Build a bird feeder with your hands. Original do-it-yourself bird feeder

bird feeders in winter period help save birds from hunger. However, this is not the only reason why you should start making them.

By themselves, beautiful and original feeders can become a unique decoration for your garden.

And the process of their creation instills in the younger generation a sense of responsibility and concern for weak creatures.

In addition, this is an invaluable time that allows parents to spend time with their children with interest and benefit.

Wooden bird feeders

There are several types of feeders that can be made from wood. Firstly, these are feeders that look like a base made of plywood or other similar material with sides around the edges that prevent treats for birds from crumbling.

Most often, such a design is suspended from a tree branch on thick ropes.

But such a feeder has a number of disadvantages. The most obvious is that such a design does not protect the feed poured into it from precipitation and bad weather. It is also quite light and can move or roll over with the wind.

The second version of wood feeders is more like a house and has a roof. In such feeders, the food is reliably protected from the weather. The base of the structure looks the same as in the first version, only there are supports on it that support the roof.

The roof can be either straight or pitched. Any child can make a straight roof, because in fact it is a rectangular piece of plywood, only slightly larger than the base.

The pitched roof has a slightly more complex design, but it better themes that, unlike a straight roof, snow does not accumulate on it and it does not have to be cleaned periodically.

There are also original options for feeders made of wood. For example, a feeder can be made from an ordinary log. To do this, you will need a chainsaw, a chisel and a hammer, as well as a chain and rings for hanging.

To begin with, you need to saw off two round logs from the log on both sides of the future feeder. Then a wedge is cut along the entire log, and longitudinal and transverse cuts are made, not reaching the bark of about 5 centimeters.

This is necessary in order to subsequently make it easier to extract the middle from the workpiece with a chisel. After all the work is done, the previously cut rounds are nailed on both sides of the feeder.

It remains only to screw the rings and attach the chain on which you can hang the feeder.

Plastic bottle feeders

For bird feeding, plastic bottles are also used as feeders. It can be both containers of 5-6 liters, and small 1.5-2 liter bottles.

Most often, a plastic bottle is turned into a feeder by cutting out several windows in the body.

Then such feeders are hung horizontally or vertically, depending on the design. For the convenience of birds, cross perches are installed near the bottom of the feeder.

But sometimes you can find quite original feeders, which provide for the automatic addition of feed. These are the so-called bunker feeders.

Such a feeder can be two wooden spoons inserted at an angle into the through holes in the bottle. Thus, the food from the bottle will gradually spill onto the spoon.

A bunker feeder can be made from a 2-liter bottle. To do this, it is enough to cut the bottle in half, make round holes in the lower part, and turn the top upside down and put the neck down. The top can be covered with a lid or a disposable plate. In such a feeder for a long time it will not be necessary to add food.

Improvised materials in the creation of bird feeders

The simplest feeder you can think of is a garland of rowan, cone or berries. A treat for birds strung on a rope will decorate young trees in the garden. The only disadvantage of such a feeder is that as the food is eaten, the garland loses its appearance.

An interesting solution would be to make a feeder in the form of lumps with grain or seeds. Such decorations can be placed on benches, tables, or simply hung on trees in nets, in which tangerines are usually sold in a store.

They are based on fat or gelatin. The lard is melted and the main food is added to it. Then the finished substance is poured into molds (these can be baking molds or regular balloon) and placed in a cold place to solidify.

They also do it with dissolved gelatin mixed with grain.

If you have a coconut shell lying around, then it can also be used to make a feeder.

As a result, such a design will be invisible on the tree. Juice or milk boxes are also suitable for making feeders. Their very design will not differ much from simple feeders made from plastic bottles.

Photo of bird feeder ideas

From this article you can learn how to make do-it-yourself bird feeders: an overview existing species structures and general recommendations for their creation and placement, the choice of suitable building materials, photos and drawings with detailed description technologies. The text contains unusual and original solutions that will allow you to create a comfortable and beautiful area for feeding birds in the garden or near the house.

If you want to ennoble the area near the house, many owners of summer cottages lay paved paths, break flower beds and flower beds, install benches and lanterns. All this creates comfort and coziness for the residents of the house. However, do not forget about the small inhabitants of the garden, for whom, with the advent of winter, it becomes more difficult to get their own food.

Making a bird feeder with your own hands will not only help the birds overcome this difficult period, but also add a certain charm to the garden. Using simple technologies, you can show your own imagination and create an original feeding house.

Advantages of homemade feeders:

• the opportunity to take care of the birds, which are difficult to get their own food;
• decorative decoration of the yard;
• the opportunity to instill in children a love for the world and birds.

Moreover, such a decision can be implemented not only by owners of private and country houses, but also by residents of city apartments.

Is it profitable to buy a ready-made bird feeder: advantages and disadvantages

If you wish, install a standard feeder in the yard, made on professional level, you can order the product from specialists. Experienced craftsmen will independently select high-quality materials and produce a structure using special technologies.

Customers are invited to choose a bird feeder with their favorite design from the picture. Such structures can be of any size and shape. Buying a feeder to order, the consumer can be completely sure that it will meet his wishes and fit perfectly into the exterior of the yard.

Purchase finished products comes with both advantages and disadvantages. The negative aspects of this include the high cost of professionally made feeders. In addition, the buyer deprives himself of the joys of the creative process and waiting for the arrival of birds. Therefore, many people prefer to create houses for feeding birds on their own in their yard or at the window.

Note! The design of the feeder must be reliable, so it is advisable to select practical and durable materials for its construction that will protect the birds from precipitation and wind.

What requirements should a homemade bird feeder meet?

When choosing a specific design for a homemade feeder, you need to take into account not only the type of birds for which the design will be made, but also other nuances. Birds rely mainly on their eyesight, so the spread of food must be visible to them from afar.

The design of the structure must be such that the grain is not covered with snow and not blown by the wind. High sides and a roof will help to cope with this problem. It is unacceptable for moisture to get on the feed. Otherwise, the grains will become moldy and spoil. It is desirable that protection against chipmunks and squirrels be present. At the same time, the birds should not experience any difficulties when retrieving food.

Drawings of bird feeders, of which there are many on the net, can be successfully used as a visual aid for creating a beautiful design. First of all, you should pay attention to practical and convenient options. The food should not wake up on the ground, otherwise it will attract small predators such as stoats, weasels, ferrets. Their presence poses a direct threat to birds.

If the structure will be used for temporary top dressing in winter, it is better to hang it. Thus, the feeder will attract less sparrows, which are much easier to find food than other birds. Stationary structures are used for constant feeding. In this case, the presence of protection from predators is mandatory. It is desirable that the grain is on a flat area of ​​a sufficiently large size that maintains good stability.

Types of bird feeders: photos and descriptions of designs

The design of homemade feeders is practically unlimited. The main thing is that the design meets the basic requirements of practicality, reliability and safety.

Classification of bird feeders by type of design:

• suspension;
• area;
• house;
• bunker;
• tray;
• peeler.

Each of these designs has its own characteristics and is designed for certain types of birds.

Original do-it-yourself bird feeders: photo of hanging structures

The suspension structures are very simple. In this case, the food is suspended in a mesh case or on a thread. They are used primarily as feeders for titmouse. Although other species of insectivorous birds, with the exception of woodpeckers, can also use suspensions.

The most common version of top dressing - "antifreeze" - a piece of fat without spices and salt. There are also more nutritious mixtures that are designed for shelling birds. For them, a ball consisting of seeds is suitable. As a fastening component, peanut butter or lard (internal fat) is used.

Note! It is not necessary to cast the feed mass into a beautiful shape or a plastic cup and then freeze it. The ball is more comfortable for the birds. So it is much easier for them to cling and they do not have to spend a lot of energy to keep themselves on weight while eating.

A ball consisting of feed mass is most conveniently formed by hand. This must be done in the cold. Fat will harden very quickly, therefore, having formed a ball, it must be hung immediately.

Related article:

Drawings, interesting and practical solutions for creating fences in the conditions of the street and apartment, taking into account the breed and size of the animal.

Hanging craft bird feeders can be made with the expectation of certain types of birds. Great tits prefer garlands made from dried berries. They especially like rose hips. The use of peanuts in pods is allowed.

Swing feeders will be the best option for blue titmouse. In this case, it is desirable to hang the balls on elastic and thin branches so that they balance.

Beautiful do-it-yourself bird feeders made in the form of mobiles or movable sculptures look original in the photo. Such designs are able to attract even large tits, which will not conflict with blue tit.

Hanging options from cones are suitable for attracting bullfinches, peeling birds and waxwings. To make the feeder visible from afar, you can hang a bright bunch of mountain ash or viburnum on it. It is advisable to use a fertile cone for this. If this is not possible, any with ruffled scales will do. It must be doused with peanut butter. After that, food is placed between the scales and the cone can be hung. Such cones may even appeal to crossbills.

Paper cannot be used to create such structures, however, you can make a beautiful bird feeder with your own hands from a dense base from a roll toilet paper. It is advisable to attach bright pieces of fabric or paper from below that will attract the attention of birds.

Convenient do-it-yourself bird feeders: photos of tray structures and platforms

Feeders-platforms are a flat plane on which food is placed. The advantage of such designs is that birds can see the presence of food from afar. However, a do-it-yourself flat wooden bird feeder also has disadvantages. Firstly, there are no fences that provide protection from the wind. As a result, the food in large quantities swells and wakes up. Secondly, nothing prevents sparrows from actively using these feeders.

The fact is that sparrows keep in flocks. These sneaky birds, unlike pigeons and crows, can freely enter small feeders and empty them, not giving a chance to other birds, which are much more difficult to get food in winter. To eliminate this possibility, it is desirable to avoid the use of open structures.

Sparrows are very careful. In case of danger, they take off straight from the place steeply upwards. So the best option there will be a birdhouse made of cardboard or wood with a steep roof that has more overhangs. It is desirable that the design has low windows that provide birds with access to food. In this case, the sparrows will first have to flutter to the side before flying away, so such feeders are unattractive for them.

Useful advice! In winter, the birds will not interfere with vitamin supplementation. To do this, you can put pear and apple cores with seeds, viburnum berries, elderberries, mountain ash, the fibrous part of a pumpkin with seeds, dried rose hips, and grape seeds into the feeder. It is allowed to use cherry pits from compote.

For those birds that constantly live on the site, an original do-it-yourself tray-type bird feeder made by yourself is suitable. In front of the tray (a window that provides access to the feed), you can install a perch or a landing pad.

Tray feeders are of two types:

1. With free access to the mixture.
2. With automatic feeding in the tray.

A bird feeder on a window with automatic feeding is much more practical than bunker structures. In this case, the food practically does not wake up. Tray structures are designed specifically for one type of bird. The possibility of using a feeder for several varieties of birds is allowed. However, to create such a structure, not only the appropriate skills and tools will be required, but also ornithological knowledge.

Do-it-yourself feeders-houses: photos of birdhouses and similar structures

Feeding troughs in the form of houses well protect food from snow. Equipping the structure with a roof, you can protect the inside from the wind and sparrows. But a beautiful bird feeder in the form of a house does not provide protection against spillage of food. Therefore, only those birds that are accustomed to feeding will be present on the site. For forest birds, this option is very inconvenient, because they are drawn to human habitation only in cases of crisis and may simply not notice the grains that have woken up on the ground.

A design in the form of a house with a sloping roof can be made from a box. If possible, it is desirable to treat such a cardboard feeder with a diluted adhesive. For this, PVA is suitable, which is mixed with water in a ratio of 1: 3 or 1: 5. Supports are made of sticks, which are also attached with glue. If everything is done correctly, such a feeder will last several seasons. The design is nailed to the tree.

A beautiful pitched roof feeder is the best option for strong large birds. These include Nutcrackers, Waxwings, Jays and Pigeons. All of them can safely sit in a row while feeding, so it is better to equip the dining room with a long perch.

Wood or very dense pre-treated cardboard can be used as a material for manufacturing. The design for large birds should be much larger than for ordinary pichugs. In this case, you need to select drawings of feeders for birds with dimensions that will correspond to them.

Note! A bird feeder from a shoe box is not suitable for feeding large birds. Cardboard in such designs is very thin. Strong birds will break the feeder very quickly during feeding.

Practical do-it-yourself feeders: photos of bunker structures and hullers

Hopper type designs will be the best option if an anti-sparrow feeder is required. In this case, the feeding area is limited in size, so the entire flock will not be able to accommodate. Sparrows will have no choice but to eat in turn with the company of other birds.

Unusual bunker-type bird feeders can have a different design. It is desirable that the product, designed for small spotted woodpeckers and tits, be equipped with a solid narrow platform. Anti-sparrow variants are much wider and have a roof. Modern materials allow you to create a bunker structure in just 5 minutes.

To make a bottle feeder with your own hands, you will need a minimum set of tools and materials:

• kapron thread;
• bottle (PET);
• Super glue;
• plastic plate;
• large needle;
• knife and scissors.

Plastic is a very practical and durable material that is not afraid of moisture and frost. This feeder will last for several seasons.

Peeler feeders are less popular. They are designed for certain types of birds. In this case, the feed is held with a special metal mesh. The design can be improved by making it combined. For this, the feeder-sheller is combined with a tray option. Due to this, birds of different species can coexist in one area.

How to make bird feeders: the choice of materials for work

Having decided on the type of future design, you need to decide what the feeder will be made of. For these purposes, you can use a variety of materials. Everyone has many of them in their home, so you can not only create an original bird feeder with your own hands, but also do it at minimal cost.

The following materials are commonly used to make a bird canteen:

• plastic;
• paper and cardboard;
• wood;
• plywood;
• improvised materials (bottles, boxes, milk or juice bags, etc.).

Each of these materials is suitable for creating certain types of structures and has both advantages and disadvantages.

Features of bird feeders from plastic bottles and trays

Plastic feeders are the most popular option. This material has many advantages.

Advantages of feeders from plastic bottles and trays:

1. Material availability.
2. The transparent walls of the structure allow you to make the food visible from afar.
3. Ease of processing.
4. Minimum amount of garbage and waste.
5. There is no need to use special tools.
6. High strength and durability.

Important! The roof of a plastic feeder in the form of a house should be opaque or at least matte. In case of danger, birds may not notice the transparent plane from above and hit it.

A good way to create a small, eye-catching bird feeder out of scrap materials is to use old childhood toys like building blocks. They are made of polyethylene, so it is advisable to use superglue for fixing. Such designs have bright and rich colors, so it will be easy for birds to find food. Polyethylene lends itself well to processing. To cut round holes in the walls, you can use a compass with two needles. Polyethylene is a slippery material, so it is advisable to equip the feeder with a perch.

as a plastic building material you can use scraps of transparent polycarbonate that could remain after repairs in the house. Such a feeder can be fixed on the window with the help of suction cups from the bathroom shelves.

Bird feeders from bottles and other unusable containers deserve special attention. The main thing is that the design is well thought out. To ensure the visibility of the feed, it is desirable to use a wide tray. The presence of a perch will make feeding birds more convenient. If you take a large tray and a capacious container, you will not have to frequently replenish food supplies. As a result, the birds will be less shy.

To make a bird feeder with your own hands from plastic bottle it is desirable to use a tray in the form of a trough. In this case, spillage of feed will be negligible. If you bend up the cover of the hatch that provides access to the feed, the feeder will turn out to be anti-sparrow. In this case, the plane that forms at the top can be used to place vitamin supplements.

Features of making homemade feeders out of the box

• milk;
• kefir;
• juice, etc.

Despite the fact that these bags are made of cardboard, their walls are covered with a film on both sides. Therefore, laminated feeders are able to withstand one winter.

Small packets left over from juice or milk are ideal as feeders for the following types of birds:

• goldfinches;
• tits;
• granivorous.

In this case, it is imperative to install a perch stick to make it easier for the birds to get food.

Useful advice! To attract a small motley woodpecker to the titmouse feeder, it is enough to fix a wooden circle on the bottom of the valve. So it will be easier for the bird to gain a foothold on the structure.

From large packages, you can make universal canteens for birds. To do this, you need to cut a large opening so that the food can be seen from afar. If the feeder is suspended, it must be pierced with a perch. A construct from a package can be placed in a bush. In this case, the perch is not required, its function will be performed by branches.

Eco-friendly bird feeders made of wood

The advantage of wooden feeders is their durability. Most often, such structures are stationary.

As a protective treatment, you can use:

• drying oil;
• water-polymer composition;
• mixture in the form of diluted PVA glue.

To build a bird feeder made of wood with your own hands, you will definitely need a carpentry tool and skills in handling it. Traditional models look like a house. It is not recommended to make a flat roof on the feeder, since in this case the feed will be exposed to weathering.

Standard design options in the form of a house, with minor changes, can be improved and specialized for a certain type of bird. For example, a gable roof feeder without railings can be used as a public option. If, however, a small crate is built around the perimeter, such a dining room will be to the taste of shelling birds. It quite realistically imitates natural feeding conditions. A similar model with a continuous low fence will achieve an anti-sparrow effect and protect the food from the wind.

A low pitched roof design will also provide protection from forage bloat. Such a feeder will be used by sparrows only as a last resort.

An alternative option for a suspended structure made of wood is a do-it-yourself plywood bird feeder. To create it, you will also need wooden bars with a section size of 3x3 or 3x4 cm. To avoid the use of lumber, you can make bars from plywood strips by gluing. However, for stationary feeders on poles, it is preferable to use solid wood, since plywood will delaminate in outdoor conditions in a few seasons, regardless of the quality of the protective impregnation.

Useful advice! If birch waterproof sheets are used to build a plywood bird feeder, you can get a reliable and durable construction. This material perfectly tolerates the conditions of street use.

DIY bird feeders from improvised materials

Unusual and original designs can be made from improvised materials, the creation of which can focus on design or functional features.

A cob of corn can be used as a feeder. To do this, a nail is passed through it. This version of the bird feeder from improvised materials can simply be hung or made part of a stationary structure. Corn should be hard, preferably oilseed or fodder varieties. The smaller the grains, the better.

It is better to refuse the use of table sugar cobs, as they are harmful to birds. Their grains contain a large amount of sugar and starch. The corn feeder is designed for large frugivorous and granivorous birds, as well as hullers.

Ice cream sticks can be used as a building material to create a wooden bird feeder. During the summer season, they can be accumulated in sufficient quantities. To make such a design, you will need a rope and PVA glue. On each side of the feeder, you can install a stick of larger ice cream sticks. Thanks to this, 4 birds can use the dining room at the same time, for example, chickadees or siskins.

An excellent option would be a wicker basket-shaped feeder with a hanging lid. To create it, you will need paper tubes that can be made from old newspapers. The weaving technology is rather complicated and time-consuming, so not everyone decides to take on the construction of such a feeder, but the result exceeds all expectations. To prevent paper straws from deoxidizing, they must be treated with a protective compound (glue and stain).

A large metal tin can is also suitable for building a feeder. It is suspended on a rope in a horizontal position. To prevent the feed from waking up on the ground, it is necessary to install a small damper. For this, the upper part of the lid, bent in half, is suitable. Be sure to install a perch.

Important! Regardless of the type of construction, the feeder must be safe. Wooden models must be carefully sanded and all sharp corners rounded off. Metal options can be wrapped with twine, which sits on glue.

Making bird feeders: drawings, descriptions and technologies

Having decided on the type of construction and material, you can proceed to the direct manufacture of the feeder. It should be noted that not all types of grains are suitable for feeding birds. The favorite food of birds that remain for the winter is the seeds of wild grasses. It is desirable that these were burdock plant species. Turnip seed is suitable, which can be collected in the summer or purchased ready-made at a pet store.

Homemade feeders can be filled with:

• oats and millet;
• small sunflower seeds (not roasted);
• hemp and flax seeds;
• dried pods of acacias living in the middle latitudes (wisteria, honey locust, sophora, etc.);
• pumpkin seeds;
• dry pea pods (it must be ripe and firm);
• pine nuts;
• millet (in small doses);
• seeds of such deciduous trees like ash, hornbeam, linden, maple, alder;
• acorns and seeds of conifers, for example, beech nuts, ruffled cones (if the feeder is designed for stubblers).

Note! Rye, wheat and bread are not allowed. They are harmful to birds. Moreover, black bread is the most dangerous, because it causes inflammation of the goiter. Poorly perceived strongly swelling cereals during cooking, for example, buckwheat, pearl barley, rice. The peel of any tropical fruit and citrus is deadly to birds.

How to make a birdhouse with your own hands: assembling a wooden structure

To build a wooden birdhouse, you will need skills in working with carpentry tools.

To work, you will need the following materials:

• wooden beam for racks (2x4.5 cm);
• plywood square as flooring on the bottom (25x25 cm);
• wooden pieces for the construction of the roof (22x35 cm, 2 pcs.);
• fasteners (adhesive composition, self-tapping screws, nails).

It does not hurt to first find a suitable drawing of the feeder, which will help you navigate during the assembly of parts.

First, the base is assembled: sides and bottom. To do this, the bars, pre-cut in accordance with the size of the bottom, are glued from the end sides and fixed to the screws. The result is a wooden frame. A pair of sides running in parallel must be made about 5 cm longer than the bottom. They will be used to install the perches. With the help of nails, the bottom is nailed to the frame.

At the next stage of making the feeder do-it-yourself racks are mounted from wood. In order to fasten the corresponding parts from the inside of the box. The optimal length is 18-20 cm.

A truss system is attached to the racks. To do this, you need to connect a pair of bars at a right angle. To strengthen the place of fixation, the joint is fixed with a piece of timber. The result is a right angle with equal sides. According to the drawing, it is necessary to make two such parts.

Useful advice! In order to properly connect the parts of a bird feeder made of wood, when fastening the bars, you need to lay a flat wide part on the table. After that, an additional element is attached from above at an appropriate angle.

Then the rafters are attached to the racks with self-tapping screws. Next, the roof slopes are installed. To do this, two wooden elements are installed on the rafters. If a wooden corner is available, you can make a skate. A bird feeder made of wood needs a perch. To do this, sticks or a window glazing bead are glued between an elongated pair of sides.

This design can be both stationary and suspended. It can be mounted on a pole or, by making a couple of holes in the ridge, hang it on a wire.

How to make a do-it-yourself bird feeder out of wood: plywood construction

An alternative option for a wooden feeder would be a construction made of plywood.

The material allows you to choose any modification:

• open;
• with a gable or flat roof;
• with bunker.

Plywood is a wood-derived material that is much cheaper and lighter in weight. Before you make a bird feeder out of wood, you must definitely select the appropriate drawing. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the type of birds living in the region. Large birds such as magpies, pigeons and jays can eat all the food, leaving small birds without food. Therefore, if the feeder is designed for tits, the openings should be such that large species cannot reach the grains.

To work, you will need the following tools and materials:

• jigsaw;
• sandpaper;

• water-based adhesive;
• nails and hammer;
• plywood sheet;
• timber with a section size of 2x2 cm.

In accordance with the drawing, markings are applied to the plywood sheet. After that, all the details are carefully cut out with a jigsaw. A square element 25x25 cm will be used as a flooring for the bottom. For the construction of the roof, you need to take larger parts, otherwise moisture will drain onto the feed. The edges of the resulting blanks must be sanded.

From the timber you need to cut 4 racks 25-30 cm long each. If the structure will have a shed (flat) roof, a pair of bars should be shortened by 2-3 cm. The cut is made at an angle. All joints of parts are treated with an adhesive composition, after which they are fastened with nails. Racks are installed on the bottom, and sides are fixed to them. A roof is installed at the top of the racks. The design can be installed permanently or suspended using a hook and hardware.

Useful advice! If the wooden feeder will be varnished, it is recommended to use a water-based compound for this so as not to harm the birds.

How to make a do-it-yourself feeder: a hanging grain structure

Suspended grain structures are the easiest option. Such a design can be made in a few hours.

For work you will need:

• raw bird food;
• oat groats;
• egg;
• gelatin;
• flour;
• needle and thick thread;
• thick cardboard and scissors;
• pencil and molds for filling.

How to make an edible bird feeder with your own hands:

1. Draw on the cardboard the figure you like, for example, a square, a circle, a triangle, a heart, etc.
2. Cut out the shape according to the markup.
3. Form a fastening by threading a needle and making a hole.
4. Prepare the glue mixture. To do this, the following ingredients are mixed: 1 tsp. honey, egg, 2 tbsp. l. oatmeal and a small amount of flour.
5. Leave the mixture for half an hour.
6. Apply adhesive mass over the cardboard base.
7. Mix grain feed with glue mass.
8. Apply the resulting mixture to the cardboard base.

After that, the grain feeder should be placed in the refrigerator for several hours. When the mixture hardens, the products can be hung on tree branches in the yard.

There is another technology for making edible feeders:

1. Dissolve gelatin packet in warm water.
2. Pour food into it.
3. Divide the resulting mass into molds.
4. Insert thread for hanging.
5. Send the molds to the refrigerator for several hours.

After hardening, the feeders are completely ready for use. To make it easier for the birds to grasp, the molds can be placed in bright mesh bags.

How to make a bird feeder from a plastic bottle

In every home there is an unnecessary plastic container. Therefore, many are thinking about creating a bottle feeder. The material is cut with scissors or a knife, and the design is transparent and very light. This option is especially convenient, as there are several ways to create plastic feeders.

How to make a plastic bottle feeder:

1. A pair of holes are cut on both sides of the bottle. They should be symmetrical. The shape can be any: arch, square, circle, rectangle.
2. Jumpers must be left between the holes.
3. You can make a rain visor by making an inverted U-shaped slot and bending the plate up.
4. The lower edge of the slots where the birds will land must be secured. To do this, the cut is covered with fabric insulating tape or adhesive tape.
5. At the bottom you need to make symmetrical holes.
6. A perch stick is inserted into the holes obtained.

Such a feeder can be fixed on a tree. To do this, the jumper is wound with a rope, tape or other material.

Useful advice! If you insert twine from a bottle through the birdhouse lid, having previously made holes in it, you can form a loop that will allow you to hang the structure on a tree branch.

Do-it-yourself bunker feeder from a plastic bottle

The bunker design is very rational. It allows you to fill up the feed mixture with a margin for several days. As the birds eat the grains, the additive will automatically flow onto the tray.

To work, you need a couple of bottles of the same capacity. One container is marked with a marker. Near the bottom it is necessary to make holes similar to those made in the previous version of the plastic feeder, and then remove 1/3 of the bottle (top).

A pair of symmetrical holes is made in the upper part. They will be used to hang the feeder with ribbons or twine. The second bottle will store the food. In the narrowest part of this container, several holes should be made through which the grains will spill. Don't make the holes too big. If necessary, it is better to expand them later.

The corresponding bottle must be filled with the feed mixture, screw the stopper in it and place it inside the container, which is cut off by 1/3. After that, twine is pulled through the holes, and the structure is hung on a tree.

How to make a bottle feeder: the simplest design with a spoon

There is another version of the bunker design - a feeder with a spoon. For this, a bottle with a capacity of 1.5-2 liters is suitable. First you need to make a hole in the cork and stretch the twine through it. With it, the structure will be suspended on a branch. Then you need to make holes symmetrically (one on each side of the bottle). They should match the size of a wooden spoon.

On the side where the deep part of the spoon will be placed, the hole needs to be slightly expanded so that it is convenient for the birds to pick up food. It remains only to fill the feeder with the selected feed mixture and hang it in a convenient place.

Useful advice! To prevent the hopper feeder from accumulating moisture, several holes must be made in the bottom. To do this, you can use a small nail or a hot needle.

How to make a bird feeder from a 5L bottle

Water bottles with a volume of 5 liters can hold much more feed than standard containers. In addition, the large size of the container allows you to make several holes, so that a large number of birds can feed at the feeder at the same time.

For work you will need:

• wire or tape for hanging;
• clean bottle;
• birdseed;
• a cutting tool, such as a pruner, scissors or a clerical knife.

First, a hole is made for hanging the structure. Its location will depend on the nature of the placement of the feeder on the tree:

1. Horizontally - a pair of wide holes is made (one near the neck, the other - from the side of the bottom).
2. Vertically - with an indent of 5-7 cm from the bottom of the bottle, it is necessary to cut 3 rectangular holes or several square ones.

It is most convenient to hang the bottle by the neck. If the structure is fixed in a horizontal position, two holes must be made in the wall and, after passing the twine through them, fix the feeder on the tree. Plastic structures are very light. To prevent the bottle from being swayed by the wind, before filling it with food, it is advisable to put ¼ of a brick on the bottom.

Technology for creating a bunker feeder from a 5 liter bottle

To create a bunker feeder, you will need several bottles (5 l - 1 pc., 1.5 l - 2 pcs.), As well as a clerical knife, a rope and a marker. First, markings are applied to a large container. With the help of a marker near the bottom, a zone is marked where a hole will be placed that acts as a tap hole. It is best to make 2 small slots and one large one through which you can install a 1.5 liter bottle.

Then a U-shaped hole is cut upside down. The upper part should be bent to make a protective visor from the rain. The lower edge of the opening is sealed with adhesive plaster so that the birds do not get hurt during feeding.

In those areas where the bottle placed inside is in contact with the bottom of a large container, as well as in areas slightly higher, holes must be made. As the food is eaten, the grains will wake up through them. A round hole is made in the cap of a 5-liter bottle so that after screwing the thread, the neck of the inner container rises. Then, at the second bottle, you need to cut off the neck along with the top. The result should be a funnel. It should be put on the neck of the inner bottle and tighten the cork. The feeder is ready.

Useful advice! It is advisable to install the feeder under the roof so that the birds are more comfortable. For this, a canopy or gazebo is suitable.

How to make a feeder out of a box: a description of the process

A homemade bird feeder can be made from the simplest materials at hand. Almost every house has boxes of food products, shoes or electrical appliances. For work, it is desirable to select thick cardboard. An ideal option would be a bird feeder out of a box with a laminated coating, which will increase the life of the structure.

The advantage of this method is that the box already has walls, a bottom and a roof. Therefore, the steps to convert it into a feeder will be minimal, you only need to cut holes in a rectangular or square shape on the sides.

To make a bird feeder with your own hands out of the box, you will need a clerical knife or scissors, cord and tape. Since cardboard is short-lived and vulnerable to moisture, it should be wrapped with tape for protection. This is done after the feeder is ready. When holes are cut in the side walls for access to the feed, you need to fasten the cord and hang the feeder. To prevent the structure from rocking from the wind, put a few pebbles or pour sand on the bottom.

You can slightly change the technology. In this case, the box lid is glued perpendicularly. As a result, it will serve as a feed stand. The second part of the box will replace the roof and railings. The design must be glued with adhesive tape.

Next, you need to organize a system of fasteners for hanging. To do this, a pair of hooks is made from wire. A piece of wire is bent in half and the end is pierced through the "ceiling" part of the feeder. After that, the wire is twisted and bent from the inside. Now the feeder can be hung on a branch.

How to make a feeder out of a juice or milk box

To create such a design, you will need a Tetra Pak bag from liquid foods, such as juice or milk.

List of necessary materials and tools for work:

• wire for hanging or nylon rope;
• a clean milk or juice bag;
• adhesive plaster;
• stationery knife or scissors;
• marker.

The feeder should be comfortable for the birds, so markings are applied to the cardboard and a couple of holes of sufficient size are cut out on opposite sides. Through space will allow the birds to easily move and take food. For safety reasons, the window must be pasted over with adhesive tape.

Under the slots, you need to pierce a hole with scissors and insert cardboard rolled into a tube into it. This will be a perch. The material for its manufacture can be taken from scraps left over from previous operations. In the corners you need to make small holes where a rope or wire will be stretched for hanging. A milk carton feeder can be tied to a branch or attached to a tree trunk.

Useful advice! To prevent the structure from swinging, it is better to cut the slots not on opposite sides, but on adjacent walls of the package.

The feeder can be made from two juice packs. The first tetrapak needs to be cut along the narrow side parts so that the top remains intact. 1/3 is cut off from the second package, and a hole should be cut on the front side. This area will be used as a stern board. The bottom of the second tetrapak must be combined with the first package. If everything is done correctly, you should get a triangle. To fix the parts, it is better to use glue, as well as winding with tape.

How to decorate a bird feeder with your own hands: interesting ideas

When the feeder is ready, you can start decorating it. In this case, everything depends solely on the imagination. The design of homemade dining rooms for birds is practically unlimited, the main thing is that all decor elements are environmentally friendly and safe for birds.

How to decorate the feeder with improvised materials:

• paint the structure with a coloring composition;
• decorate with weaving from ropes or twine;
• use materials of natural origin as decor, for example, moss, tree bark and branches, cones, acorns, chestnuts;
• decoration with colored ropes;
• use of chains with an unusual shape of links, etc.

On the net you can find many interesting ideas for decorating homemade feeders. If you approach this issue thoroughly, you can make a house unusual shape. After that, the paint left after the repair, various figures and colored paper are used for decoration. However, do not overdo it with rustling and shiny details, otherwise the birds will be scared. In addition, decorative elements should not create obstacles for food intake.

The use of paint will not only change the color of the structure, but also protect the material from the negative effects of atmospheric factors. Coloring can be monophonic or multi-colored. In this case, you can use various drawings. It is better if their theme is intertwined with winter motifs. On sale you can find many interesting stencils that will simplify the process of decorating.

An interesting design will turn out if you arrange a wooden structure in the form of a bee hive or a miniature mill. This work is very meticulous, but if you try, you can achieve a complete resemblance to real buildings. Decoration in the form of small branches will give the design a natural charm. At the entrance, you can hang a beautiful cone or an edible garland, the main thing is that it does not block access to the feed.

For decoration, old dishes can be used, for example, a saucer with a cup or a tea infuser. To do this, 4 holes are drilled in the saucer and a rope is pulled through them. After that, the cup is glued to the saucer. This design can be hung in any corner of the yard. The carving, bright painting, pieces of leather and applications look original in the design of the feeders. By creating several designs in the same style, you can get a beautiful composition that will emphasize the exterior of the yard.

Having spent a little time building a bird feeder with your own hands, you can not only provide the feathered inhabitants of the garden with a delicious snack, but also get a worthy decoration of the yard.

Bird feeders can be seen in courtyards and parks. If you want to design something special, extraordinary, then we will tell you how to make a bird feeder yourself.

An easy way to feed birds

The feeder can be made from improvised means, for example, take a piece of board, plywood or any flat and durable material at hand and place it higher from the ground. This will keep food available to the birds.

This is a temporary measure, as precipitation may fall or the food will simply be blown away by the wind. But such a feeder can save birds from starvation.

We use plastic bottles

From a plastic bottle, you can build both a very simple and a multifunctional dining room for birds. Consider in more detail some of the ideas of feeders, and their implementation.

Hastily

If you cut a hole on the side of the bottle, then we can say that we have done half the job. Near the neck, you need to make 2 holes with an awl, insert the wire and fix the feeder on a branch of a tree or shrub. If you pour food on the bottom, after a while you can see how birds flock there.

So that moisture does not spoil the food when precipitation gets inside the bottle, drainage holes must be made in the lower part of the container.

We complicate the design

From a plastic bottle, you can make a feeder with a "dispense window". Having picked up a container that is suitable in size, cut a small hole on one side, and pierce the bottle with scissors on the opposite side. Insert a wooden spoon with the handle forward so that it fits snugly into the pierced hole. The spoon should be positioned so that the grains roll into it as the birds peck at the food. The number of spoons involved can be different, but most often there are two.

To hang the bottle, you can pierce the cork with an awl (or nail), thread a nylon thread into it, and tie a knot inside the cork.

How to decorate a gray, unsightly bottle? If desired, you can make the feeder a decoration of any garden.

Feeder on glass

You can make a simple design from a plastic bottle, which will be attached directly to the glass using suction cups. The device of such a feeder is very simple, and for its manufacture you will need only 1 container and 2 suction cups.

A small square or rectangular hole is made with a construction knife. With a soldering iron or a hot gas nail on one side of the bottle, you need to make 2 holes, into which the sucker heads will fit tightly. In our case, the suction cups were with hooks, so we first removed them, and then fixed them with them, inserting them into their places, but already inside the bottle.

The positive aspects include the fact that the birds can be observed, almost close to them approaching. A significant disadvantage is that the birds defecate near the feeder, so the glass and tide will have an unsightly appearance.

Video: making a plastic bottle feeder

Use of glass

Glassware can be used to distribute food to birds. The container must be securely fastened down with the neck at a short distance from any platform. Pour food into this container and set it in place (holding the hole with your finger so that the grains do not spill out). As feed is used up, what is in the bottle will flow to the site.

Video: glass feeder

Other improvised materials

It will not be difficult to come up with a lot of ways in which you can feed the birds.

Tits love not only grains. You can feed such gourmets by hanging a piece of unsalted bacon wrapped in rope or wire on a branch.

If you buy products packaged in nets in supermarkets, then this container can also be used by pouring nuts into it.

From small loose feed, you can mold a ball (adding flour and water) and also hang it in a net. In frosty weather, the food can be mixed with vegetable oil. Milk or sour cream is not suitable for these purposes, since the bird's body does not accept such food.

In order to protect the food from precipitation, you can build a plywood roof.

Pumpkin

A pumpkin feeder can be called waste-free production, as the birds first eat the food, and then the edible "dining room" itself. It is enough to cut holes in the pumpkin and pull out the core.

You can cut the pumpkin in half, thread a rope with a knot tied at the bottom through both halves. To fix it in a disconnected state, you need to install spacers from twigs between the halves. In extreme cases, you can use pencils as coasters. The upper edge of the rope threaded through the pumpkin is tied to a branch, and the feeder is ready to receive feathered guests.

Video: pumpkin feeder

Couch spring

Such things and objects can be used that usually have nowhere else to apply.

If you still have a spring from an old sofa, then you can also use it by holding pieces of bread between the turns. This feeder can be hung both vertically and horizontally.

car air filter

A wire mesh feeder can be seen on the counter of a store, but a similar design can be built from a used paper car air filter.

For manufacturing, you need to cut off the upper part of the filter, and remove the paper filling (it can be done together with the inner or outer mesh, if you do not plan to put food between them). Outside the filter, a wire is tied to the top of the net, which will serve as a loop for hanging the feeder on a tree. Suitable food is poured inside, and the cut off top of the filter can be used as a cover.

To reduce feed loss, a plastic bucket lid can be glued to the bottom of the feeder with hot glue. From the same cover you can make a canopy.

teapot for brewing

If you have an old kettle and it’s a pity to throw it away, but it’s no longer possible to use it for its intended purpose, then you can make a feeder out of it. How to hang it? Drilling a hole in a faience product is a very thankless task, so you can use hot melt adhesive. If there is a hole in the lid, then you need to insert the ends of the rope into it and make a knot inside. For safety, it is better to tie a small washer. Now the lid can be glued to the teapot, the neck of which will now serve as an entrance for the birds.

Looking into the barn or pantry, you can find things that are "hard to carry, but it's a pity to leave." An old metal bread box belongs to the category of those. Great imagination is not required for its placement - he tied a rope and hung it on a branch.

Similarly, you can use an unnecessary plastic container.

Use of various boxes

It will also be easy to make a feeder from a juice or wine box.

One or two windows are cut out in the box so that there is a small bowl for food at the bottom.

When cutting out the window, care can be taken to protect the food from precipitation. For this, a small visor is left, but so that it does not fall and close the entrance, it can be fixed with a nylon thread in the open position.

To make a large cardboard feeder, you need a large box. With a construction knife or scissors, a window of the desired size is cut out in it. If the box is very large, then you can cut out a smaller product from it and wrap it with tape. It is important to realize that such a feeder will last only until the first rain.

Tin box

Often, manufacturers sell products in tin boxes, which can also be used to make a feeder.

In addition to the bank itself, we need:

• metal or plastic chain - 2 m (4 pieces of 0.5 m each);
• detachable ring (used for keys);
• small cotter pin - 8 pcs. (you can do with knitting wire);
• awl;
• alcohol marker;
• wire cutters or scissors for metal;
• ruler;
• pliers.

Now let's start manufacturing.

• As accurately as possible, you need to mark 4 points on the jar and transfer the same marks to the lid.
• According to the marks with an awl, you need to make holes so that a cotter pin passes through them.

• With wire cutters, cut the chain into four pieces of 50 cm.
• Having passed the cotter pin through the last link of the chain, we insert it into the hole and from the inside of the can with pliers we push its ends apart.

• Having measured 15 cm of the chain (starting from the can), we will pass the remaining 4 cotter pins into it and fix the lid with them.
• Now we will pass a detachable ring into the ears of the free ends of the chain.

After hanging the feeder on a branch, look in which direction the box slopes, and pierce it with an awl in the bottom (from the inside) - this will be a drainage hole.

branches

From large branches, you can assemble the original feeder. To complete the work, you will need an ax, a hammer, nails and a little imagination.

Plywood

Plywood products are strong enough, but are afraid of moisture.

A simple version of the feeder consists of just a pallet with sides, two pieces of plywood serving as a roof, and a rope connecting all the parts. To fix the bottom and roof in desired position, knots are tied on the rope.

If there is a desire and a jigsaw, then you can design a more complex feeder using one of the presented drawings.

Log

When harvesting firewood, logs with a rotten core are found. This piece of the trunk will serve as a base for us. You need to extract the core. Windows are drilled in the hollow trunk or its longitudinal part is cut out. The ends are closed with selected "plaques" sawn off from other trunks. A tree trunk feeder can be found in both horizontal and vertical versions.

For manufacturing you will need:

• self-tapping screws;
• small nails;
• slats.

For the manufacture of the roof and bottom, you can use plastic or HDF (which you can find, since this material is sold only in large sheets).

In the manufacture of any design, it is convenient and practical to use drawings that indicate the dimensions of the parts. We will also use the drawing in order to cut all the blanks to size.

They can be lightly sanded with sandpaper.

First, we will assemble the narrower part of the future feeder, hammering 3 nails on each side.

Then the whole frame is assembled in a similar way. If the nails are short, then you can use 5 pcs.

We will install the frame on the prepared bottom and outline it with a pencil from the outside - so we get the markup along which this part will need to be cut out and then nailed.

In order to fix the upper rails, we use 4 self-tapping screws - 1 pc each. for each attachment point.

From the remaining rails we will make the upper part of the feeder, fastening the parts with self-tapping screws. The final step will be marking, sawing and fixing the roof. The joint of two sheets of roof sheathing can be hidden by nailing a corner rail on top.

There are some points to consider when making and determining the installation location of the feeder:

1. Do not underestimate cats, because they can get to the feeder, and then the birds will fly away or become the prey of a domestic predator.
2. The feeder needs to be made with a large roof, then a lot of precipitation will not get into it.
3. The entrance to the feeder should not be small, as fear may be stronger than hunger, and the birds may not take advantage of your hospitality.
4. The design is best made from moisture-resistant material, then it will last a long time. Other materials must be treated with water-repellent compounds.
5. If the feeder is too light or has a large windage, then it can be turned upside down by a gust of wind. Even a short turn will cause all the feed to be on the ground. Lightweight construction needs to be weighted down.

Photos of original feeders

Video: original ideas brought to life

Drawings and sketches

Birds living in wild nature needs protection and care. It is especially difficult for them during the winter: when it is cold outside, it is so hard to find shelter and food.

That is why caring people try to feed our younger "brothers" as much as possible. One of the ways that will not only help the birds, but also decorate your garden, is a feeder made from improvised materials.

In this article, we have collected some of the most affordable options - focusing on descriptions and photographs, using already unnecessary items (plastic bottles or old dishes), you can easily equip a place where flocks of birds will gather.

Material selection

After evaluating the resources you have to create a feeder, you can choose an idea to your liking. However, it is worth remembering that not only its appearance depends on the configuration, but also practical characteristics such as stability.

That is why a good feeder must meet the following requirements:

Wear resistance and durability. Preference should be given to wood or plastic that can withstand weather conditions without getting wet from rain and snow, without collapsing under gusts of wind.

In addition, the birds themselves are often the cause of damage to the feeder - in search of crumbs, their beaks and claws scratch and tear fragile materials.

Proper size. Remember that if you cut a small feeder, for example, from a tetrapak, then large birds will not be able to eat from it, and small ones will start fights for a place and shake out food on the ground.

No sharp edges, "pulling out" carnations, etc. Birds are very delicate creatures, their feather protection and skin on their legs cannot prevent cuts from sharp objects, so make sure that your feeder is not dangerous for them, especially if it is made of glass, plastic or knocked together from planks!

Location and installation

Choosing the right place is extremely important!

Choosing the most suitable position in terms of landscape design, evaluate:

Accessibility for birds. Perhaps the feeder will be closed from them by thick branches, or, conversely, too open, and then, with a strong wind, the birds simply will not be able to get close to it.

Difficulty for cats. These animals are excellent hunters, especially those who live in villages and holiday villages. They are stronger, faster and more agile than their domestic counterparts, and therefore, sneaking up to the feeder, they can cause great damage to the bird community.

Ideas for creating a do-it-yourself feeder

There are a huge number of different types of feeders - it all depends on your imagination and the materials available.

We will try to consider both the simplest and the most original ideas.

House made of wood or plywood

Despite the seeming complexity, such a design can well be assembled with unnecessary boards, pieces of wood, glazing bead, plywood and, of course, special glue or nails.

Note!

The basis should be a heavy flat plank. For the manufacture of walls and roofs, you may need a drawing, however, it is quite possible to get by with an eye.

A wooden feeder, depending on how much attention you pay to it, can become not only a place for feeding birds, but also an elegant decoration of your garden.

Plastic bottle feeder

This type of feeder is very easy to make and is great if you decide to involve children in the process of creating. You need to cut one or two holes in the bottle in such a way that it is possible not only to pour the food, but also access to it is not difficult.

Of course, you should try to make the cut edges come out neat and not too sharp (in addition, it is advisable to glue them with tape).

If you are using a small bottle (1.5-2 liters), then you can do it in two ways: cut a square or rectangular hole in the bottle, or prefer a U-shape so that you can bend a piece of plastic and make a visor.

In the event that you decide to use a large bottle (5-6 liters, in which drinking water is usually sold), you can make a large side cutout. So it will be possible not only to fill up more food, but also give the birds room to maneuver.

Note!

In order to prevent the wind from ruffling a light bottle, it is worth putting a stone or a brick fragment on the bottom. This also applies to the next type of feeder.

Tetrapack bird feeder

In order to make a bird feeder, you can also use juice or wine boxes.

To do this, follow the same technology as in the previous case: mark the place of the cut, cut it out in shape, glue tape (or adhesive tape) on the underside of the opening, then make holes for a strong rope in the upper part of the tetra pack. It remains to hang the feeder in the place of your choice.

Shoe box feeder

The cardboard from which the shoe box is made cannot be considered a durable material, but it is sufficiently resistant to moisture, and if it is cold outside, such a feeder can hang until spring.

The manufacturing technology of the feeder, as in previous cases, is also very simple: make four or six holes for the rope, cut on the sides and put a weight on the bottom - for stability.

Note!

Other options

The above options are extremely popular - such feeders can be found in any country house. If you want to make a unique feeder with your own hands, you should take unusual materials, for example, old tableware: a cup and a saucer.

In the autumn, you can cut a product from a pumpkin or zucchini; in winter, halves of an orange peeled from the pulp are suitable for this. Such feeders will surprise your neighbors and will undoubtedly decorate the garden!

DIY bird feeder photo