Creating your own DIY feeders for birds, wildlife, or pets can be a rewarding experience that connects you with nature while saving money. For beginners, the world of DIY projects might seem intimidating, but numerous simple feeder designs require minimal tools, materials, and expertise. These accessible projects not only provide nourishment for various creatures but also add charm to your outdoor spaces. Whether you’re looking to attract colorful birds to your garden, feed local wildlife, or create enrichment for your pets, these beginner-friendly feeder projects will help you get started on your DIY journey with confidence and creativity.
Pine Cone Bird Feeders
Pine cone bird feeders stand as perhaps the most accessible DIY feeder project for absolute beginners, requiring just a few household items and no tools. To create one, simply collect fallen pine cones, tie sturdy string or twine around the top for hanging, and spread peanut butter generously into the cone’s crevices using a butter knife or spoon. Once covered in peanut butter, roll the sticky pine cone in birdseed until thoroughly coated, allowing the seeds to adhere to the natural grooves and spaces. This project makes for an excellent activity with children, teaching them about wildlife while creating something functional for backyard birds. The completed feeders can be hung from tree branches, porch overhangs, or shepherd’s hooks, providing nourishing food for a variety of seed-eating birds.
Plastic Bottle Bird Feeders
Repurposing plastic bottles into bird feeders represents both an eco-friendly and beginner-friendly project that helps reduce waste while attracting feathered visitors. Start with a clean plastic bottle (soda bottles or water bottles work perfectly) and use scissors or a craft knife to cut feeding ports about 1-2 inches from the bottom—adults should assist children with this step. Insert wooden spoons, dowels, or even pencils through the bottle to create perches just below each feeding port, ensuring birds have a place to land while eating. Fill the bottle with birdseed through the top opening, then replace the cap securely before hanging the feeder using strong wire or cord threaded through holes punched near the top. These feeders are remarkably durable, weather-resistant, and can be customized with non-toxic paint for added visual appeal in your garden.
Wooden Spoon Suet Feeders
Wooden spoon suet feeders offer high-energy food for birds with minimal construction effort, making them perfect for DIY beginners. Begin by collecting several wooden spoons from dollar stores or thrift shops, as these inexpensive utensils form the perfect base for this simple project. Create a homemade suet mixture by melting one part peanut butter with one part lard or shortening, then mixing in a combination of cornmeal, oats, birdseed, dried fruit, and unsalted nuts until you achieve a thick, moldable consistency. Once prepared, press the suet mixture firmly onto the bowl portion of each wooden spoon, ensuring it adheres well to create a substantial feeding surface. Hang these loaded spoons from tree branches using natural twine tied around the handle, positioning them where you can observe visiting woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and other suet-loving birds throughout the year.
Paper Tube Roll Feeders
Transforming empty toilet paper or paper towel tubes into bird feeders represents perhaps the most budget-friendly DIY option available to beginners. Start by collecting several cardboard tubes and punching a hole near the top for hanging purposes. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter, honey, or corn syrup around the outside of the tube to create a sticky surface that will hold seeds in place. Roll the coated tube in a shallow dish filled with birdseed, pressing gently to ensure maximum seed adhesion across the entire surface. Thread string, yarn, or twine through the top hole and tie securely to create a hanging loop that will support the feeder when placed outdoors. These biodegradable feeders naturally decompose over time, making them an environmentally conscious choice that can be regularly replaced with minimal effort or expense.
Orange Cup Oriole Feeders
Oriole feeders made from orange halves offer a specialized feeding option that requires no tools and minimal preparation while attracting these striking orange and black birds to your yard. Begin by cutting an orange in half and scooping out the fruit flesh to create two hollow citrus cups, retaining the removed fruit for later use. Poke three or four evenly spaced holes near the rim of each orange half, threading string through these holes and tying them together at the top to create a hanging basket. Fill the orange cup with grape jelly, orange segments, or a simple sugar water solution (one part sugar to four parts water) to attract orioles during their migration and breeding seasons. These natural feeders not only provide nourishment but also utilize the oriole’s natural attraction to the color orange and citrus scents, increasing your chances of drawing these sometimes elusive birds to your feeding station.
Simple Platform Feeders
Platform feeders represent one of the most versatile feeding options for attracting a wide variety of birds while requiring only basic woodworking skills. Start with a piece of untreated wood measuring approximately 12 by 12 inches (though dimensions can be adjusted based on available materials) and attach a small rim around the edges using thin strips of wood or molding to prevent seed spillage. Drill several small drainage holes through the bottom to prevent water accumulation during rainstorms, which helps keep seed dry and prevents mold growth. Attach eye hooks to each corner and connect them with wire, rope, or chain to create a hanging mechanism that distributes weight evenly. These platform feeders work exceptionally well for larger birds like cardinals, jays, and doves that may struggle with tube-style feeders, and they can accommodate a variety of food types including seed mixes, fruits, nuts, and even mealworms.
PVC Pipe Bird Feeders
PVC pipe feeders represent slightly more advanced projects that still remain accessible to beginners with basic tools. Start with a section of 3-4 inch diameter PVC pipe cut to approximately 12-18 inches in length, which can typically be done at hardware stores if you lack cutting tools. Drill several 1-inch feeding holes along the length of the pipe, spacing them evenly on alternate sides to create multiple feeding ports. Attach end caps to both ends of the pipe, securing one permanently with PVC cement while leaving the other removable for easy refilling with birdseed. Insert wooden dowels or purchased perches through smaller holes drilled directly beneath each feeding port, providing birds with comfortable places to perch while eating. Hang the completed feeder using eye bolts inserted through the top of the pipe, connected to weather-resistant cord or chain that can withstand outdoor conditions throughout the seasons.
Mason Jar Seed Dispensers
Mason jar seed dispensers combine vintage charm with functional design, creating attractive feeders that showcase the colorful seeds inside. Begin with a clean mason jar with secure lid and locate a small chicken feeder base (available at farm supply stores or online) that will screw onto the jar’s threading in place of the original lid. If you can’t find a commercial feeder base, you can create your own by drilling small holes in a mason jar lid and attaching a shallow dish or tray beneath it using strong glue suitable for outdoor use. Fill the jar with your chosen birdseed, then invert it over the feeding tray so gravity continuously dispenses small amounts of seed as birds consume what’s available. Mount your completed feeder on a post, hang it from a sturdy branch, or attach it to a fence using specialized mason jar wall brackets for an attractive feeding station that doubles as garden decor.
Milk Carton Feeders
Milk or juice carton feeders offer an excellent upcycling project that transforms everyday packaging into functional wildlife feeding stations. Begin by thoroughly washing and drying an empty half-gallon or gallon carton, then use scissors to cut rectangular or circular feeding ports on opposite sides of the container, approximately 2-3 inches from the bottom. Create small perches by inserting wooden dowels, popsicle sticks, or even sturdy twigs through holes punched directly below each feeding port. Seal the top opening with waterproof tape or fold it closed securely to protect the seed from precipitation, and punch a hole through this sealed top for hanging purposes. Decorate the exterior with non-toxic, waterproof paint or contact paper to extend its weather resistance and add visual appeal to your garden space. These feeders typically last several months before needing replacement, making them a temporary but effective feeding solution.
Coconut Shell Feeders
Coconut shell feeders blend natural materials with simple construction to create rustic feeding stations perfect for beginner crafters. Start by selecting a whole coconut and carefully drain the liquid before cutting it in half with a saw (seeking assistance if needed with this more challenging step). Scoop out the coconut meat to create two hollow hemispheres, which can be used for separate feeders or combined to create a globe-shaped design. Drill three evenly spaced holes near the rim of each half and thread weather-resistant cord through these holes, knotting them securely to create a hanging system that evenly distributes weight. Fill the coconut shell with seed, suet, or fruit depending on the birds you wish to attract, and hang from a branch or shepherd’s hook at a height that allows for easy observation. The natural coconut shell material blends beautifully with garden environments while providing a biodegradable, environmentally friendly feeding option.
Clay Pot Hangers
Terracotta clay pot feeders represent an aesthetically pleasing option that incorporates garden materials in new ways. Begin with a clean clay pot and matching saucer sized between 4-8 inches in diameter, depending on your space and feeding goals. Thread strong cord, wire, or chain through the drainage hole in the pot’s bottom, securing it with a large knot or washer inside that prevents it from pulling through. Invert the pot and place the saucer on top, creating a covered feeding platform that protects seed from some precipitation while remaining accessible to birds. Fill the saucer with birdseed, fruit pieces, or mealworms, adjusting the hanging height to deter squirrels while remaining visible from your viewing location. These simple yet elegant feeders weather naturally over time, developing an attractive patina that enhances their rustic garden appeal while providing year-round feeding opportunities for local birds.
Recycled Tin Can Feeders
Tin can feeders transform kitchen waste into functional wildlife feeding stations with minimal effort and expense. Begin by thoroughly cleaning an empty food can (soup cans or coffee cans work well) and removing any sharp edges with a file or by covering them with heavy-duty tape for safety. Paint the exterior with non-toxic, outdoor-suitable paint to prevent rusting and add visual appeal to your garden space. Drill two holes near the top rim on opposite sides and thread wire through these holes to create a secure hanging mechanism. For even simpler construction, attach the can horizontally to a tree or fence post using screws through its bottom, creating a shelf-like feeding station. Fill the can with birdseed, suet, or fruit pieces depending on your local bird population and seasonal needs. These durable feeders can withstand various weather conditions and provide feeding opportunities for multiple bird species throughout the year.
String Feeder Garlands
String feeder garlands offer perhaps the simplest construction method while creating decorative feeding opportunities across your garden space. Begin by selecting natural twine, jute, or cotton string that will biodegrade naturally over time without harming wildlife. Thread a large-eyed needle with your chosen string and use it to pierce through bird-friendly foods like apple slices, orange segments, berries, grapes, or even unsalted popcorn. Alternate these food items with threaded cereal pieces like Cheerios or fruit loops to create colorful feeding strings that attract a variety of species. Once your garland reaches the desired length, hang it between trees, along fence lines, or across porch railings where birds can easily access the food while remaining somewhat protected from predators. These temporary feeders work especially well during winter months when natural food sources become scarce, providing essential nourishment while adding festive decoration to winter landscapes.
Conclusion
DIY feeder projects offer an accessible entry point into both crafting and wildlife appreciation, connecting beginners with nature through simple, rewarding creations. These twelve easy projects demonstrate that effective feeders don’t require specialized skills, expensive materials, or complex tools—just creativity and basic household items. Beyond providing nourishment for local wildlife, these homemade feeders create opportunities for observation, photography, and developing deeper connections with the natural world around us. As you gain confidence through these beginner projects, you may find yourself inspired to attempt more complex designs, experiment with different feeding strategies for specific species, or even develop your own unique feeder innovations. Regardless of which project you choose to begin with, the satisfaction of watching creatures enjoy your handcrafted creation makes every DIY feeder a worthwhile endeavor.