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If you live in an area where birds often visit you, this post on bird feeders for kids can be useful for you. Hanging bird feeders or placing bird baths outside your house will let more birds visit, and your little one will be excited to see the sight. It will also help create curiosity in them about nature and its creatures. DIY bird feeders are easy to make and do not require any special items from the market. Read on for a list of DIY bird feeders that you can create with your kids. They are eco-friendly, easy to make, and will help your children make new flying friends.
26 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
Image: Image: iStock
Popsicle stick art is something children love to make. Popsicle sticks are highly versatile and can be used to make many crafts including one for bird feeding.
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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 hook and suspend it from a tree’s branch.
3. Wooden bird feeder
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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) with 2 pieces measuring 10 x 2 inches, 2 pieces measuring 5 x 2 inches, and 1 piece measuring 11 x 6 inch
- Wood glue
- 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. Make sure an adult does the drilling.
- 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 these bird feeding trays from a high place.
4. Log bird feeder
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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. The top of these feeders may also serve as bird perches.
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
Image: Image: iStock
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 it 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
Image: Image: iStock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
- Bird feed
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 bird seed 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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: iStock
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.
Your child might enjoy the process just as Bree’s daughter did. Blogger Bree, from the Pacific Northwest, shares her experience of making a birdfeeder out of an orange peel with her daughter. Her daughter helped clean and stuff the bird feeder and thoroughly enjoyed the task. She says, “She enjoyed this so much that she made two (one from each half of the orange) and was so incredibly proud of her work! She helped choose where to hang them. I suggested we put them near windows so we could watch; she loved this idea and danced around the yard looking for the perfect spot (i).”
You will need:
- An orange
- Pin
- String
- Spoon
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: iStock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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 up the bird feeding platform.
16. Glass shade bird feeder
Image: Image: iStock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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
Image: Image: Shutterstock
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.
26. Ice cream cone bird feeder
Image: Shutterstock
It is an easy and creative idea to make a bird feeder. This bird feeder can be made using minimum supplies and can catch the people’s eye.
You will need:
- Empty ice cream cones
- Bird seeds
- Ring-shaped cereals (Cheerios®)
- Peanut Butter
- Yarn
- Scissors
How to make:
- Take an ice cream cone and carefully cut off the tip (tiny portion) just enough to pass the yarn through it.
- Cut a 10-inch piece of yarn, pass it through the cone and knot the end inside it.
- Thread Cheerios to the yarn to about four inches in length. Tie a knot to secure the cereals
- Coat the outside of the cone with peanut butter.
- Spread bird seeds on a plate and roll the coated cone on it for the seeds to stick to it.
- Make as many as you wish and hang them at different spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some tips for attracting birds to a feeder?
Keep the feeder high so the birds can spot it easily. Do not keep it near a wall, as it can make them feel trapped. Keep the feeder full so that the birds can spot food. Avoid too much movement around the feeder as they get scared seeing humans close.
2. How can children learn to identify different birds using a bird feeder?
Not all birds eat the same food. If sparrows eat grains, mynas eat insects. You will have to keep multiple bird feeders to attract different birds. Once the birds frequent your feeder, your child can try clicking an image of it from a distance and then google it to identify the bird. They can also observe it and write its features on Google, leading them to its name.
3. What should children do to maintain and clean their bird feeders?
Children need to empty the feeder before disassembling it. They can wash it by hand using detergent and warm water or place it in a dishwasher. After washing, they can leave it to dry. The feeder needs to be cleaned once a week, but in case you notice some bird looking unwell, try to clean it twice a week to avoid spreading any disease.
4. Are there any safety concerns when using a bird feeder with children?
Feeding wild birds is risky as they could be carriers of avian diseases. If your child cleans the feeder, you should ensure they wash their hands well before and after cleaning.
5. How do I fill and refill bird feeders safely with children?
Clean the bird feeder well, and assemble its parts as the seller indicates. Next, open the upper lid to fill it with seeds, grains, and other bird food before fastening the lid. To refill, open the cover and carefully pour the food into the feeder.
6. What are the benefits of using a bird feeder for children’s mental and emotional development?
Keeping a bird feeder can make the child feel like the wild birds are their pets. It teaches them how to look after another living being and helps them develop a sense of responsibility. They also learn the importance of preserving nature and its beings.
Infographic: Amazing DIY Bird Feeders For Children
You may put up a bird feeder on your balcony, rooftop, or garden for the birds. The below infographic includes some amazing ideas to make DIY bird feeders at home with your children. Making this interesting craft with your children will help you spend quality time with them while also promoting creativity in children.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Making bird feeders with your children is a great way to help them understand the local fauna and spend time together and engage in an intriguing bird watching session from the comfort of your home. Letting your child build bird feeders will encourage their empathetic side and teach them to protect nature. The original wooden bird feeders may be too complex to create with children. Hence, we have listed some bird feeders for kids that can be prepared with everyday household items. These eco-friendly bird feeders will also teach your child the concept of recycling and reusing and make them more environmentally conscious.
Key Pointers
- Sit with your kids to convert an old teacup and saucer into a DIY bird feeder.
- You may make metal mesh bird feeders that are sturdy and lasting and can be hung outdoors.
- You may hang seeds and fruits on strings to feed birds, and your kid will love watching birds hovering.
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
If your children love birds, help them understand the nuance of making an easy bird feeder by following the instructions in the video.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. DIY winter bird feeder for toddlers.https://kindlingkidsmontessori.wordpress.com/2020/01/08/diy-winter-bird-feeder-for-toddlers/
Read full bio of Erin DeCarlo
Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan
Read full bio of Harshita Makvana
Read full bio of Trisha Chakraborty
