How to make a bird feeder
Would you like to attract more birds to your garden? Not only is making your own bird feeder a great way to get birds to visit but it's a fun way to learn about the birds that are native to your area.
Take me to Attracting birds into your garden ↘ What you’ll need ↘ Building a bird feeder step by step ↘ Top tips for feeding birds safely ↘
Would you like to attract more birds to your Garden? Not only is making your own bird feeder a great way to get birds to visit your garden, but kids can also birdwatch and study each species that visit.
It's a fun way to learn about the birds that are native to your area.
Attracting birds into your garden
If you’d like to see a variety of birds in your garden at any time of the year, there are a range of treats you can leave out like sunflower hearts and suet cakes.
However, why not leave these treats in your own made bird feeder by following the instructions below.
What you’ll need
- Large open pinecones
- Vegetable fat or lard
- Small seed bird feed
- Mixing bowls
- String
Building a bird feeder step by step
Step one
Tie string to the top of your pinecone.
Step two
Soften the vegetable fat with your hands or on a stove.
Step three
Add the bird seed a bit at a time until it sticks together easily.
Step four
Gently squash the mixture into all the holes in your pinecone.
Step five
Roll the cone in even more seed to coat the outside.
Step six
Tie your finished feeder directly onto a tree branch.
Top tips for feeding birds safely
Always avoid feeding water birds such as ducks and swans.
To safely feed garden birds, follow these top tips:
- Buy accredited bird food from reputable sources
- Feed in moderation to avoid food going off. Only provide food for a few days.
- Keep bird feeders separated so birds aren’t in too close contact
- Regularly clean and disinfect feeders
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling bird feeders and faeces
