Easy & Fun DIY Bird Feeders for Kids to Make at Home
Creating a DIY bird feeder for kids is not just a fun and engaging activity; it’s also a beautiful way to introduce children to the wonders of nature. In today’s fast-paced digital world, finding activities that can captivate a child’s attention while also being educational can be a challenge. However, making bird feeders is a fantastic solution that combines creativity, learning, and a love for the environment. It allows children to express their artistic side while understanding the importance of caring for wildlife. Plus, it’s a great way for families to spend quality time together, making memories that will last a lifetime. As children watch the birds flock to their handmade feeders, they’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and connection with nature. This guide will take you through a variety of easy and fun bird feeder projects that are perfect for kids to make at home, turning a simple craft into an enriching experience.
Creative Bird Feeder Craft Ideas for Kids
Crafting easy bird feeders for kids is a delightful way to combine creativity with a love for nature. Here are some imaginative ideas that are simple to make and guaranteed to bring joy to both children and birds alike.
1. Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Pine cone
- Peanut butter or lard
- Birdseed mix
- String
Procedure:
- Tie a piece of string securely around the top of the pine cone, leaving enough length to hang it from a tree.
- Spread peanut butter or lard all over the pine cone, ensuring it gets into all the crevices.
- Roll the coated pine cone in birdseed until it is fully covered.
- Hang the pine cone from a tree branch and watch as the birds come to feast.
2. Toilet Paper Roll Feeder
Things You Need:
- Empty toilet paper roll
- Peanut butter or honey
- Birdseed
- String (optional)
Procedure:
- Spread a layer of peanut butter or honey on the outside of the toilet paper roll.
- Roll the coated roll in birdseed until it’s completely covered.
- If you want to hang it, thread a piece of string through the roll and tie it to a tree branch. Alternatively, you can simply slide the roll onto a tree branch.
3. Orange Peel Feeder
Things You Need:
- An orange
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Cut an orange in half and scoop out the fruit, leaving the peel intact.
- Poke three holes around the rim of the orange peel and thread strings through each hole.
- Tie the strings together at the top, creating a hanger.
- Fill the orange peel with birdseed and hang it outside for the birds to enjoy.
4. Milk Carton Feeder
Things You Need:
- Empty milk carton
- Scissors
- Paint or markers
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Rinse out the milk carton and let it dry.
- Cut a large hole on one side of the carton, leaving a bit of space at the bottom to hold the birdseed.
- Decorate the outside of the carton with paint or markers.
- Poke a hole through the top of the carton and thread a string through it for hanging.
- Fill the bottom of the carton with birdseed and hang it in a tree.
5. Cheerios Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Pipe cleaners
- Cheerios
Procedure:
- Thread Cheerios onto a pipe cleaner, pushing them together to fill the entire length.
- Shape the pipe cleaner into a circle or any desired shape.
- Twist the ends of the pipe cleaner together to secure the shape.
- Hang your Cheerios feeder from a tree branch and watch as birds nibble away.
6. Mason Jar Lid Feeder
Things You Need:
- Mason jar lid
- String
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Tie a string around the edge of the mason jar lid, creating a loop to hang it with.
- Spread a layer of peanut butter on the inside of the lid.
- Press birdseed into the peanut butter until it’s well-covered.
- Hang the lid feeder in a tree for the birds to find.
7. Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Cookie cutters
- Gelatin
- Water
- Birdseed
- Straw
- String
Procedure:
- Mix gelatin with water according to the package instructions.
- Stir in birdseed until it’s fully coated.
- Place cookie cutters on a parchment-lined tray and fill them with the birdseed mixture.
- Insert a straw near the top of each shape to create a hole for hanging.
- Let the feeders dry and harden overnight.
- Remove the straw and thread a string through the hole to hang the feeder.
8. Egg Carton Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Egg carton
- Scissors
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Cut the egg carton in half, so you have a tray with six cups.
- Poke a hole in each corner of the carton and thread a string through each hole.
- Tie the strings together to create a hanger.
- Fill each cup with birdseed and hang the carton from a tree branch.
9. Apple Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- An apple
- String
- Birdseed
- Peanut butter
Procedure:
- Cut the apple in half and scoop out a bit of the core to create a small bowl.
- Spread a thin layer of peanut butter inside the hollowed part of the apple.
- Press birdseed into the peanut butter.
- Tie a string around the apple and hang it from a tree.
10. Paper Plate Feeder
Things You Need:
- Paper plate
- Scissors
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Punch four holes evenly spaced around the edge of the paper plate.
- Thread string through each hole and tie the ends together to create a hanger.
- Fill the plate with birdseed and hang it up.
11. Tin Can Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Empty tin can
- Paint (optional)
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Clean the tin can and remove any sharp edges.
- If desired, paint the outside of the can and let it dry.
- Tie a string around the can for hanging.
- Fill the can with birdseed and hang it horizontally from a tree branch.
12. Grapefruit Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Grapefruit
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Cut a grapefruit in half and scoop out the fruit.
- Poke holes around the rim of the peel and thread strings through each hole.
- Tie the strings together at the top to create a hanger.
- Fill the grapefruit peel with birdseed and hang it up.
13. Coconut Shell Feeder
Things You Need:
- Coconut shell
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Cut a coconut in half and remove the fruit.
- Drill holes in the top of the shell and thread strings through the holes.
- Tie the strings together at the top to create a hanger.
- Fill the shell with birdseed and hang it in a tree.
14. Bread Crumb Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Stale bread
- String
- Peanut butter
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Cut a slice of stale bread into shapes using cookie cutters.
- Poke a hole in the top of each shape and thread a string through it.
- Spread peanut butter on one side of the bread.
- Press birdseed into the peanut butter.
- Hang the bread feeders outside for the birds to enjoy.
15. Muffin Tin Bird Feeder
Things You Need:
- Muffin tin
- String
- Birdseed
Procedure:
- Drill small holes in the sides of each muffin cup for drainage.
- Cut four pieces of string and tie them around the muffin tin, leaving enough string at the top to hang it.
- Fill each muffin cup with birdseed.
- Hang the muffin tin feeder from a tree branch.
FAQs
1. What are some safe bird feeders crafts preschoolers can make?
Well, there are several bird feeders crafts preschoolers can DIY. Preschoolers can safely create bird feeders using materials like pine cones, toilet paper rolls, or paper plates, with adult supervision to ensure they use non-toxic supplies.
2. How do you make homemade bird feeders for preschoolers & kids?
Homemade bird feeders for preschoolers & kids can be made easily by coating items like pine cones or toilet paper rolls with peanut butter and rolling them in birdseed.
3. What materials are needed for bird feeders crafts preschoolers can do?
Common materials include pine cones, toilet paper rolls, peanut butter, birdseed, and string, making it simple and safe for preschoolers to create their own feeders.
4. Are homemade bird feeders for preschoolers & kids effective in attracting birds?
Yes, homemade bird feeders crafted by preschoolers and kids can effectively attract a variety of birds, especially when placed in a quiet area with natural surroundings.
5. Can bird feeder crafts preschoolers make be hung outdoors?
Absolutely, most bird feeders crafts preschoolers create, like those made from pine cones or orange peels, can be easily hung outdoors and are durable enough to withstand the elements.
Creating bird feeder crafts for preschoolers and kids is a wonderful way to foster creativity and a love for nature. These projects are simple and fun and provide a great learning experience as children watch their handmade feeders attract birds. Not only do these activities encourage fine motor skills, but they also teach the importance of caring for wildlife. By engaging in these crafts, children gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world right from their own backyard. So gather your materials, get creative, and enjoy the joy and wonder of birdwatching with your little ones!
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