How to Make a Bird Feeder?

If you love having feathered friends in your backyard then having a bird feeder will simply help you to add to their numbers. It is often seen that many birds migrate south for the winter whereas quite a few hang around during the cold winter months. The winter season especially makes it difficult for the birds when it comes to hunting for their food. The ground being covered with snow, adds to their difficulties.

You might have often wondered how to make a bird feeder. Well, remember one important thing if you are planning to feed birds - you will need to do this activity with dedication all the year round; as gradually the birds tend to be dependent on the bird feeder, especially during the winter season. There are hanging bird feeders as well as platform bird feeders. In case of a hanging bird feeder, the bird seed is dispensed through a small opening in the bird feeder. Where as for the platform bird feeder, the bird seed is placed on the platform itself where the birds can peck at the pile of seeds. When making a bird feeder, you will also have to consider the safety factor. Cats are always on the prowl so you will need to select a particularly safe area and appropriate height for the bird feeder. Squirrels can also tend to frequent such bird feeders very often. In such cases, your bird feeder will need to be squirrel proof as well.

Bird feeders are also available in a variety of styles and sizes. For most people, the landscaping of the garden is planned with great attention to minute details. People are known to plan for hours about the plants and the items needed for decoration that would help to enhance the overall ambiance of the garden. In such cases, there are many unique designs of bird feeders available as well. These not only play the basic role, these are also used as a work of art for the backyard. Such unique bird feeders come in the shape of flowers, creatures, artifacts etc that add to the beauty of your green haven.

Well, if you wish to avoid any such fancy purchases, the good news is that such bird feeders can even be made at home. You do not require fancy bird feeders to attract your little feathered friends. Here are some easy steps you can utilize to make your own bird feeder at home.

How to make a Bird Feeder:
What you will need-

• Dowel Rods
• Scissors
• Thin Wires (2 Feet)
• Common Nails (to poke holes)
• Milk jug (1 gallon)
• Birdseeds

First, you need to wash an empty 1-gallon plastic milk jug thoroughly. Ensure you remove any signs of milk residue, which could be inside it. Then, put the cap on. Keep the milk jug right side up on the work surface area. Now, cut four large holes, which are around 3 to 4 inch in diameter on two adjacent sides of the jug, opposite the handle. Also ensure that you cut these holes in the middle portion, on the higher side so that the seeds do not spill out, once you put them into the jug. Then, use a large nail to punch a small hole below the two large holes. Insert a rod or a dowel into this hole, which the birds can utilize to perch themselves. This perch should be having enough length so that at least 2 inches can stick out to provide a comfortable perching spot. Then, use a large nail and punch two holes in the neck of the jug. This should be around one inch below the cap. Use the long piece of wire to pass it through the two holes. Twist this tightly around the caps several times. Now, all you need to do is fill the bird feeder with seeds and use this wire to hang the feeder at the appropriate spot.

Always ensure you clean the bird feeder regularly. The kind of birds you wish to attract also depends upon the seeds you use for the bird feeder. Black oil sunflower seeds are known to attract a variety of birds. I am hoping your garden will definitely have plenty of such feathered visitors!