feeding holes.
Hang or mount the plastic bottle feeder in a suitable location, ensuring it is stable and secure.

3). Milk Carton Bird Feeder

Give new life to an empty milk carton by converting it into a sturdy bird feeder.

With the ability to hold a generous amount of birdseed, a milk carton feeder can be adorned with perches and hung from a tree branch to attract a variety of avian visitors.

Materials: Clean milk carton, craft knife or scissors, wire or string, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Cut openings in the carton, attach wire or string, and fill with birdseed.

You may hang the milk carton feeder from a tree branch or a hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Take an empty and rinsed milk carton and remove the top.
Use a craft knife or scissors to cut out large openings on opposite sides of the carton, creating access points for the birds.
Create small perches by cutting horizontal slits below the openings.
Attach a wire or string to the top of the milk carton, creating a hanger.
Fill the carton with birdseed through the openings.
Hang the milk carton feeder from a tree branch or a hook, ensuring it is securely fastened.

4). Orange Cup Bird Feeder

Combine the vibrant colors and citrusy aroma of oranges with bird feeding.

Transform orange halves into edible cups filled with birdseed.

Hang them from trees, and not only will you provide nourishment for the birds, but you’ll also add a splash of color to your outdoor space.

Materials: Orange halves, knife, twine or string, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Cut oranges in half, remove the pulp, attach twine or string, and fill with birdseed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Cut oranges in half crosswise, resulting in cup-like halves.
Gently remove the pulp from the orange halves, creating empty cups.
Cut two small holes near the top of each orange cup.
Thread a piece of twine or string through the holes, tying it securely to create a hanging loop.
Fill the orange cups with birdseed, leaving enough space for birds to access it.
Hang the orange cup feeders from a tree branch or a hook, making sure they are securely tied.

5). Terra Cotta Pot Bird Feeder

Enhance your garden with a charming terra cotta pot bird feeder.

By repurposing a clay pot and saucer, you can create a durable and aesthetically pleasing feeding station.

Hang it from a sturdy structure, and enjoy the delightful sight of birds perched and pecking away.

Materials: Terra cotta pot, terra cotta saucer, twine or wire, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Attach the saucer to the pot, create a hanging loop, and fill it with birdseed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Take a terra cotta pot and saucer of appropriate sizes.
Flip the pot upside down and align the drainage holes with the saucer on top.
Thread a piece of twine or wire through the drainage holes, creating a loop for hanging.
Tie the ends of the twine or wire securely.
Fill the saucer with birdseed, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Hang the terra cotta pot feeder from a tree branch or a hook, making sure it is securely fastened.

6). Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder

Add a touch of whimsy to your bird-feeding endeavors with cookie-cutter bird feeders.

Use fun-shaped cookie cutters to mold birdseed and other bird-friendly ingredients into delightful treats.

Hang them from trees or hooks, and let the birds enjoy these whimsical delights.

Materials: Birdseed, gelatin, water, cookie cutters, drinking straws, twine, or string.

DIY Technique: Mix gelatin and water, add birdseed, press mixture into cookie cutters, insert drinking straws, and let it solidify before removing the cookie cutters.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a bowl, mix gelatin and water according to the instructions on the gelatin package.
Add birdseed to the gelatin mixture, stirring until well combined.
Place cookie cutters on a lined baking sheet or wax paper.
Fill each cookie cutter with the birdseed mixture, pressing it down firmly.
Insert a drinking straw into each shape to create a hole for hanging.
Allow the mixture to solidify completely. This can be done at room temperature or by placing the baking sheet in the refrigerator.
Once the mixture has hardened, carefully remove the cookie cutters.
Thread a piece of twine or string through the hole created by the straw, tying it securely.
Hang the cookie-cutter bird feeders from a tree branch or a hook, ensuring they are securely fastened.

7). Bagel Bird Feeder

Turn stale bagels into delectable bird feeders.

By spreading peanut butter or seed butter on the bagels and rolling them in birdseed, you’ll create a tasty and nutritious treat for your avian visitors.

Hang the bagels and watch the birds feast with delight.

Materials: Stale bagels, peanut butter or seed butter, birdseed, twine, or string.

DIY Technique: Spread peanut butter or seed butter on the bagels, roll them in birdseed, and attach twine or string for hanging.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Take stale bagels and slice them in half.
Spread a generous peanut butter or seed butter on each bagel in half.
Pour birdseed onto a plate or shallow container.
Roll the peanut butter-coated bagel halves in the birdseed, pressing gently to ensure the seed adheres to the surface.
Thread a piece of twine or string through the hole of each bagel half, tying it securely to create a hanger.
Hang the bagel bird feeders from a tree branch or a hook, making sure they are securely fastened.

8). Log Bird Feeder

Bring a rustic charm to your backyard with a log bird feeder.

By drilling holes into a log and filling them with birdseed, you’ll provide a natural and inviting feeding area for birds.

Hang it horizontally from a tree branch, and enjoy the sight of birds perched and pecking away.

Materials: Log or branch, drill with various drill bit sizes, wire or string, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Drill holes into the log, attach wire or string, and fill the holes with birdseed. You can hng the log bird feeder horizontally from a tree branch or a hook.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Select a sturdy log or branch of appropriate length.
Using a drill with different drill bit sizes, create various-sized holes along the length of the log. These holes will serve as feeding ports for the birds.
Attach a piece of wire or string to each end of the log, creating a horizontal hanger.
Fill the holes with birdseed, ensuring they are filled to the brim.

Hang the log bird feeder horizontally from a tree branch or a hook, making sure it is securely fastened.

9). Recycled Can Bird Feeder

Reduce waste while attracting birds with a recycled can bird feeder.

By repurposing a clean, empty can and adding perches and birdseed, you’ll create a functional and eco-friendly feeding station.

Hang or mount the recycled can bird feeder for easy bird feeding.

Materials: Clean, empty can, wire or string, craft knife or drill, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Create openings in the can, attach wire or string, and fill with birdseed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Take a clean, empty can of your desired size and remove any labels.
Using a craft knife or a drill, carefully create several small openings near the bottom of the can. These openings will serve as feeding ports for the birds.
Attach a piece of wire or string to the top of the can, creating a hanger.
Fill the can with birdseed through the openings, ensuring it is filled to the desired level.
Hang or mount the recycled can bird feeder in a suitable location, ensuring it is stable and secure.

10). Gourd Bird Feeder

Embrace the beauty of nature by transforming dried gourds into bird feeders.

With their natural shapes and durability, gourds make excellent feeding stations.

Hang your Gourd bird feeder from a tree branch or hooks

Materials: Dried gourd, craft knife, wire or string, birdseed.

DIY Technique: Cut openings in the gourd, attach wire or string, and fill with birdseed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Select a dried gourd of your choice, ensuring it is clean and free from mold.
Using a craft knife, carefully cut openings in the gourd. These openings will serve as access points for the birds.
Attach a piece of wire or string to the top of the gourd, creating a hanger.
Fill the gourd with birdseed through the openings, filling it generously.
Hang the gourd bird feeder from a tree branch or a hook, ensuring it is securely fastened.

Homemade Bird Feeders: Summary

As you venture into the world of homemade bird feeders, you embark on a journey of creativity and connection with nature.

These 10 unique ideas provide you with a range of options to attract birds to your backyard while adding a touch of charm to your outdoor space.

From the simplicity of a pinecone feeder to the rustic allure of a log feeder, each design offers a unique experience for both you and your feathered friends.

If you can craft any of these bird feeders with your own hands and incorporate materials easily found around the house, you not only provide nourishment to birds but also contribute to the preservation of the environment through recycling and repurposing.