15 DIY Bird Feeders Ideas

If you’re someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, watching nature come to life, then a DIY bird feeder might be the perfect addition to your garden or backyard. Not only do bird feeders provide a valuable resource for local wildlife, but they also add charm and personality to your outdoor living spaces. Creating your own bird feeders is an affordable and rewarding way to attract a variety of birds to your yard. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned crafter, this list of 15 DIY bird feeders will inspire you to get creative and bring the beauty of birdwatching to your own home.

In this article, we’ll walk you through 15 easy-to-make bird feeders that are perfect for all kinds of birds and environments. From eco-friendly, recycled feeders to charming vintage-inspired designs, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s dive in!

1. Classic Pine Cone Bird Feeder

One of the simplest and most enjoyable DIY bird feeders is the classic pine cone feeder. This easy project is perfect for all skill levels, and it’s a wonderful way to reuse natural materials found right in your yard.

What You’ll Need:

• Pine cone
• Peanut butter
• Birdseed
• Twine or string

How to Make It:

Start by gathering a large pine cone—if you don’t already have one, they can often be found in local parks or forests. Once you have your pine cone, tie a piece of twine around the top to create a loop for hanging.

Next, spread peanut butter all over the pine cone, making sure to fill in every crevice. The peanut butter will act as a sticky base for the birdseed. Afterward, roll the pine cone in birdseed until it’s completely coated. Hang your creation from a tree branch and watch as the birds come flocking!

This bird feeder is great for attracting a variety of species, including chickadees, finches, and sparrows. It’s a fun, inexpensive, and effective way to feed the birds.

2. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and eco-conscious DIY project, look no further than the toilet paper roll bird feeder. Using recycled materials, you can make a bird feeder that works just as well as store-bought ones, all while doing your part for the planet.

What You’ll Need:

• Toilet paper roll
• Peanut butter or lard
• Birdseed
• Twine or string

How to Make It:

Take an empty toilet paper roll and spread a layer of peanut butter or lard over the entire surface. The stickiness of the peanut butter will help the birdseed adhere. Once it’s well-coated, roll the toilet paper roll in birdseed until it’s completely covered.

Tie a piece of twine through the hole in the center of the roll, and hang it from a tree or a feeding station. Not only is this feeder simple to make, but it’s also an effective way to feed smaller birds like finches, sparrows, and chickadees.

3. Hummingbird Feeder from a Mason Jar

Hummingbirds are a delight to watch, and creating a DIY feeder to attract these tiny, colorful birds can be incredibly rewarding. A mason jar hummingbird feeder is a simple and elegant option that can be made in no time.

What You’ll Need:

• Mason jar
• Small dish or saucer
• Wire or string for hanging
• Red dye-free nectar (or a mixture of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water)

How to Make It:

Start by filling your mason jar with the nectar solution. Next, take a small dish or saucer, and securely attach it to the lid of the mason jar. Drill small holes in the lid (if it doesn’t already have feeding ports), making sure they are big enough for the hummingbirds to feed from.

Once your feeder is assembled, attach a wire or string to the top of the jar and hang it from a tree branch. Hummingbirds are particularly attracted to red, so be sure to use a red-colored jar or add a few red decorations to catch their attention.

Keep your nectar fresh by changing it out every few days, especially during hot weather, to ensure the birds stay healthy and happy.

4. Teacup Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for a charming and whimsical way to feed the birds, a teacup bird feeder might be the perfect project for you. This DIY feeder adds a touch of vintage flair to your garden or porch while offering an inviting perch for your feathered friends.

What You’ll Need:

• Vintage teacup and saucer
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Birdseed

How to Make It:

Begin by gluing the teacup to the center of the saucer. Use a generous amount of glue to ensure a secure bond. Once the glue has dried, fill the teacup with birdseed and place the saucer underneath to catch any spilled seed.

To hang the feeder, you can attach a piece of twine or strong string to the handle of the teacup. Hang it from a tree branch or shepherd’s hook in your garden, and wait for the birds to arrive!

The teacup bird feeder is perfect for attracting smaller birds, such as finches and chickadees, and it adds a touch of personality to your outdoor space.

5. Wooden Log Feeder

For a rustic, natural look, a wooden log bird feeder is a great option. This type of feeder is perfect for larger birds, such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and jays. Not only will it help feed the birds, but it will also add a charming, woodland touch to your garden.

What You’ll Need:

• A large, thick log
• Drill with large bit
• Birdseed
• Twine (optional)

How to Make It:

Start by selecting a sturdy, thick log—make sure it’s not too dry or crumbly. Use a drill to make several deep holes in the log, large enough to hold birdseed. Fill each hole with birdseed, pressing it down to ensure it stays in place.

For extra stability, tie a piece of twine around the log to create a loop for hanging. You can hang the log from a tree branch or place it on the ground for birds to easily access the seeds.

This feeder is an excellent choice for attracting woodpeckers and other large birds, and it blends beautifully with outdoor, woodland-themed decor.

6. Upcycled Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

An upcycled plastic bottle bird feeder is a perfect example of turning something you already have into a functional and beautiful item. This project is not only a creative way to reuse plastic bottles, but it’s also a great way to feed a variety of bird species.

What You’ll Need:

• Empty plastic bottle
• Wooden spoons or dowels
• Birdseed
• Twine

How to Make It:

Take an empty plastic bottle and clean it thoroughly. Next, use a knife to cut small holes on opposite sides of the bottle. Insert wooden spoons or dowels through these holes so they stick out like perches.

Fill the bottle with birdseed, ensuring that the seed is accessible to the birds. Tie a piece of twine around the neck of the bottle to make it easy to hang from a tree branch.

This feeder is simple to make and works well for a variety of bird species, including finches, sparrows, and chickadees.

7. Cupcake Pan Bird Feeder

This fun and quirky feeder is an excellent way to reuse a muffin or cupcake pan while providing food for multiple birds at once. The cupcake pan bird feeder can hold different types of food in each section, making it ideal for a range of birds.

What You’ll Need:

• Cupcake pan
• Lard or suet
• Birdseed

How to Make It:

Start by melting the lard or suet in a saucepan. Once melted, pour the fat into the cupcake pan, filling each section about halfway. Then, sprinkle birdseed into each section, making sure the seed is evenly distributed.

Allow the mixture to cool and harden. Once the feeders are set, you can hang the cupcake pan from a tree or fence using string or wire. The multiple sections will allow different birds to feed at once, making it an excellent choice for attracting various species.

This is a great DIY project to make if you have a lot of birds visiting your yard!

8. Pine Branch Bird Feeder

For a rustic, nature-inspired bird feeder, try using pine branches. This simple yet effective DIY bird feeder can be made using materials that are readily available and adds a woodsy touch to your outdoor decor.

What You’ll Need:

• Pine branches
• Twine
• Birdseed

How to Make It:

Start by gathering a few pine branches—look for sturdy branches that will hold the birdseed. Lay the branches flat and tie them together with twine to create a base.

Next, coat the branches with peanut butter or lard, and roll them in birdseed until well covered. Hang the branches from a tree using additional twine or string.

This feeder is perfect for attracting woodsy birds, such as chickadees and nuthatches, and blends beautifully with natural outdoor spaces.

9. Wooden Spoon Bird Feeder

This unique DIY bird feeder combines a practical item with a touch of rustic charm. If you have a collection of old wooden spoons gathering dust in your kitchen, this project is a great way to repurpose them into something functional and beautiful for your garden.

What You’ll Need:

• Wooden spoons
• Birdseed
• Twine or wire

How to Make It:

Start by gathering a few old wooden spoons, preferably ones that you no longer use for cooking. You can easily find these at thrift stores or even repurpose your own if you have extras lying around.

To assemble the feeder, tie a piece of twine around the handle of each spoon, leaving enough slack to hang it from a tree. Then, spread peanut butter (or lard) along the spoon’s surface and roll it in birdseed. The spoons serve as both feeders and perches for the birds, making them functional and cute.

Hang your wooden spoons in various locations in your garden to create a delightful bird-watching area. These feeders are especially good for smaller birds like chickadees, sparrows, and finches.

10. Citrus Peel Bird Feeder

For a colorful and eco-friendly feeder, the citrus peel bird feeder is an excellent choice. It’s a simple project that involves using orange, lemon, or grapefruit peels, making it a perfect way to repurpose fruit scraps while feeding your feathered friends.

What You’ll Need:

• Orange, lemon, or grapefruit peel
• Peanut butter or lard
• Birdseed
• Twine

How to Make It:

Cut an orange or grapefruit in half and scoop out the flesh, leaving the peel intact. Tie a piece of twine through the top of each half for easy hanging.

Next, spread peanut butter or lard inside the peel and roll it in birdseed until it’s fully covered. Hang the citrus peel from a tree branch and watch as the birds flock to it. Not only is this feeder a fun way to reuse food scraps, but the vibrant colors also attract a variety of birds, including finches and jays.

This bird feeder is perfect for spring and summer months when citrus fruits are abundant. Plus, it’s a great project to do with kids or family members!

11. Hollowed-Out Gourd Feeder

Looking for a feeder that feels a little more seasonal and rustic? Try making a hollowed-out gourd bird feeder! This project is perfect for autumn or for creating a natural, earthy-feeling space in your garden.

What You’ll Need:

• Dried gourd
• Knife
• Birdseed
• Twine

How to Make It:

Start by selecting a dried gourd—these can be found at craft stores, farmers’ markets, or grown in your own garden. Use a knife to carefully hollow out the gourd, removing all the seeds and pulp.

Once the gourd is cleaned, tie a piece of twine through the top to create a hanging loop. Fill the hollowed gourd with birdseed, and hang it from a tree branch or a feeding station.

This bird feeder works best in the fall and winter months when natural food sources for birds are scarcer. It’s a beautiful and functional way to decorate your garden with seasonal flair while offering nourishment to local birds.

12. Colander Bird Feeder

If you’re a fan of vintage-style decor, then a colander bird feeder is a great project to tackle. Colanders are often found in thrift stores and can be transformed into a charming feeder that adds personality to your outdoor space.

What You’ll Need:

• Metal colander
• Birdseed
• Chain for hanging

How to Make It:

Start with a metal colander, ideally one that has a rustic or vintage look. You can often find these at second-hand shops or flea markets.

To assemble the feeder, fill the colander with birdseed. Use the colander’s holes to allow excess seed to fall through, ensuring a clean and efficient feeding station. Attach a chain or strong string to the handle of the colander for hanging.

This bird feeder is ideal for a variety of birds, including sparrows, chickadees, and finches. Its drainage holes also make it perfect for wet weather, as the seeds won’t get soggy.

13. Wooden Ladder Bird Feeder

If you’re looking for a unique and rustic way to hang multiple bird feeders, consider using an old wooden ladder. This DIY bird feeder setup adds height and visual interest to your yard while offering an array of birdseed options for your feathered friends.

What You’ll Need:

• Old wooden ladder
• Birdseed
• Twine or small feeders

How to Make It:

Begin by setting up an old wooden ladder in your garden, making sure it’s secure and stable. You can use a ladder you already own or purchase a vintage one from a thrift store.

Next, fill small containers, bowls, or hanging feeders with birdseed and place them on the rungs of the ladder. You can hang additional feeders using twine or string to create a tiered effect. The height of the ladder makes it easy for different species of birds to access food, from smaller sparrows to larger woodpeckers.

This feeder setup is not only functional but also adds a beautiful, rustic touch to your garden.

14. Bird Feeder from a Tea Kettle

If you love vintage teacups, you might also enjoy turning a charming old teapot or kettle into a bird feeder. This is a lovely way to repurpose a teapot and give it new life as a functional garden ornament.

What You’ll Need:

• Vintage teapot or kettle
• Birdseed
• Chain or wire for hanging

How to Make It:

Take an old teapot or kettle (preferably one you no longer use) and clean it thoroughly. Attach a piece of wire or chain to the handle to create a loop for hanging. Then, fill the teapot with birdseed, ensuring there’s enough room for the seeds to spill out and attract the birds.

This delightful bird feeder adds a whimsical touch to any garden, especially in a vintage or cottage-inspired outdoor space. Plus, it’s perfect for smaller species like finches and chickadees.

15. Jar Lid Bird Feeder

For an easy and cost-effective way to feed the birds, consider using jar lids as a base for a simple DIY feeder. This clever project lets you use upcycled materials while creating a fun and functional piece for your garden.

What You’ll Need:

• Jar lids
• Peanut butter or lard
• Birdseed
• Twine

How to Make It:

Start by spreading a thin layer of peanut butter or lard onto the jar lids. Roll the lids in birdseed until they are thoroughly covered. Tie a piece of twine around the edge of the lid and hang it from a tree or feeding station.

These feeders work well for small birds, such as finches and chickadees, and can be hung in multiple places around your yard for a charming, bird-friendly atmosphere.

Conclusion

DIY bird feeders are a fantastic way to add charm and functionality to your outdoor space while supporting local wildlife. Whether you’re using recycled materials, vintage finds, or natural elements from your yard, these 15 bird feeder ideas are sure to inspire creativity and attract a variety of beautiful birds to your garden.

By choosing different types of bird feeders, you’ll not only create a welcoming environment for your feathered friends, but you’ll also enhance your outdoor living area with handmade, nature-inspired decor. From classic pine cone feeders to whimsical teacup designs, the options are endless!

So, why not get started on your own bird feeder project today? You’ll be rewarded with the joy of watching beautiful birds visit your garden while knowing you’ve created something special for them.

Happy crafting and birdwatching!