Bird Feeders DIY: 15 Easy, Affordable & Creative Ideas You Can Make at Home

If you’re looking for a fun, budget-friendly way to attract birds to your yard, balcony, or garden, bird feeders DIY projects are the perfect solution. Not only are DIY bird feeders easy to make, but they’re also a great way to reuse household items, teach kids about nature, and create a welcoming space for local wildlife.

Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating for the seasons, or simply want to enjoy more birds outside your window, this ultimate guide to bird feeders DIY ideas will walk you through everything you need to know—from beginner projects to creative feeders that double as outdoor décor.

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Why Make Bird Feeders DIY Instead of Buying Them?

Store-bought bird feeders can be expensive and often break easily. DIY bird feeders, on the other hand, offer several benefits:

• Cost-effective: Most DIY bird feeders use items you already have at home

• Eco-friendly: Reuse plastic bottles, jars, cans, and cardboard

• Customizable: Choose designs based on the birds in your area

• Family-friendly: Great hands-on activity for kids and beginners

• Decorative: Many DIY bird feeders double as garden décor

Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching birds enjoy something you made yourself.

Best Bird Seed for DIY Bird Feeders

Before jumping into the projects, it helps to know what kind of birdseed to use. Different birds prefer different foods, so choosing the right seed increases the chances of attracting visitors.

Popular bird food options include:

• Black oil sunflower seeds (loved by most birds)

• Mixed birdseed blends

• Nyjer (thistle) seeds for finches

• Cracked corn for ground-feeding birds

• Peanut pieces (unsalted)

• Suet or suet cakes for colder months

15 Easy & Creative Bird Feeders DIY Ideas

1. Pine Cone Bird Feeder (Perfect for Kids)

This classic DIY bird feeder is simple, adorable, and great for beginners.

Supplies:

• Pine cones

• Peanut butter or suet

• Birdseed

• String or twine

Coat the pine cone in peanut butter, roll it in birdseed, tie a string, and hang it from a tree branch. This project is especially popular during fall and winter.

2. Recycled Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

Turn an empty water or soda bottle into a functional bird feeder in minutes.

How it works:

• Cut small holes for feeding ports

• Insert wooden spoons or dowels

• Fill with birdseed

• Hang using string or wire

This is one of the most eco-friendly bird feeders DIY options and works well for small birds.

3. Mason Jar Bird Feeder

A mason jar bird feeder adds rustic charm to your outdoor space.

Why it’s great:

• Keeps seed dry

• Easy to refill

• Looks cute on porches or balconies

Pair a mason jar with a shallow dish or chicken feeder base for a sturdy setup.

4. Orange Peel Bird Feeder

This biodegradable bird feeder is perfect for citrus lovers.

Steps:

• Cut an orange in half

• Scoop out the fruit

• Poke holes and tie twine

• Fill with birdseed

It’s compostable, colorful, and ideal for temporary feeding.

5. Wooden Spoon Bottle Feeder

This variation of the plastic bottle feeder gives birds a place to perch.

Wooden spoons stick through the bottle, letting birds sit comfortably while eating—great for sparrows and chickadees.

6. Teacup and Saucer Bird Feeder

For a vintage, cottage-core aesthetic, this DIY bird feeder is a showstopper.

Glue a teacup to a saucer, attach twine or chain, and fill with seed. This works beautifully as garden décor while still being functional.

7. Milk Carton Bird Feeder

An excellent project for classrooms or kids at home.

Decorate the carton with paint or stickers, cut feeding holes, and hang outside. It’s lightweight, customizable, and educational.

8. Tin Can Bird Feeder

Reuse clean tin cans for a colorful, modern feeder.

Paint the can, glue a perch, and hang horizontally or vertically. Add drainage holes to prevent soggy seed.

9. Apple Bird Feeder

Slice an apple in half, remove the core, and press birdseed into the flesh.

Hang with twine or place on a flat surface for ground-feeding birds. This feeder is biodegradable and compost-friendly.

10. Coconut Shell Bird Feeder

Coconut shells make sturdy, natural bird feeders DIY enthusiasts love.

Cut the shell in half, drill holes, add rope, and fill with seed or suet. This feeder holds up well in outdoor conditions.

11. LEGO Bird Feeder (Kid-Approved)

If you have spare LEGO bricks, you can build a colorful bird feeder platform.

Create a tray-style feeder and hang it securely. This project encourages creativity and engineering skills.

12. Cookie Cutter Bird Seed Ornaments

These decorative feeders are especially popular during holidays.

Mix gelatin with birdseed, press into cookie cutters, let dry, and hang. They’re festive, fun, and functional.

13. Wine Bottle Bird Feeder

Turn an empty wine bottle into a sleek feeder.

Attach it upside down to a wooden base or hanger so seed dispenses slowly. This design helps reduce waste and mess.

14. Gourd Bird Feeder

Dry gourds make excellent natural feeders.

Cut an opening, clean out the inside, and hang. These feeders attract birds while blending beautifully into nature.

15. Platform Bird Feeder (DIY Wood Project)

For experienced DIYers, a platform feeder offers versatility.

Build a simple wooden tray with drainage holes and hang or mount it. This attracts larger birds like cardinals and blue jays.

Where to Hang Your DIY Bird Feeders

Placement matters when it comes to bird feeders DIY success.

Best practices:

• Hang feeders 5–10 feet off the ground

• Keep them away from predators

• Place near trees or shrubs for shelter

• Avoid areas with heavy foot traffic

If you live in an apartment, balcony railings or window-mounted hooks work well.

How to Keep DIY Bird Feeders Clean

Cleaning is essential for bird health.

Tips:

• Wash feeders every 1–2 weeks

• Use hot water and mild soap

• Let feeders dry completely

• Discard moldy or wet seed

Clean feeders attract more birds and prevent disease.

Seasonal Bird Feeder DIY Ideas

DIY bird feeders can change with the seasons:

• Spring: Fruit-based feeders

• Summer: Open platform feeders

• Fall: Pine cone and seed ornaments

• Winter: Suet feeders and high-fat seeds

Switching up your feeders keeps birds coming back year-round.

Bird Feeders DIY: Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using salted or flavored foods

• Forgetting drainage holes

• Placing feeders too close to windows

• Not cleaning feeders regularly

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your feeders stay safe and effective.

Final Thoughts: Why Bird Feeders DIY Are Worth It

Creating bird feeders DIY projects is one of the simplest ways to connect with nature, beautify your outdoor space, and reuse materials you already have. Whether you’re crafting with kids, decorating for the seasons, or simply enjoying peaceful bird-watching moments, DIY bird feeders offer endless possibilities.

From pine cones and mason jars to recycled bottles and vintage teacups, there’s a DIY bird feeder for every style, skill level, and budget.