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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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Decorate if you like. Add paint or recycled decorations, using craft glue if needed. Let everything dry fully before filling the carton.
- 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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LotFancy Bird House Kit, 2 Pack, DIY Wooden Birdhouse Kits, Arts and Crafts Painting Kit for Kids, Build and Paint, Including Paints & Brushes
- 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)
- NATURAL MATERIALS: Our unassembled diy bird houses are made of solid pine wood; safe and non-toxic; eco-friendly and durable for outdoor use; Water-based, water resistant paint for easy cleanup
- EDUCATIONAL & FUN: Our diy birdhouse kits are the perfect family project; Kids can build and customize their very own DIY birdhouse with the included paints and brush; Kids building kits help develop patience, concentration, and problem-solving skills; paints will promote creativity and imagination
- BIRD FRIENDLY DESIGN: Feeding trough at the front of the birdhouse for easy feeding; The diameter of the entrance is 2.55'' with a convenient perch peg at the entrance
- FUN GIFT FOR KIDS: Children will enjoy building and personalizing this bird feeder kit; Then have fun picking a spot to hang the home and wait for a bird family to move in; An great gift for a Birthday, Christmas, Thanksgiving
Rank #2
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)
- DIY Bird Feeder Kit: you will receive 12 pieces of wooden bird feeders, 1 roll of jute rope, 12 pieces of stainless steel bowls, 12 sheets of stickers, 2 sets of paint and 2 pieces of painting brushes, sufficient quantity and ideal combination to allow children to play freely and create their own art, enjoy the fun of handcrafts
- Suitable Size: this wooden bird feeder of this bird feeder kits for kids measures about 6 inch, and the rope measures about 100 ft long, which make it easy for you to hang them, they can be applied not only as traditional birdhouses, but also as decorative elements for your home or garden; You can paint them, or decorate them with other decorations (not included in the product), adding a touch of charm to your space
- Safe and Durable: this DIY bird feeders for outside is made of quality wood, the bowl is made of quality stainless steel material, they are durable, well made, sturdy and wear resistant, suitable for long term use
- Ideal Gifts: this kids bird feeder kit is suitable as a gift for boys, girls, sons, daughters, nieces or grandchildren; It is an ideal gift for children who love animals and nature, and can also be applied as a school craft project or an ideal craft toy for daily children's activities or birthday parties in autumn, winter and spring
- DIY Features: children can design it according to their own ideas, such as drawing their favorite patterns, or writing it; Then put the bowl in the middle of the flower, pass the jute rope through the hole on the bird feeder, and you will get a unique bird feeder
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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!
- A FUN DIY PROJECT WITH REAL-WORLD REWARDS – Follow easy-to-understand instructions to assemble the feeder, then customize it with six vibrant paint colors. The only tool needed is a Phillips screwdriver (not included).
- WATCH BIRDS UP CLOSE – Once complete, the feeder becomes a window into the world of birds! Kids can watch different species visit and enjoy their handmade feeder, sparking curiosity and excitement for nature.
- LEARN AS YOU OBSERVE – The included bird-watching journal lets kids track their sightings, while the full-color educational poster is packed with fascinating facts to help identify birds and understand their behaviors.
- EVERYTHING NEEDED FOR HOURS OF FUN – This complete kit includes pre-cut wooden panels, paint, a brush, a bird-watching journal, and an educational poster. It’s the perfect blend of creativity, science, and outdoor adventure!
- Make two aligned holes near one end of the tube and another pair near the other end for the hanger.
- Coat the tube with lard or suet, then roll it in birdseed.
- Insert two sticks or skewers through the aligned holes to make perches.
- Thread cord through the hanger holes and hang the feeder.
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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