DIY Bird Feeder Ideas to Help Attract Backyard Birds

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homemade suet log bird feeder with bluebird.

If you are looking for ideas on how to attract backyard birds to your yard, one of the most important things that you can do is have bird feeders available for the birds to eat from. If you are hoping to attract multiple types of feathered friends, it is also important to note that you need to have multiple types of feeders available in your outdoor space. Different types of birds eat differently, and in order to meet the needs of various types of birds, you need to have multiple available. Let's talk about our favorite DIY Bird feeder ideas to help attract backyard birds.

Here you will find step-by-step instructions on how to create homemade bird feeders and the best part is that these are all easy projects that will help you create the bird paradise that you want in your yard. Read on to see some of the best ideas that we have found for the best results!

DIY Bird Feeder Ideas to Help Attract Backyard Birds

There are many creative and easy ways to make a DIY bird feeder. You can use countless household items to create awesome DIY Bird Feeders that will keep many beautiful birds coming back to your yard over and over again. 

nature crafts for kids.

What do You Need to Have on Hand in Order to Make a DIY Bird Feeder?

Well, lucky for us, there are many different ways to make a DIY Bird Feeder. you can create bird feeders out of many different craft materials as well as household items that many would consider garbage, such as the following:

  • Plastic soda bottle 
  • Old license plates
  • Plastic containers
  • Wooden Logs from Nature
  • Egg carton 
  • Cookie cutters
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Pipe cleaner
  • Copper wire
  • Juice carton
  • Empty toilet paper roll
  • Paper towel roll
  • Glass Bottle (like old wine bottles)
  • Wooden spoons
  • Paper plate
  • Even FRUIT like oranges
downy woodpecker on suet log.

As you can see, it is really easy to find items that you can repurpose into a bird feeder! Now that you are probably feeling overwhelmed with how many options are out there, it's okay!

Here are some easy DIY bird feeder ideas to get you started.

DIY Bird Feeder Crafts

Pinecone Bird Feeder

Pinecone bird feeders are a fun birdseed feeder option that birds love! This is a super easy project that kids of all ages can do! Tie a string around a pinecone and then spread peanut butter or vegetable shortening all over it. Roll the pinecone in birdseed until it is completely covered. 

Hang pinecone feeders from tree branches or hang them on plant hooks in your yard.

Orange Peel Bird Feeder

Have you ever heard of an orange bird feeder? This one is easy! Cut an orange in half and scoop out the fruit. Cut a small hole in the top of each half and string a piece of twine through the hole. Fill each half of the orange with birdseed and then hang the orange halves from a tree.

titmouse sitting on pine.

Use natural elements like pine boughs to hide and or decorate DIY Bird Feeders.

Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Milk jug bird feeders are a great way to feed birds and reuse products! I love a good repurposing project, don't you? Many of us end up with lots of milk jugs that have no use but to be tossed in the recycling bin, and this is a fun way to do something different with them!

To create this kind of feeder, simply cut a hole in the side of a clean, empty milk jug. Attach a wooden dowel or stick to the bottom of the jug, making sure it sticks out on both sides. Fill the jug with birdseed and then hang it from the dowel or stick.

This type of feeder can be done with other types of plastic bottles as well. 

Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder

If you have ever Googled "DIY Bird Feeder" you have likely seen posts about the toilet paper roll bird feeder. That's because it's so easy to create! Toilet paper rolls are easy to repurpose in this fun DIY! This is a great project for kids or anyone that is just beginning in the bird-watching world. 

Spread peanut butter or vegetable shortening on a toilet paper roll. Roll the roll in birdseed until it is completely covered. Thread a string through the roll and tie the ends together. Hang the feeder from a tree branch or hook.

You can also use paper towel rolls for this type of feeder as well. You can cut them down into smaller sizes or use them as is. 

Mason Jar Bird Feeder

I just love the look of mason jar bird feeders, don't you? If you like that rustic look, you'll love this one too. Plus, they are super easy bird feeders to make on your own. Drill a hole in the lid of a clean, empty mason jar. Thread a piece of twine through the hole and tie the ends together. Fill the jar with birdseed and screw on the lid. Hang the feeder from the twine.

Teacup Bird Feeder

Glue a tea cup and saucer together, with the cup facing up. Drill a small hole in the bottom of the cup and thread a piece of twine through the hole, tying a knot in the bottom under the cup. Fill the cup with birdseed and then hang the feeder from the twine. I always get a very Alice in Wonderland vibe when I see teacup bird feeders. 

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Be Sure That Your Bird Seed Station is in a Safe Place

So now that you have made your own bird feeder to bring in the birds, what else should you do? You need to make sure that they are safe. Part of what brings these beautiful birds into your yard to eat and enjoy their time is that they can feel safe. You can't just place bird feeders in any location, you have to carefully choose their placement. No matter which DIY Bird Feeder Projects you decide to create, make sure to remember to place the bird feeder in a safe location away from predators. 

Also, be sure to keep your bird feeder clean to prevent the spread of disease among birds.

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