How to Build a Dove Box Feeder

Dove box feeders can be suspended from sturdy tree limbs or from sturdy hooks. Box feeders need to be able to withstand the activity and weight of several doves. Ideally a dove box feeder is one square foot of space with a wire mesh bottom that allows good drainage while keeping seed from falling through. Well-placed feeders in open areas filled with seeds are inviting for doves and will quickly attract them.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 pieces of untreated wood, 1/2 inch thick, 2 inches wide and 12 inches long (for the base)
  • 12 feet of nylon rope
  • Staple gun and stainless steel staples
  • Wire cutters
  • Metal file
  • 2 square feet of number 6 wire mesh, diameter 0.035
  • Ten 1-inch nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the four pieces of 12-inch long, 2-inch thick boards on their sides, with the thinnest part of the board lying flush against the ground or workbench top, forming a square that is 2 inches deep.

    • 2

      Nail the four pieces together using two nails on each corner. This forms the frame that becomes the base of the bird feeder.

    • 3

      Lay the wire mesh over the bottom of the frame and staple it onto the bottom, placing staples one inch apart. This forms the bottom of the feeder that is 2 inches deep with a screen bottom stapled to the underside of the base.

    • 4

      Check to make sure you have a 2-inch-deep edge and the screen is securely stapled to the bottom of the frame.

    • 5

      Cut the rope in half. Staple the end of the first rope half to the inside corner of the feeder. Then staple the other end of the rope to the corner diagonal from it in the same fashion.

    • 6

      Staple the end of the second half of the rope to the inside of a free corner, then staple the other end of the rope to the corner diagonal from it in the same fashion.

    • 7

      Gather the ropes up in the center marionette-style and pull them where the feeder suspends balanced from the four ropes.

    • 8

      Gently set the feeder on the ground and tie the rope off, forming an end knot at the top of the four ropes.

    • 9

      Hang the feeder from a large branch and fill with seed.