How to Make a Bird Feeder

Tap to Read ➤ Kashmira Lad

If you have decided to have your own bird feeder in the backyard and have often wondered how to make one, then this article provides some tips that will help you make one at home.

If you love having birds in your backyard, then a bird feeder will help you add to their numbers. It is often seen that many birds migrate south for the winter, whereas quite a few hang around during the cold winter months.

The winter season makes it especially difficult for the birds when it comes to hunting for food. The ground being covered with snow adds to their difficulties.

Remember one important thing if you are planning to feed birds - you will need to do this activity with dedication all year round, as gradually, birds tend to be dependent on the bird feeder, especially during winter.

Feeders are of 2 types, hanging and platform. Bird seed is dispensed via an opening in hanging one. In latter, it's placed on the platform itself.

When making a feeder, consider the safety factor. Cats are always on the prowl, so select a safe area and appropriate height for it. Squirrels also tend to frequent feeders very often. In such cases, it will need to be squirrel proof as well.

Feeders are also available in a variety of styles and sizes. For most people, the landscaping of the garden is planned with great attention to detail.

People are known to plan for hours about the plants and other items needed for decoration, that would help enhance the overall ambiance of the garden.

In such cases, there are many unique designs available as well. These not only play the basic role of feeding the birds, they are also used as a work of art for the backyard. Such unique feeders come in the shape of flowers, creatures, artifacts etc. that add to the beauty of your garden space.

These can even be made at home. You do not require fancy ones to attract your little feathered friends. Here are some easy steps you can utilize to make one yourself.

Making a Bird Feeder

What You Will Need: Dowel Rods Scissors Thin Wires (2 ft) Common Nails (to poke holes) Milk jug (1 gallon) Birdseeds

First, you need to wash an empty 1-gallon plastic milk jug thoroughly. Ensure that you remove any signs of milk residue which could be inside it. Then, put its cap on. Keep the jug cap-side up on the work surface area.

Now, cut four large holes which are around 3 to 4 inches in diameter on two adjacent sides of the jug, opposite the handle. Also ensure that you cut these holes in the middle portion on the higher side so that the seeds do not spill out once you put them into the jug.

Then, use a large nail to punch a small hole below the two large holes. Insert a rod or a dowel into this hole, which the birds can utilize to perch themselves. This perch should have enough length so that at least 2 inches can stick out to provide a comfortable perching spot.

Then, use a large nail and punch two holes in the neck of the jug. This should be around one inch below the cap. Use the long piece of wire to pass it through the two holes. Twist this tightly around the cap several times. All you need to do is fill the jug with seeds and hang it on the appropriate spot.

Always ensure that you clean the bird feeder regularly. The kind of birds you wish to attract also depends upon the seeds you use. Black oil sunflower seeds are known to attract a variety of birds.