Bird feeders are a great way to attract birds to your yard, and while you could always buy one, they are really easy to make on your own.Wildlife groups don't use wood to make bird feeders because they can develop mold and contain chemicals that can make the birds sick.There are many things you can use to make your own bird feeders.
Step 1: There are small holes under the jug.
Take a marker and trace the openings on the sides of the jug across from the handle.You can add birdseed without spilling it if you mark the openings halfway up the jug.You can add your perches by drawing a small circle beneath the openings.Make sure the milk jug is clean.If you don't have a marker, use a pencil or pen.
Step 2: Cut the openings with scissors.
Carefully cut out the openings that you marked with a pair of scissors.There are jagged edges in the openings so make the cuts even and consistent.To push through the small holes you marked, use the point of the scissors.The smaller holes do not need to be precise or have smooth edges because you will push the rods through them.If you prefer, you could use a utility knife.
Step 3: Doweling rods should be pushed into the holes beneath the openings.
Doweling rods are small wooden rods used to fit together pieces of wood and are perfect for perches on your bird feeders.Push your rods into the small holes you poked out beneath them.Push them in far enough so they are held securely, but there is still a small amount of birds sticking out of the front for them to perch on.Doweling rods can be found at your local hardware store or online.You could use plastic straws or sticks that fit into the holes if you don't have doweling rods.
Step 4: Tie a string around the jug with birdseed.
Put birdseed through one of the openings and fill the jug halfway so it doesn't spill out.Wrap a string around the jug and tie a knot.You can use string, twine, or wire.
Step 5: Bird feeders can be hung outside to attract birds.
If you hang the string from your porch, birds will be able to see it.You can watch birds eat from the feeders if you hang them near a window.Squirrels and other animals can't get to the feeders if they're hung from the ground.It may take some time for birds to come to your feeders.You will likely have a steady stream of feathered visitors once they know where it is and how to eat from it.When the seed is low, refill the feeders.
Step 6: A bottle with a cap can be used to make a birdfeeder.
If you choose a plastic bottle, rinse it out well so there isn't any leftover mold orbacteria.The bottle should have a cap you can use to seal it so the seed doesn't get wet.Don't forget to rinse the soda bottle out well.If there are any, remove the wrappers from the bottle.
Step 7: There are two small holes in the bottle.
Take a pair of scissors or a knife and poke 2 holes in the bottle.The holes should be 2 inch (1.3 cm) apart.Make sure the holes are wide enough to fit twine.
Step 8: To make a loop, thread twine or wire through the holes and tie a knot.
Attach a length of twine or wire to one of the holes you made.Pull the twine or wire through the other hole.You can hang the bottle by tying a knot.The length of the twine or string is important.A 12 in (30 cm) length of twine or wire will hang down much further than a 4 in 10 cm length.The bottom of the bottle is where the bird feeders are located.
Step 9: Cut out the holes from the bottle cap.
To cut out a small hole near the bottle cap, use a pair of scissors or a knife.Make the opening even so there are no jagged edges.There are 2 holes in the bottle if you make another hole directly across from it.
Step 10: The holes have a chopstick through them.
Attach the chopstick to one of the openings you made near the bottle cap.All the way through the bottle and the other opening.If you want to create perches for your feeders, you need to push the chopstick out of the two holes.Go to your local Chinese restaurant to get a cheap pair of chopsticks.You can use a stick or a straw if you don't have a chopstick.
Step 11: The holes should be 3 inch (0.85 cm) above the perches.
Birds can access the seed inside of the feeders by cutting out a hole above the perches.Sharp edges could cut the birds, so make the openings even and consistent.The openings have to be large enough for birds to grab some birdseed.
Step 12: Attach the cap to the bottle with birdseed.
The birdseed can be poured into the bottle through the opening.After filling the bottle, replace the cap.The seed won't spill out if you screw it on tightly.
Step 13: The feeder can be hung on a tree branch or near a window.
Hang the bird feeders from a hook on your porch or attach them to a low hanging branch using the loop.Birds can see the feeders if they are placed somewhere that is free of obstructions, such as near a fence or on a branch with other branches around it that they can use to climb onto it.The corner of a shed or covered porch are places that make it difficult for birds to access the feeders.Simply pour more birdseed through the opening if you want to refill the feeders.Put the cap back up.
Step 14: Put a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed.
You can spread peanut butter all over a pinecone with a butter knife.If you put birdseed over the pinecone, it will stick to peanut butter.Attach a string to the top of the pinecone and hang it from a branch or porch to attract birds.Once the birds clean the pinecone, take it down.
Step 15: Cut a pumpkin in half, fill it with birdseed, and hang it.
Cut a pumpkin in half with a knife.It is a hollow shell if you remove all of the seeds.Push the sticks through the pumpkin to form a cross.The pumpkin will be cradled by the rope if the knot is placed at the center of the pumpkin.If you want to hang the pumpkin from a branch, tie the string or rope around it.The pumpkin will fall from the branch eventually.Once it is cleaned, you don't attract animals to the area.The pumpkin will fall apart if the birds eat all of the seed.
Step 16: If you want to hang the lemons with yarn, fill them with birdseed.
Remove the peel from a lemon, orange, or lime by cutting it in half with a knife.Tie a knot at the end of each piece of yarn you cut.There are 4 holes to be poked around the peel with a needle.Pull the yarn through the holes on the inside of the peel.Attach the strings together with a knot, fill the peel with birdseed, and hang the feeders from a tree.If the seed runs out, refill the feeders.Take the peels down when they start to rot.