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If your child likes to watch birds, and if you are blessed to live in an area with plenty of birds, you can encourage your child to make a bird feeder and bring the birds closer to your home.
DIY bird feeders for kids are usually easy to make and can be made with items readily available at home. Making them takes little time and money, and the end result is helpful for both birds and children.
We bring you a comprehensive list of DIY bird feeders for kids. They are easy and eco-friendly options and help develop your child’s creativity as well as attract birds. These bird feeders can make for beautiful gifts too.
25 DIY Bird Feeders For Kids
Eco-Friendly Bird Feeders
These DIY bird feeders for kids are made out of eco-friendly materials. They are also long-lasting and attractive. Try them out with your little one.
1. Popsicle stick bird feeder
Popsicle stick art is something children love to make. Popsicle sticks are highly versatile and can be used to make many crafts.
You will need:
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue
- String or piece of wire
- Paints and decorations
How to make:
- Layer the popsicle sticks over each other using glue and form a box. Remember to leave some spaces for the door and windows.
- Make a triangular shape for the roof by gluing the popsicle sticks side by side.
- Attach the triangular structure to the box firmly.
- Paint and decorate the popsicle sticks as you wish. You can use feathers, glitter, sequins, etc., for decoration.
- Thread a string or a piece of wire through the roof and secure it to a tree or your window.
2. Teacup feeder
Who said teacups could be used only to drink tea? Convert a teacup into a bird feeder and see birds flock to partake in a tea party with your children.
You will need:
- Teacup and saucer
- Glue
- Gutter hook
How to make:
- Wash and dry the cup and saucer.
- Tip the teacup on its side with the handle on the top and glue it on the saucer.
- Let the glue dry completely.
- Hang the setup on a gutter hook and suspend it at a height.
3. Wooden bird feeder
This is a bird feeder you can make out of wood in no time. Contact your nearest carpenter and ask them to spare some bits of wood for you.
You will need:
- Wood: (each piece should be at least one inch thick)
- 2 pieces measuring 10 x 2 inches
- 2 pieces measuring 5 x 2 inches
- 1 piece measuring 11 x 6 inch
- Wood glue
- Drill
- Rope
- Paint
How to make:
- Place the 11 x 6-inch strip on the ground and apply wood glue all around the edges.
- Stand the 10 x 2-inch strips on the longer edge of the base horizontally so that both the long edges match.
- Stand the 5 x 2-inch strips around the other edges of the base.
- Drill four holes on the sides of the shorter edges. There should be two holes on each side.
- Thread the rope through the holes and tie it.
- Paint the bird feeder in colors of your child’s choice, and let it dry.
- Fill with birdseed and suspend from a high place.
4. Log bird feeder
If you use firewood in winter, this is a perfect eco-friendly option for you. Your children can make this bird feeder with your assistance.
You will need:
- A thin, straight log
- Chisel
- Chain
- Nails
- Hammer
How to make:
- Select an appropriate log and hollow it out using a chisel. The outer layer should be at least one inch thick.
- Attach a chain on the top.
- Fill the hollowed log with birdseed and suspend the log in an accessible place.
5. Milk carton bird feeder with roof
This is a simple and eco-friendly project for children to make. They can decorate it in any way they want, which makes it more fun.
You will need:
- Empty milk carton
- Twine
- Acrylic paint and brush
- Hot glue gun
- Twigs
- Craft knife
- Decorations
How to make:
- Wash the carton and allow it to dry completely.
- Paint the carton in the colors of your choice. Let dry.
- Trim the twigs to a similar length with a craft knife.
- Cut a hole on one side of the carton. The hole should be at least two inches above the base of the container.
- Stick a twig below the opening to serve as a perch, and hot glue it to secure it in place.
- Punch a hole at the top of the carton and thread a length of twine through it.
- Fill it with birdseed and tie it to a high branch.
6. Metal mesh bird feeder
A metal mesh feeder is sturdy and lasts for a long time. Using a metal mesh and some items available at your home, you can make a good bird feeder for visiting birds.
You will need:
- ¼-inch metal mesh
- Wooden bowl
- Rope
- Nails
- Snips
- Pliers
- Drill and drill bit
How to make:
- Trim the mesh into the size you want. When rolled up, its upper edge should be able to fit inside the bowl comfortably.
- Smooth the side that will go inside the bowl by trimming off any sharp edges.
- Bend the bottom of the mesh into a square.
- Measure three inches from one corner and cut the line off from that point.
- Repeat from the other three corners as well.
- Next, cut off a rounded triangle from each of the corners. Now the open end will look like the upright petals of a flower.
- Fold the opposite flaps close to each other and tie off the ends. Bend the other two flaps and tie all loose ends similarly.
- Check for any loose wire lines. Make sure everything is tied securely.
- Drill a hole in the center of the bowl and thread a rope through it. Pass the ends through the bottom of the mesh and knot securely.
- Fill the mesh with birdseed, place the bowl on top, and suspend on a tree branch.
Easy Bird Feeders
Do you have some tiny tots at home and want to make something easy yet fun with them? Try these easy DIY bird feeders ideas for kids with them.
7. Pinecone feeder
If your child loves collecting pinecones while on a walk, let them make this fun and easy feeder. This is a favorite craft of younger children as well.
You will need:
- Pinecone
- Peanut butter
- Butter knife
- String
- Birdseed
How to make:
- Tie a string to the top of the pinecone.
- Apply peanut butter generously to the pinecone using the knife.
- Spread out some birdseed on a plate or a sheet of paper and roll the pinecone covered with peanut butter on it such that it is completely covered.
- Hang the pinecone at a height where birds can access it.
8. Paper plate bird feeder
This is another amazingly easy-to-make bird feeder for young children. Get them some paper plates and watch your children decorate them to their heart’s content.
You will need:
- Paper plate
- Wicker plate holder
- Twine
- Peanut butter/ sunflower butter
- Birdseed
- Cheerios
- Hole punch
How to make:
- Place the paper plate inside the wicker plate holder.
- Punch four holes around the corners of the plate.
- Thread the twine through the hole and the wicker holder so that they are bound together. Use two or more twines for extra support.
- Thread Cheerios through the other end of the twine.
- Spread some peanut butter on the plate and put birdseed on it.
- Hang it on a tree branch.
9. Orange bird feeder
If your children know that food scraps decompose, you can teach them that unused food can be used for other purposes too. Make this easy orange bird feeder to give them an idea.
You will need:
How to make:
- Cut the orange in half.
- Remove the flesh using a spoon.
- Make two holes on the opposite sides of the “cup.”
- Thread a string through it, fill it with birdseed, and hang it at a height.
10. Cookie-cutter bird feeder
Let your children pick their favorite shapes and get going with this cute and easy bird feeder. It is a perfect way to engage your children.
You will need:
- Cardboard
- Pencil
- Cookie cutters
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- String
- Butter knife
- Peanut butter/ sunflower butter
- Birdseed
How to make:
- Use a cookie cutter to trace a shape of your child’s choice on the cardboard. Cut it out.
- Make a hole at the top of the shape at least one inch from the edge.
- Thread a string through the hole.
- Apply peanut butter liberally on the cardboard using the butter knife.
- Spread some birdseed on a flat surface.
- Dip the cardboard into the birdseed so that the entire shape is covered.
- Hang the feeder from a height.
11. Cheerio bird feeder
Cheerios make excellent feeding material for birds while also honing your toddler’s motor skills as they thread them. Children who love Cheerios (who doesn’t?) will love making these easy bird feeders.
You will need:
- Cheerios
- Floral wire
- String
How to make:
- Twist the wire in the shape of your child’s choice – spirals, geometric shapes, and flower shapes are ideal.
- Thread the Cheerios through the wire until full.
- Twist both ends so that the Cheerios don’t fall off.
- Tie a string or a ribbon to the wire and suspend it from a branch.
12. Fruit bird feeder
Birds love fruits, and children love making easy bird feeders. This bird feeder will make your child happy, and they will spend some time eating the fruit as well.
You will need:
- Apples or oranges
- Peanut butter/ sunflower butter
- String
- Birdseed
How to make:
- Core an apple
- Thread a string through a hole in the middle.
- Apply peanut butter generously on all sides.
- Spread birdseed on a flat surface and coat the apple with peanut butter until it is fully covered.
- Hang it from a height.
13. Shoe bird feeder
If you are looking for an extremely easy and mess-free way to make a bird feeder, this is the perfect one for you. It is quirky as well, so your children will love you for the creativity.
You will need:
- An old shoe
- Nail and hammer
How to make:
- Wash and dry the shoe completely.
- Check for tears and repair them.
- Nail the shoe to a tree and fill it with birdseed.
14. Bagel bird feeder
If you have some leftover bagels at home, turn them into bird food. This bird feeder is super easy to make and healthy for the birds too.
You will need:
- Bagel
- Knife
- String
- Peanut butter/ cooking fat
- Birdseed
How to make:
- Cut the bagel lengthwise in half and thread a string through it.
- Spread peanut butter liberally over the bagel.
- Pour the birdseed on a flat surface and roll the bagel on it so that it is completely covered.
- Hang it at a height.
15. Colorful bird feeder
This is an easy idea for making a bird feeder. Take your children shopping and let them pick the supplies they like most for this project.
You will need:
- Birdhouses (available in craft stores)
- Clear glue
- Paint
- Brushes
- Tray with a lip
- String
How to make:
- Paint the birdhouse and the tray in bright colors of your child’s choice.
- Glue the house to the tray.
- Thread a string through the handle of the tray and hang it up.
16. Glass shade bird feeder
If you are looking for an easy and quick bird feeder your children can easily make, this is the bird feeder you should make. It takes only ten minutes to get it ready and hanging.
You will need:
- Old glass lampshade
- Rope
- Glue
- Decorations
How to make:
- Tie the rope around the center of the lampshade and tie a knot.
- Keep a pillow underneath the lampshade and lift it by the rope to see if it is perfectly centered.
- Apply glue to the rope to secure the knot.
- Suspend from a branch.
- You can also paint or decorate the lampshade.
17. Mason jar lid bird feeder
Here is another easy craft for toddlers and young children to make. It is easy on the pocket as well, and your children will have loads of fun making it.
You will need:
- Mason jar lids
- Twine
- Parchment
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
- Cheerios
How to make:
- Add peanut butter, birdseed, and Cheerios to a big bowl and mix them well to form a sticky mixture.
- Tie the twine on the lids.
- Place the flat surface of the lids on parchment paper, and press the birdseed mixture onto it.
- Leave overnight to set.
- Hang them on tree branches.
Bird Feeders Made Of Recycled Materials
Plastic bottles, empty milk and juice cartons, old mismatched tableware, etc., are some things you will find at every home. With these ideas, you will be able to upcycle them and make some beautiful DIY bird feeders for kids.
18. Toilet paper roll bird feeder
If your child has been collecting toilet paper rolls for crafts, why not make a bird feeder? It is pretty easy to make, and you can make it as attractive as you can.
You will need:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- String
- Glue
- Chopsticks
- Paper plate
- Decorations – feathers, construction paper, paints, etc.
How to make:
- Make two holes at one end of the toilet paper roll and thread a string through them.
- Cut a hole halfway through the roll.
- Punch two holes half an inch below the hole and pass a chopstick through them. This will serve as a perch for the birds.
- Glue a paper plate to the bottom of the roll.
- Decorate the feeder and suspend it from a height.
19. Plastic bottle bird feeder
If you have empty plastic bottles at home, it is time you upcycle them into something useful. Why not make a bird feeder out of them?
You will need:
- Empty plastic bottle
- Wooden dowels or chopsticks
- Funnel
- Paper towel
- Scissors
- String
How to make:
- Punch a hole around one inch from the bottom using scissors. Make a hole on opposite sides of the bottle so that the dowel or chopstick can pass through (Children might need the help of their parents with this one).
- Cut a bigger hole above these holes. The hole must be big enough for the seeds to pass through but small enough to prevent any birds from getting into the bottle.
- Fill the bottle with seeds using a funnel.
- Hang the feeder from a height.
20. Yogurt container bird feeder
Collect the empty yogurt containers in your home and repurpose them into functional bird feeders.
You will need:
- Empty yogurt container
- String
- 6” wooden dowel or chopstick
- String
How to make:
- Wash and dry the container.
- Cut two holes on the opposite sides of the container, about an inch from the bottom.
- Pass a dowel through the holes.
- Cut two holes at the top.
- Thread a string through these top holes.
- Fill the container with birdseed and hang it at a height.
21. Frozen food container bird feeder
A bird feeder out of a frozen food container is extremely easy to make. If you have a few lidless frozen food containers, convert them into bird feeders.
You will need:
- Empty frozen food container
- Scissors
- String
How to make:
- Punch four holes in the container. Each pair of holes must be opposite each other diagonally.
- Thread a string through two holes and knot it. Repeat for the other two holes.
- Fill with birdseed and suspend from a branch.
22. Juice carton bird feeder
Making a bird feeder out of a juice carton is extremely easy, and your children can decorate it as they want.
You will need:
- Empty juice carton
- Knife
- Popsicle stick
- Glue
- Decorations – paint, feathers, sequins, glitter, googly eyes, etc.
How to make:
- Wash the juice carton thoroughly from the inside and dry.
- Paint the carton in the colors of your child’s choice. Let dry.
- Cut a triangular hole on the front of the carton at around the halfway mark.
- Slit a hole an inch below the hole and insert the popsicle stick. Apply glue on both sides of the contact area to secure it.
- Punch a hole at the back of the carton at the top.
- Decorate your feeder in any manner you wish.
- Hang the feeder on a nail.
23. Paint can bird feeder
If you have recently redecorated your home and have some paint cans lying around, make a beautiful bird feeder out of them.
You will need:
- Small paint cans
- Wooden dowel
- Paints
- Twine or rope
- Hot glue
How to make:
- Paint the outer surface of the paint cans and let them dry.
- Apply a drop of hot glue to the inside of the mouth of the can. You can use PVA glue as well.
- Stick the dowel to the mouth so that at least a third of it is outside the can. It will be the perch for the birds.
- Tie a rope horizontally along the body of the can and glue it in place.
- Fill the finished can with birdseed and hang it at a height.
24. Teapot feeder
An old teapot without a lid is one of the best bird feeders. It can double up as a birdhouse or a nest too.
You will need:
- An old teapot
- Gutter hook
- Paint
How to make:
- Paint and decorate the teapot.
- Fill it with birdseed, attach the gutter hook to the handle, and suspend it.
- You can use fats and bird seeds to fill the teapot for winters because frozen fats provide birds much-needed energy during the cold months.
25. Wine bottle bird feeder
Here’s another wine bottle bird feeder idea that requires a little bit of effort. However, with some patience, you can build a sturdy bird feeder with your children that will last for ages.
You will need:
- Empty wine bottle
- Wood
- Screws
- Saw
- Hammer
- Drill
- Stainless steel hose clamp
- Wood glue
How to make:
- Measure the height of the bottle, and build a wooden house that can fit in the bottle as shown in the image.
- Fill the wine bottle with birdseed and place it upside down.
- Ensure the mouth of the bottle is just half an inch above the base.
- Remember that when the wine bottle is empty, filling and replacing it will be easier if you can place it upright and then invert the feeder. Hence, do not fix the feeder permanently. Place it in a position that will allow you to move it.
Birds are an integral part of nature, and the sooner we make sure they are well cared for, the better it is for us and the environment. By making these bird feeders, you encourage your children to focus on the environment and actively take part in protecting it.
