How to Build a Bird Feeder

Over 50 million Americans classify themselves as birdwatchers and many of them set up regular feeding stations to provide their feathered friends with ample food and water. There are a wide variety of bird feeders available commercially, ranging from small hanging feeders that cost a few dollars in the department store to elaborate feeders that sell for hundreds of dollars. Fortunately, birds really don't care what their feeder looks like or how much it costs. All they really need is a feeder that meets their feeding and size requirements. What that means for you is that you can create simple feeders from recycled products that will provide your birds with a feeding station and provide you with hours of enjoyment.

Things You'll Need

  • PVC Pipe (3 by 12 inches)
  • Tuna can
  • Drill
  • Dowels
  • Wire (for hanger)
  • Metal pie plate
  • Scrap wood
  • Scarp trim
  • post
  • nails
  • Sunflower seed/ birdseed
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Instructions

  1. Hanging Sunflower Feeder

    • 1

      Obtain a scrap piece of 3-inch PVC pipe that is about 1 foot long. Be sure the pipe is clean and free of any chemicals. Wash and dry the pipe if you have any questions about chemical residue.

    • 2

      Drill 5/8-inch holes directly across from one another on opposite sides of the pipe. Repeat at intervals of 4 to 5 inches creating several sets. Insert a 5/8 inch dowel through the two holes so that about 2 inches stick out on each side of the pipe. These are the perches for you birdfeeder.

    • 3

      Drill holes about 2 inches above each dowel for seed ports. 5/8 inch holes will accommodate black oil sunflower seeds.

    • 4

      Drill two opposing holes 1 1/2 inches from the top of the feeder. String wire through the holes to form a loop that can be used as a hanger.

    • 5

      Block the bottom of the pipe with a tightly wadded piece of aluminum foil or glue the bottom of the pipe to a discarded metal pie plate. You could also use an old frisbee or any discarded container to catch fallen seeds and to seal the bottom of the feeder.

    • 6

      Fill with sunflower seeds and cover with a clean recycled tuna can to prevent the seeds from getting wet.

    • 7

      Hang in an area near shrubs or bushes to provide shelter for the birds.

    Platform Feeder

    • 8

      Create a platform feeder from scrap wood to provide feed for birds. This type of feeder is actually the most desired and will attract the widest variety of bird species.

    • 9

      Obtain a piece of plywood or other wood scrap that is at least a foot long and 10 inches wide. Two feet long is a better choice, but a smaller feeder will do if that is all you have to work with.

    • 10

      Tack scrap pieces of wood trim or other thin pieces of wood to the sides to create a lip to prevent seeds from falling off.

    • 11

      Drill holes in the wood at at random intervals to allow water to drain.

    • 12

      Mount to a wooden post in an area where there are shrubs or trees to provide shelter for the birds.

    • 13

      Scatter ample amounts of black oil sunflower seeds or any seed combination you prefer on the platform and sit back and wait for your feathered friends to find their new food source.