Making a homemade bird feeder is a rite of passage for every kid! Even apartment dwellers can feed the birds with this easy diy bird feeder using a paper roll, fat and seed.
Once your child has finished making the bird feeder, be sure to hang it up where you can easily see it from the window and watch the grateful birds feast! This is one of four easy bird feeders kids can make at home and is a great way to connect with nature in winter.
Materials for Homemade Bird Feeder
Bird seed
Large tray, such as a baking tray
Paper roll, such as an empty paper towel roll
Solid fat like peanut butter or vegetable shortening
Pastry brush or plastic knife (to spread the fat)
Hole punch
String
How to Make the Bird Feeder
1. Gather your materials and protect your work surface, if necessary.
2. Punch two holes in the top of the paper roll. Thread the string through the holes and secure into a loop. This is how your homemade bird feeder will hang, so be sure to make it long enough to hang from your chosen location.
3. Spread the fat onto the paper roll. We used vegetable shortening and spread it on with a silicone pastry brush. If you are using peanut butter, a knife will be a better tool.
4. Pour the seeds in a thin layer on the bottom of a baking tray.
5. Roll the fat-covered paper roll over the seeds until it is fully covered.
6. You may have to firmly press some of the larger seeds onto the roll.
5. Ta da! Hang outside your window for an avian restaurant with a view. (Then take a really ugly photo of it.)
I will not offend your sensibilities by posting a photo of what happens to a paper towel roll bird feeder after being put through the rigors of rain, sleet, snow and one hugely fat squirrel.
MORE BIRD FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES:
Shan says
We did a similar project last winter and NO BIRDS even glanced at it. Ours used Crisco, sunflower seeds, and an egg carton. Boo.
Izzy's Mama says
Cute blog! Crisco is icky but you can replace it with something better that I just discovered: Organic shortening -http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=87
Krishna says
Very nice work, you and kiddo have a great time.