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10 DIY Bird Feeder Ideas

Homemade Bird Feeders for Feathered Friends

Close-Up Of Bird Perching Bird Feeder

Winny Fadhila / EyeEm / Getty Images 

If you want more birds in your yard, the first thing you need to do is attract them. There are various specialized feeders you can buy for different kinds of birds, but the cost can add up. Consider making your own feeders instead. These DIY bird feeder projects are a fun way to liven up your yard for much less than you'd spend buying a quality feeder from a store. 

Make A DIY Bird Feeder! It's Easy. Promise.

  • 01 of 09

    Attract Unusual Birds Using Half an Orange

    Macrame orange bird feeder
    Blue Corduroy

    This three-ingredient bird feeder adds both an attractive design element and function to your yard. For added interest, take the other half of the orange and hang slices at varying levels to attract orioles and mockingbirds. Just be sure to discard anything that hasn't been eaten after a week or two. 

    You'll need:

    • Half an orange
    • Macrame
    • Birdseed

    Simple Macrame Orange Bird Feeder from Blue Corduroy

  • 02 of 09

    Turn Birdseed Into an Ornament Feeder

    DIY Bird feeder ornaments
    Melissa Mayntz

    The great thing about this project is that the ornaments make inexpensive decorations and gifts. This is also a fun DIY to tackle with children. Get creative and try making different shapes and sizes. You can also use a similar technique to cover a pinecone. 

    You'll need:

    • Water
    • Flour
    • Corn syrup
    • Gelatin
    • Birdseed
    • Twine or rope

    How to Make Birdseed Ornaments from The Spruce

  • 03 of 09

    Repurpose an Empty Wine Bottle

    How to make your own wine bottle bird feeder
    Elizabeth Joan Designs

    This DIY bird feeder is a little more involved, but it will last longer than the first two projects. Just be careful where you put it. Depending on where you place the feeder, you might attract some unwanted creatures like squirrels or rats. 

    You'll need:

    • Wine bottle
    • Pine
    • Poplar hobby board
    • Wood glue
    • Birdseed
    • Miscellaneous tools

    How to Build a Wine Bottle Bird Feeder from Elizabeth Joan Designs

  • 04 of 09

    Make Suet Cakes for Winter Song Birds

    Suet bird feeders
    Garden Therapy

    Suet is another term for rendered fat, and it's vital to help birds survive a long winter. This style of feeder attracts clingers like woodpeckers, but most any bird that's hungry enough and hasn't migrated will be attracted to this ornamental feeder come wintertime. 

    You'll need:

    • Lard
    • Birdseed
    • Dried fruit
    • Peanuts
    • Bundt pan
    • Twine

    DIY Wild Bird Suet Feeder from Garden Therapy

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  • 05 of 09

    Create a Birdseed Tower Using Mesh Hardware Cloth

    Mesh hardware bird feeder
    The Garden Roof Coop

    This project turns out much like a typical tower feeder that you would buy in the store but for a fraction of the cost. If you have a rodent problem, this bird feeder can help because the mesh cloth prevents seed waste from falling on the ground. 

    You'll need:

    • Terracotta saucers
    • Mesh hardware cloth
    • Vinyl coated wire rope 
    • Ferrule and stop set
    • Zip ties
    • Pliers, drill, and wire cutters

    DIY Sunflower Tower Bird Feeder from The Garden Roof Coop

  • 06 of 09

    Reimagine Old China Pieces

    How to DIY a bird feeder with a teacup
    Practically Functional

    This whimsical bird feeder is one of the easier projects to make and a great way to upcycle vintage teacups that you otherwise wouldn't use. If you don't have any on hand, head to a local antique shop or thrift store to find one.

    You'll need:

    • Teacup and saucer
    • Ceramic glue 
    • Twine
    • Birdseed
    • Bird feeder hanger

    How to Make a Teacup Bird Feeder from Practically Functional

  • 07 of 09

    Make This Simple Bird Feeder Using Grapevines

    How to make a grapevine bird feeder
    Rebecca's Bird Gardens

    This traditional style bird feeder works as a lovely piece of outdoor decor. Depending on the number of birds you have in your yard, you may need to refill it often. 

    You'll need:

    • Grapevine nest
    • Grapevine wreath 
    • Floral wire
    • Ribbon or jute

    DIY Grapevine Bird Feeder from Rebecca's Bird Gardens

  • 08 of 09

    Brush Up on Your Woodworking

    How to make a bird feeder
    100 Things 2 Do

    This DIY project looks like it could be a birdhouse, but it's actually meant to be a feeder that is difficult for squirrels to get into. 

    You'll need:

    • Cedar board
    • Wood glue
    • Wood screws
    • Mitre saw
    • Drill
    • Rope
    • Birdseed
    • All-weather caulking

    DIY Bird Feeder from 100 Things 2 Do

    Continue to 9 of 9 below
  • 09 of 09

    Combine a Mason Jar and Chicken Feeder

    Mason jar bird house
    Little House Living

    Add a touch of farmhouse style to your yard with this mason jar and chicken feeder upgrade. The larger the mason jar, the less you'll be outside refilling. 

    You'll need:

    • Mason Jar
    • Twine
    • Small Round Chicken Feeder
    • Birdseed

    Mason Jar Bird Feeder from Little House Living