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Entry 491Filed under Breeding

How to Make a Simple Bird Feeder at Home

Turn a clean milk or juice carton into a simple hanging bird feeder with a perch. Learn what you need, how to assemble it and how to keep it clean.
2-minute read By Animalso Team
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Make a simple hanging bird feeder from a clean milk or juice carton: cut a feeding opening in one side, add a perch and hanger, then fill it with birdseed. Have an adult handle or supervise the cutting, and clean the feeder at least weekly.

What do you need to make a homemade bird feeder?

  • One clean milk or juice carton
  • Scissors or a craft knife, used with adult supervision
  • Cord, ribbon or wire for hanging
  • A small stick for a perch
  • Birdseed
  • Optional: acrylic paint, brushes, recycled decorations and craft glue

Keep the carton opening above its base so the carton can hold seed. Audubon’s instructions call for a large opening on one side, “starting several inches from the bottom.” National Audubon Society’s guide was published March 25, 2020.

How do you make a simple carton bird feeder?

  1. Cut the feeding opening. On one side of the clean carton, cut a large opening in the center, several inches above the bottom. An adult should do this or closely supervise.
  2. Add a perch. Make a small hole beneath the opening and push a small stick through it. Keep the perch below the opening so birds can reach the seed.
  3. Make the hanger. Make two small holes near the top, on opposite sides. Thread cord, ribbon or wire through them and secure it into a loop.
  4. Decorate if you like. Add paint or recycled decorations, using craft glue if needed. Let everything dry fully before filling the carton.
  5. Fill and hang it. Add birdseed and hang the feeder about five feet above the ground in a visible location.

Can you make a feeder from a cardboard tube instead?

Yes. The RSPB describes an alternative using a cardboard tube, lard or suet, birdseed, two sticks or skewers, and cord. It is less convenient to refill than an open carton-style feeder, but it can be made when those materials are on hand. The RSPB says the activity takes under an hour and advises care with scissors and adult help where needed. See the RSPB’s tube-feeder instructions.

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  • BUILDING & PAINTING KIT: The Package contains 2 bird house kits, Each bird craft kit includes 10 wood pieces with pre-drilled holes, 1 perch post, 1 hanging rope, 28 screws, 6 colors of paint, 2 brushes, 1 easy-to-follow instruction guide; Phillips screwdriver needed for assembly (not included)
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CroBlissful 12 Pack Bird Feeder Craft Kits for Kids DIY Your Own Bird Feeders with Paint and Paintbrushes Wooden Arts and Crafts for Kid Ornaments to Paint Feeders Craft for Garden(Flower Shape)
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National Geographic Build Your Own Bird Feeder Craft Kit for Kids
  • BUILD, PAINT & DISCOVER – Create a one-of-a-kind bird feeder with this hands-on kit! Kids & adults will have a blast working together to build and decorate their feeder, then set it up for real birds to enjoy. A great Easter basket stuffer or gift!
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  1. Make two aligned holes near one end of the tube and another pair near the other end for the hanger.
  2. Coat the tube with lard or suet, then roll it in birdseed.
  3. Insert two sticks or skewers through the aligned holes to make perches.
  4. Thread cord through the hanger holes and hang the feeder.
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How do you keep a homemade bird feeder safe and clean?

  • Supervise cutting: Scissors and craft knives can cause injuries; children should have adult help.
  • Keep bird food separate from human food: Seed and peanuts sold for birds are not for people to eat.
  • Consider pets: RSPB warns that raisins and sultanas can be toxic to dogs and cats. The simple seed-only carton design avoids adding them.
  • Clean it at least weekly: Current RSPB guidance recommends clearing old food and droppings beneath feeders, then cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and fully drying feeder parts before putting them back together and refilling. Follow current local wildlife-health guidance for disinfectant details, since feeding advice and disease alerts can vary by region. Read the RSPB’s feeder-cleaning guidance.

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