Birds are some of nature’s most delightful visitors, bringing color, music, and life to our gardens and backyards. Encouraging children to build bird feeders is a wonderful way to connect them with the natural world, foster creativity, and teach them the importance of caring for wildlife.
The best part? Bird feeders don’t have to be complicated or expensive. With a little imagination and some everyday household items, kids can create fun and eco-friendly bird feeders that feathered friends will love.
Here are 10 bird feeders kids can easily make, complete with ideas, tips, and variations.
1. Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
This is perhaps the easiest bird feeder project for kids, and it’s also eco-friendly since it reuses cardboard.
Materials Needed:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Peanut butter (or sun butter for nut-free option)
- Birdseed
- String or yarn
Steps:
- Spread peanut butter all over the outside of the toilet paper roll.
- Roll it in birdseed until fully coated.
- Thread string through the roll and hang it on a tree branch.
Why Kids Love It: They can roll and coat the feeder themselves, and it’s ready in minutes.
Tip: Use chunky birdseed mixes with sunflower seeds for variety.
2. Pinecone Bird Feeder
This classic project combines a natural pinecone with tasty treats for birds.
Materials Needed:
- Large pinecones
- Peanut butter or nut-free spread
- Birdseed
- String
Steps:
- Tie string securely around the top of the pinecone.
- Spread peanut butter into the scales.
- Roll the pinecone in birdseed.
- Hang outdoors.
Why Kids Love It: Collecting pinecones can be part of the adventure, making the project a nature walk + craft activity.
Tip: Double-knot the string so the pinecone doesn’t fall when birds perch on it.
3. Milk Carton Bird Feeder
A recycled milk carton can easily be transformed into a little bird café.
Materials Needed:
- Clean, empty milk carton
- Scissors
- String
- Paints or markers
- Birdseed
Steps:
- Cut out a large square opening on each side of the carton.
- Decorate the outside with paints or markers.
- Punch a hole in the top and tie a string for hanging.
- Fill with birdseed and hang from a tree.
Why Kids Love It: They can paint and personalize the feeder however they like.
Tip: Add a popsicle stick perch below the openings so birds can sit comfortably.
4. Orange Peel Cup Feeder
This feeder is eco-friendly and compostable, plus it smells great while you make it.
Materials Needed:
- Orange
- Spoon
- String
- Birdseed
Steps:
- Cut the orange in half and scoop out the fruit.
- Poke holes near the rim and thread string through to make a hanging cup.
- Fill with birdseed and hang.
Why Kids Love It: It’s a fun sensory project—juicy, fragrant, and easy.
Tip: Grapefruit halves also work for bigger feeders.
5. Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
Turn a simple water bottle into a handy hanging feeder.
Materials Needed:
- Empty plastic water bottle
- Scissors or craft knife (adult help required)
- Wooden spoons or pencils
- String
- Birdseed
Steps:
- Cut small holes on opposite sides of the bottle.
- Push wooden spoons through so the handle sticks out as a perch.
- Fill with birdseed.
- Hang from a tree branch.
Why Kids Love It: They’ll enjoy seeing birds perch on the spoon handles while eating.
Tip: Make the holes just large enough for seeds to spill gradually.
6. Cereal Garland Feeder
This one doubles as a craft activity and a fun snack (if the kids sneak a bite).
Materials Needed:
- Cheerios or similar cereal with holes
- String or pipe cleaners
Steps:
- Thread cereal pieces onto string or pipe cleaner.
- Tie the ends to make a loop.
- Hang from tree branches.
Why Kids Love It: Threading cereal is like making jewelry, but for birds.
Tip: Make several smaller garlands to decorate different parts of the garden.
7. Cookie Cutter Bird Seed Shapes
These adorable feeders look like holiday ornaments and are perfect for seasonal fun.
Materials Needed:
- Cookie cutters (stars, hearts, etc.)
- Birdseed
- Gelatin
- String
Steps:
- Mix birdseed with unflavored gelatin and water (follow package instructions).
- Press mixture into cookie cutters.
- Insert a loop of string before it sets.
- Let dry, then hang outside.
Why Kids Love It: They can make feeders in different shapes for holidays or birthdays.
Tip: Use wax paper to prevent sticking when drying.
8. Egg Carton Bird Feeder
Another clever way to reuse recyclables!
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard egg carton
- Scissors
- String
- Birdseed
Steps:
- Cut the lid off the carton.
- Punch holes in the corners and attach string to hang it.
- Fill each cup with birdseed.
Why Kids Love It: They can fill different sections with different seeds and observe which birds prefer what.
Tip: Use sturdy cardboard cartons, not foam ones.
9. Tin Can Bird Feeder
An upcycled tin can makes a durable bird feeder with a rustic touch.
Materials Needed:
- Empty tin can (labels removed, edges smoothed)
- String or wire
- Wooden dowel or stick
- Birdseed
Steps:
- Tie string or wire around the can to create a hanger.
- Insert a wooden dowel through the opening as a perch.
- Fill with birdseed and hang sideways.
Why Kids Love It: Painting or decorating the tin can makes it feel like an art project.
Tip: Make sure the can’s edges are smooth to prevent injury.
10. Mason Jar Feeder
A mason jar makes a charming feeder, especially for a porch or garden.
Materials Needed:
- Mason jar
- Wire or sturdy string
- Birdseed
- Wooden spoon
Steps:
- Wrap wire securely around the jar for hanging.
- Place a wooden spoon at an angle so seeds spill out onto the handle.
- Fill the jar with seed and hang.
Why Kids Love It: It looks fancy and gives them a sense of making something “grown-up.”
Tip: Decorate the jar with paint pens or stickers for a personal touch.
