How to Make Bird Feeders from Recycled Containers

I just love when birds some to visit my little back yard. They take my mind off the housework for a second and bring me a sense of wonder and a moment of amusement.

I found that I can make a bird feeder quite easily with a few things that are hanging around the house. I usually have a few plastic bottles ready to take to the recycling bin. By preparing a bird feeder, I can get the birds to come and stay for a while by giving them a little more incentive.

If you loves birds as I do, you could also make a bird feeder as a family project or do it yourself. If you are looking for something to keep your children busy this summer, you could suggest they make a simple birdhouse out of a used juice bottle. You could use the small bottles or even the one-quart bottles.

First of all, wash them well with a little soap and water. Draw where you want the opening to be on the side where the birds can enter to get the seed. You can start the hole by using a sharp knife (help younger children with this) and then insert scissors into the hole to finish cutting out the circle.

If you decide to decorate the bird feeder, make sure to use acrylic paints or magic markers which are non-toxic.

Mostly what you need is something to hang the bird feeder with, which could include a small rope, string or wire. You need a place to hold the bird seed, little holes that will allow any water to drain out in case it rains, a place for the birds to perch (which could be the branch where you hang it), like a dowel or rod you add.

Here are some other suggestions for different bird feeders which are easy to make.

Milk carton bird feeder: Use a two-quart milk box and cut the hole big enough for the bird to perch on the side. Or you can stick a chopstick through the side for the bird to perch on.

Pinecone bird feeder: Spread lard or peanut butter around a pinecone with a spoon - try to get it into the little spaces. Then sprinkle birdseed on the sticky pinecone. You can hang two together over a branch or just hang a single one.

Pie tin: You can use a small pie tin like those used for meat pies and make a mixture of lard or peanut butter and bird seed. Spread it in the bottom and hang with wire or string.

Peanut butter jar: Cut out a hole in side and also add a dowel by pushing through about an inch from the bottom of the jar. Attach it with waterproof glue or hot glue gun.

Bagel feeder: Coat a bagel with peanut butter and then roll it in cornmeal or mixed birdseed and hang it on a tree branch.

Cherrios bird feeder: String cherrios or other cereals that have a hole. You could also coat the cereal with peanut butter. Then hang them on your bushes.

These simple bird feeders can bring you and your children many interesting opportunities to watch the birds and observe their habits.

All wild birds really need to be attracted to a backyard are food, water, shelter or a nesting site. If you offer several different foods, you will attract a greater variety of birds.

Birds love: seeds, nectar, fruits, insects, scraps, and nuts. It is advised that you also add water to your back yard either in a bird bath, pond, waterfall or stream. Make sure to change the water often so you do not harm the birds. Be sure to check the food you set out to make sure it does not rot or spoil. If it is, replace it. You don't want to spread diseases to the birds.

We had a big bush at our last home that attracted birds. One day we found a little nest that they had crafted with pieces of this and that.

Types of seed that birds eat. Birds have different tastes and a certain seed will attract a particular variety of birds. Here are the most commonly used birdseed. Cracked corn, hulled sunflower seeds, Red Milo, millet, safflower seeds, and black oil sunflower seeds.

There are also different grades of birdseed, usually commercial birdseed mix and premium songbird birdseed mix. You might want to try the different types in a variety of feeders to see how many different kinds of birds you can attract. You can also put left over rice in your bird feeder. If it begins to spoil, then replace it.

Store the birdseed in a cool, dry area in airtight containers.

Don't worry that the birds will starve if you forget to refill your feeder. Wild birds are perfectly capable of finding other sources of food.