Do you want to know how to build your own Bird Feeder? There are a lot of plans available to make a high end bird feeder. But why complicate your life? You can make your own bird feeder from simple materials that can easily be found at home.
Before you start, here are some things to consider:
Choose the feeder wisely.
Different types of feeders attract different types of birds. You should first decide exactly what kind of birds you want to invite. Most birds find the platform feeder quite attractive. You can even attach a roof over it to keep off rain or snow.
Dont waste money!
Choose seed and feed wisely. You dont need to buy the expensive seed mixes from the grocery store. Just get bags of white millet, black sunflower seeds, cracked or whole corn and other varieties of seed from a feed store and mix them appropriately for the birds that visit your feeders.
Location! Location! Location!
Choose a location that is close to a tree, a hedge or other places that can be used by birds for protection from the weather and predators. You should also keep in mind that placing a feeder near the ground can attract unwanted animals as well.
Do your homework! Read books and research at your local library for any specific details on birds, what feeders they find attractive and their favorite kind of food. Gather as much data as you can. You can never go wrong with too much information.
Now that weve gone through our preparatory checklist, its time to start building! Here are some simple bird feeders to make:
Coffee Can Feeder
a. Get a coffee can with a plastic lid and clean it thoroughly. Any size can be used.
b. Make three evenly spaced holes in the sides of the can, near the bottom. You may use a can opener for this.
c. Wear your protective eye goggles. Drill a hole through the can. Do the same to a plastic plant saucer and a 1 thick piece of wood. Attach the can and saucer to the wood, with the can placed on top of the saucer that is on the wood. Use a nut, washer and a bolt for this step.
d. Fasten your birdfeeder securely onto a pole or a fence.
e. Fill it with the type of bird feed youve prepared and cover the can.
Milk Carton Bird Feeder
a. Wash the milk carton thoroughly and dry.
b. Make a small cut from the milk carton and staple the opening closed.
c. Make a hole at middle area of the top of the carton. Make a hanger by threading a piece of string through the hole.
d. Put in the bird feed and hang the feeder on a tree branch.
e. You may paint some designs on the carton if you want.
Bottle Bird Feeder
a. To make a bird feeder from a drink bottle, strip the bottle of all labels and stickers.
b. Wash the bottle thoroughly and allow to dry
c. Drill two holes at the base of the bottle. Pass a wire through one hole and out the other. Make a loop by twisting the ends of the wires.
d. Make a hole 5/16 in size on opposite sides of the bottle. Repeat to make several perches.
e. Insert dowels 8 9 by 5/16 in size into the pairs of holes you have made.
f. For a thistle feeder, puncture 1 by 1/8 holes at about 1 1 above the perches.
g. For a sunflower seed feeder, make holes that are 5 5/12 in diameter at 1 1 to 2 above the perches.
h. Hang the bottle upside down using the loop you made earlier.
Log Feeder
a. Find a moderately straight branch, 3 8 in diameter and cut to about 18 in length.
b. Bore holes straight through the log at about 1 1 1 in diameter. These holes will be filled with suet.
c. Secure a large eye bolt at one end of the log.
d. Use a durable rope or chain for hanging.
Other ways:
a. Scatter seeds and bread crumbs on the ground.
b. Hang a shallow jar filled with juice onto a tree. This should attract Orioles into your backyard.
c. Use the screen of an old window. Fold the loose edges toward the middle, and then fold the screen in half. Run a piece of string on the all corners and hang. Leave your birdseed cake inside.
d. Plaster some peanut butter over an entire pine cone and cover with birdseeds. Let this hang on a tree branch.
e. Punch small holes along the bottom of a pie tin. Place this on a flat surface or hang it using a plant hanger. Spread your seeds on the pie tin.
Now that you have some ideas on how to make your own bird feeder, remember that it takes a while for the birds to hear of your new feeder. Just sit back, relax and enjoy!
Next Article | Compare and buy bird feeders online
