Homemade Bird Feeders – 18 Fun DIY Bird Feeder Projects To Make (kid-friendly too!)
Let me show you how to make a bird feeder out of ALL kinds of stuff (even out of recycled trash – like a plastic bottle, milk jug, old toilet paper roll – even an empty Tide Pods container)!
From popsicle sticks and winter bird treats to more advanced upcycled handmade bird feeders, there are lots of fun bird feeder station ideas and bird seed crafts to make with the kiddos.
If there is one thing I am always looking for, it is an activity that hits the “parenting trifecta”: it keeps the kids busy, it gets us outside, and it costs exactly zero dollars.
Recently, the kids and I have been watching the birds flitting around the backyard, and we realized our feathered neighbors looked a little hungry.
Instead of buying a fancy feeder, I decided to raid our trash can and stuff planned for recycling. It turns out, you can make some pretty cool little bird buffets with stuff you were about to throw away!
Here are the three DIY bird feeder projects we tackled this weekend. They were messy, fun, and the birds are already loving them.
1. The Classic Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
This is the “gateway” DIY feeder. It is so simple that even toddlers can help with the majority of it. It’s quick, easy, and biodegradable!
What you need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Peanut butter (or vegetable shortening/sun butter if there are nut allergies)
- Birdseed
- String or twine
How we did it:
- The Sticky Part: I let the kids slather the outside of the cardboard roll with peanut butter. (Warning: This will get on their fingers, and they will lick it off).
- The Crunch: We poured birdseed onto a paper plate and rolled the peanut-butter-covered tubes in it until they were completely coated.
- The Hang: We threaded a piece of string through the roll, tied a knot, and hung it on a low branch.
Parent Tip: This is great for fine motor skills! Just make sure to do the peanut butter spreading over a placemat for easy cleanup – or even better… do it outside.
2. The Upcycled Tide Pods Tub
I look at those bright orange tubs and always think, “There has to be a use for this sturdy plastic.” It turns out, they make excellent hopper-style feeders because they have a lid to keep the rain out!
Important Note: You must wash this container thoroughly. We soaked ours in hot soapy water and rinsed it multiple times to ensure absolutely no detergent residue or scent remained.
What you need:
- Empty, clean Tide Pods container (or any large detergent tub)
- A box cutter (Parent step only!)
- A wooden dowel or a sturdy stick from the yard
- Birdseed
- String
How we did it:
- Cut the Windows: I carefully cut large rectangular holes on two sides of the container, about two inches from the bottom.
- Add the Perch: I poked small holes just below the windows and slid a stick through so it poked out both sides. Now the birds have a place to sit while they snack.
- Fill and Hang: We filled the bottom with seed (the uncut bottom acts as the tray), poked a hole in the lid for the string, and hung it up. The bright orange color actually seems to attract them!
3. The Water Bottle Bistro
This one is a classic for a reason. It holds a decent amount of seed and is easy to refill.
What you need:
- Empty plastic water bottle (with the cap)
- Two wooden spoons (or dowels/chopsticks)
- Scissors or a craft knife
- Birdseed
- Wire or twine for hanging
How we did it:
- The Perches: I cut two sets of holes perpendicular to each other. We slid the wooden spoons through the bottle so the “bowl” of the spoon stuck out—this catches the seeds and gives the birds a place to stand.
- The Feeding Ports: I widened the hole slightly above the spoon bowl so the seeds would trickle out onto the spoon.
- The Hanger: We drilled a tiny hole in the bottle cap, threaded our twine through, and screwed it back on. Simple and effective!
4. Milk Jug Feeder
If you have a thirsty family like mine, you probably go through milk gallons faster than you can count. This feeder is fantastic because it’s bigger than others so it can accommodate larger birds like Cardinals or Blue Jays that might struggle with the smaller bottle feeders.
What you need:
- Empty, clean plastic milk jug (keep the cap!)
- A permanent marker
- Scissors or a craft knife
- A wooden dowel or a sturdy stick
- Birdseed
- Twine or strong string
How we did it:
- Trace and Cut: I used a marker to draw circles (or squares) on the flat sides of the jug, about 3 inches from the bottom. Then, I cut them out to create the “doors.”
- The Perch: Just like with the Tide pod tub, I poked small holes below the openings and slid a long stick all the way through the jug. This gives the birds a sturdy place to land.
- The Roof and Hanger: We tied a piece of twine firmly around the handle of the jug to hang it. (You can also poke a hole in the cap if you prefer). The top of the jug acts as a great roof to keep the seed dry!
DIY Bird Feeder Videos
We had so much fun with these three, but there are practically endless ways to feed the birds. If you want to try something different—like using orange peels or pinecones or a teacup… or make a bird feeder wreath a winter treat for the birds, check out these quick videos I found that show you exactly how to do it.
Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder
Bundt Pan Bird Feeder Wreath
Winter Bird Treats
Teacup Bird Feeder
Bird Seed Ornaments
Orange Bird Feeder
Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder
Empty Carton Bird Feeder