Engaging children in nature-based activities not only cultivates their appreciation for wildlife but also develops their creative and motor skills. DIY bird feeders represent the perfect intersection of craft, education, and environmental stewardship. These simple projects allow children to create something functional with their own hands while learning about local bird species and their feeding habits. Making bird feeders with kids also provides an opportunity to discuss important ecological concepts like habitat preservation and the role birds play in our ecosystem. In this article, we’ll explore various easy-to-make bird feeders that require minimal materials, basic skills, and can be completed in a short time frame – perfect for children’s attention spans.
Why Bird Feeders Are Great Projects for Kids
Bird feeders serve as wonderful educational tools that connect children to the natural world around them. When kids create and maintain bird feeders, they develop a sense of responsibility for wildlife care while practicing patience as they wait for feathered visitors. These projects also promote scientific observation skills as children identify different bird species, notice feeding patterns, and track seasonal changes in bird populations. Additionally, making bird feeders encourages sustainable thinking by teaching children how to repurpose everyday items that might otherwise end up in landfills. The hands-on nature of these crafts helps develop fine motor skills and provides a screen-free activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
The Classic Pine Cone Feeder
Perhaps the most accessible bird feeder for young children is the pine cone feeder, which uses materials easily found in nature or around the home. To create this simple feeder, start by collecting large pine cones during a nature walk – an activity that itself becomes part of the educational experience. Next, tie a piece of string or yarn around the top of the pine cone, creating a loop for hanging. Have children spread peanut butter (or a seed-based butter for those with allergies) onto the pine cone using a plastic knife or popsicle stick, making sure to push it into all the crevices. Finally, roll the sticky pine cone in birdseed until well-coated, and hang it from a tree branch where birds can easily access it but is safe from predators. This project takes less than 15 minutes to complete but provides days of bird-watching enjoyment.
Recycled Milk Carton Feeder
Transforming an empty milk carton into a bird feeder teaches children the value of recycling while creating a functional craft. Begin by thoroughly rinsing a half-gallon or quart-sized carton and allowing it to dry completely. Help children cut a large rectangular opening on one or both sides of the carton, leaving at least a 1-inch edge to prevent seed spillage. Punch a hole in the top of the carton and thread sturdy string or twine through it for hanging. Children can decorate the exterior with non-toxic paint, markers, or by gluing on natural materials like leaves and twigs – just ensure any decorations are weather-resistant. Fill the bottom of the carton with birdseed, and hang it from a tree branch or hook. This design protects the seed from rain while providing easy access for visiting birds.
Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
The toilet paper roll feeder demonstrates how everyday household waste can be repurposed into something beneficial for wildlife. Begin by collecting empty toilet paper rolls – a material that most households have in abundance. Have children spread peanut butter on the outside of the roll using a craft stick or plastic knife. Once coated, they can roll the sticky cardboard tube in birdseed until completely covered. Thread a piece of string through the center of the roll and tie it securely for hanging. This ultra-simple project requires minimal supervision for older children and creates minimal mess. The biodegradable nature of the cardboard means that even if the feeder eventually falls to the ground after use, it will naturally decompose without harming the environment.
Orange Cup Feeder
The orange cup feeder introduces children to the concept that food waste can serve new purposes in nature. Start by cutting an orange in half and helping children carefully scoop out the fruit (which they can enjoy eating during the craft). Poke three evenly-spaced holes near the rim of the orange peel and thread string through them, tying the ends together to create a hanging basket. Fill the orange cup with birdseed – the natural citrus scent actually attracts certain bird species. This feeder is completely biodegradable and provides a pop of color in the garden or yard. As an added educational element, explain to children how the orange peel will eventually break down and return nutrients to the soil, demonstrating the natural cycle of decomposition.
Popsicle Stick Platform Feeder
A platform feeder made from popsicle sticks introduces slightly more complex construction skills while remaining manageable for most children. Start by having kids arrange and glue popsicle sticks side by side to form a flat surface approximately 6 inches square. Once dry, add a border by gluing popsicle sticks around the perimeter, standing them on edge to create a lip that will prevent seed spillage. Attach four more sticks perpendicular to the bottom to create legs, or alternatively, attach string to the corners for a hanging version. Children can paint their creation with non-toxic, weather-resistant paint before filling it with seed. This design attracts a wider variety of birds, including larger species that might not use tube-style feeders, providing children with more diverse bird-watching opportunities.
Plastic Bottle Seed Dispenser
Repurposing a plastic bottle into a seed dispenser teaches resource conservation while creating an effective bird feeder. Begin with a clean, dry plastic bottle (soda bottles or water bottles work well). Help children make small holes approximately 1/4 inch in diameter on opposite sides of the bottle, positioning them about 2 inches from the bottom. Insert a wooden dowel or strong twig through these holes to create a perch for birds. Then, cut feeding ports about 1/2 inch in diameter just above the perch so birds can access the seed. Create a few drainage holes in the very bottom to prevent water accumulation. Fill the bottle with birdseed through the top, replace the cap, and hang the feeder using strong string or wire threaded through holes punched near the bottle’s neck. This design dispenses seed gradually as birds feed, minimizing waste.
Paper Plate Weaving Feeder
The paper plate weaving feeder introduces children to basic weaving skills while creating a functional bird feeding station. Start with two paper plates, and help children cut slits around the edges of both plates, making sure the cuts on both plates align. Have them weave colorful yarn in and out of the slits, connecting the two plates while leaving a space between them. Before completing the weaving, fill the space between the plates with birdseed. Finish weaving to seal the edges, leaving a small opening at the top for refilling. Punch three holes equidistant around the top rim and thread string through to create a hanger. While not as weather-resistant as some other designs, this feeder allows children to practice pattern-making and fine motor skills, and can be replaced easily when worn out.
Cookie Cutter Seed Ornaments
Seed ornaments made with cookie cutters bring a decorative element to bird feeding while teaching children about binding agents and mixtures. To create these attractive feeders, mix 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of corn syrup, and 3 packages of unflavored gelatin in a bowl until well combined. Add 4 cups of birdseed and stir until the seeds are completely coated with the mixture. Help children press this mixture into cookie cutters placed on parchment paper, making sure to create a hole at the top using a straw or pencil for hanging. Allow the ornaments to dry completely (usually 24-48 hours), then gently remove them from the cookie cutters. Thread ribbon, twine, or string through the hole and hang these decorative feeders from tree branches. This project combines chemistry, measurement skills, and creativity while producing long-lasting bird feeders.
Coconut Shell Feeder
A coconut shell feeder introduces children to natural materials while creating a durable, weather-resistant feeding station. Begin with a halved coconut shell that has had the coconut meat removed (you can use this in cooking projects). Drill three evenly spaced holes near the rim of the shell – an adult task – and thread strong cord or wire through these holes, bringing them together at the top to form a hanger. Children can fill the shell with a mixture of birdseed, dried fruit, and unsalted nuts to attract a variety of bird species. The natural appearance of the coconut blends beautifully into garden settings while its hard shell withstands weather conditions better than many homemade alternatives. As an educational component, discuss how coconuts themselves are dispersed in nature, sometimes traveling across oceans before taking root on distant shores.
Ice Cream Cone Surprise
The ice cream cone surprise feeder transforms a summer treat container into winter bird nourishment. Begin with sugar cones rather than waffle cones for better durability. Have children spread peanut butter on the outside of the cone, then roll it in birdseed until well-coated. Fill the inside of the cone with more seed, interspersed with high-energy treats like suet pieces, crushed nuts, or dried fruit. Thread a piece of string through the pointed end of the cone for hanging. This design is particularly appealing during winter months when birds need extra calories to maintain body heat. The cone itself is biodegradable and provides an additional treat for birds once they’ve consumed the seeds. This project helps children understand how wild birds adapt to seasonal changes and the importance of supplemental feeding during harsh weather.
Selecting the Right Seeds for Your Feeder
Teaching children about appropriate bird food enhances the educational value of their feeder project. Explain that different seed types attract different bird species – black oil sunflower seeds attract the widest variety, while nyjer (thistle) seeds appeal specifically to finches. Mixed seed blends provide variety but may result in waste as birds pick through for favorites. Create an opportunity for scientific observation by setting up multiple feeders with different seed types and having children record which birds prefer which seeds. Emphasize the importance of providing clean, dry seed that hasn’t been treated with chemicals or pesticides. Explain to children that while feeding birds is helpful, especially in winter, the best way to support bird populations is by preserving natural habitats where they can find their traditional food sources.
Maintaining Your Bird Feeders
Proper maintenance of bird feeders teaches children responsibility while protecting the health of visiting birds. Establish a regular cleaning schedule for permanent feeders, explaining that dirty feeders can spread diseases among bird populations. Show children how to empty old seed, wash feeders with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before refilling. Encourage regular monitoring of seed levels and quality, removing any seed that has become wet or moldy immediately. Position feeders where children can easily observe the birds but where the feeders are protected from extreme weather and predators. Discuss the commitment involved in feeding wild birds – once you start, especially in winter, birds may become dependent on your food source, so consistency is important.
Learning Through Observation
The creation of bird feeders marks the beginning rather than the end of the learning experience. Encourage children to keep a bird journal where they can record species they observe, feeding behaviors, and seasonal patterns. Provide field guides appropriate to your region or child-friendly bird identification apps to help them learn to recognize different species. Set up a comfortable observation station with binoculars and a notebook where children can quietly watch without disturbing the birds. Discuss scientific concepts like adaptation (bird beak shapes related to food preferences) and migration (which birds stay year-round versus seasonal visitors). This ongoing observation turns a simple craft project into a long-term study of natural history and ecological relationships, potentially sparking a lifelong interest in ornithology and conservation.
Conclusion
Creating DIY bird feeders with children combines creativity with conservation, teaching valuable lessons about wildlife care while developing craft skills. These simple projects use readily available materials to create functional feeders that attract a variety of bird species for observation and enjoyment. Beyond the immediate satisfaction of completing a hands-on project, these feeders establish an ongoing connection to the natural world that can foster environmental awareness and responsibility. As children watch their homemade creations become gathering spots for local birds, they develop an appreciation for wildlife that often extends into broader conservation interests. The simplicity of these projects belies their educational power – through making, maintaining, and observing bird feeders, children gain insights into ecology, animal behavior, and the importance of preserving habitats for all creatures.