Instructions for Building Bird Feeders

Bird feeders help attract an array of different bird species to your garden, where you can sit and enjoy the scene of your flying garden visitors sharing a meal. There are many types of bird feeders available, but the most convenient ones are those with a self-feeding mechanism---essentially an angled container that releases seeds as ones from the bottom are eaten. Building your own bird feeders is a relatively simple task; you can have a new feeder up and on display in no time.

Things You'll Need

  • Plywood, 3/4-inch exterior grade
  • Table saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Wood putty
  • Wood glue
  • Clamps
  • Nails, 2-inch, galvanized
  • Plexiglas, 1/8-inch thick
  • 2 hinges
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Screw hooks
  • Chain, small links
  • Birdseed
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut your plywood into two 8-by-10-inch pieces; two 14.5-by-2-inch pieces; and two 8-by-16-inch pieces.

    • 2

      Measure 2 1/2 inches in from either side on one 8-inch end of the 8-by-10-inch pieces and mark a point. You should have three inches between each point. Draw a line from each point that goes up and outward to meet the corners of the piece, creating a 'V' shape with a flat bottom. Set your table saw to cut a 1/4-inch depth and width, then cut a groove along the 'V' lines.

    • 3

      Measure one inch up from the bottom of the 'V' lines, and fill the grooves with putty from that point down. Let dry. Lay one 8-by-16-inch piece flat for the base of the feeder. Position the two 8-by-10 pieces on the ends of the 8-inch sides of the base, 'V' grooves facing inwards. The 8-inch ends of the 'V' pieces should be flush with the base and at right angles. Glue and clamp in place; let dry. Hammer a nail every inch through the glued joints.

    • 4

      Insert the 14.5-inch pieces along the open, long sides of the base, their ends abutting the 'V' grooved walls. Glue and clamp in place; let dry. Hammer a nail every inch through the glued joints.

    • 5

      Cut the Plexiglas on the saw to two equal pieces measuring 14.5-by-9-inches. Slide these pieces into the grooves on the inner side of the feeder walls to create a clear seed holder. The ends of the Plexiglas pieces will stop where the putty stops, leaving a 1-inch gap for the seed to fall through when you fill the container full.

    • 6

      Position the remaining 8-by-16-inch plywood piece over the top of the feeder, flush with the sides. Screw in the hinges, one portion on the side of the feeder, one on the lid, so you can lift the lid for refilling the seed.

    • 7

      Drill a pilot hole 2-inches down from the top of each side of the feeder, centered. Screw in the hooks and attach the chain between the hooks for hanging the feeder. Drill four small holes through the base, on center, for drainage.

    • 8

      Lift the lid of the feeder and fill the Plexiglas container full of seed. The seed will spill out the bottom a little and continue to do so as birds eat the seed from the sides; refill as necessary.