Recycled Plastic Bird Feeders? All Answers

Sharing meals with your pet bird is one of the joys of the Avian lifestyle. Many companion birds even enjoy a special place at the table, especially at breakfast time. And one breakfast item loved by humans and birds alike – muesli.

Because grains for human consumption are not routinely tested on birds and therefore cannot be unreservedly recommended, we asked several experts for their opinions.

Look for low-sugar, whole grain cereals with no additives

dr Donna Muscarella, a senior research associate at Cornell University Veterinary Medical Center in Ithaca, New York, often feeds grain to her own pet birds.

“I don’t see anything wrong with feeding birds some of the low-sugar whole grains in moderation,” says Muscarella, who advises bird owners, “Look for real whole grains like shredded wheat.” Almost everything is labeled ‘whole grain’ so use common sense and maybe do a little more research!

“Most commercial cereals are somewhat fortified, but some, like Total, are more fortified than others,” she continues. “A tiny amount is probably not a problem, but we know that human vitamin needs are not comparable to bird needs. Total is high in iron, so I wouldn’t advise feeding it to softbills that are generally prone to iron storage diseases.”

Muscarella has used grain as a transitional food to transition birds to a better diet.

“Parrots will often accept Cheerios or Grape Nuts (cockatiels seem to love them!) instead of seeds, and they then seem more willing to try other things like pellets,” says Muscarella. “When it comes to additives, there are organic grains on the market. Many do not contain the added vitamins found in conventional grains.”

Board-certified avian vet Robert Monaco of the Old Country Animal Clinic in Plainview, New York, agrees.

“I think natural, unsweetened cereals like Cheerios or whole wheat are fine,” he says. “I usually give my birds some cereal a few times a week. It’s fun with Cheerios – anyone can eat them: kids, puppies, birds, even koi fish!”

Many bird keepers are concerned about the presence of zinc in grain. Monaco says: “Zinc is an essential element in everyone’s diet. When the body gets a little too much, it compensates for it. Too little and there are big problems. There will be no zinc toxicity problem if a bird is fed human grain.”

Muscarella also feeds her birds cooked grains.

“I usually boil oatmeal in water and add a dollop of soy milk,” she says. “One benefit is that I’ve sometimes had to give medication to a bird, and mixing the medication with oatmeal or mashed sweet potatoes seems to work well, as the birds regard it as a treat and gobble the mush off like they were hand-fed.”

Muscarella’s most popular brands of bird cereal are Whole Wheat, Grape Nuts, Cheerios, and Oatmeal.

“I don’t see a problem with Farina or Cream of Wheat,” she says, “other than my parrots squish it on surfaces with their beaks and it dries into the hardest cement known to man!”

Longtime bird enthusiast Barbara Landsperg hand-reared small birds long before formulated hand-feeding formulas were widely available in pet stores.

“I raised my baby budgies on high-protein baby food to which I added ground sunflower seeds, baby applesauce, a drop of liquid bird vitamins, and a touch of Karo syrup,” she says. “That was 1979.”

Her Lorikeet’s diet included oatmeal baby cereal with unsweetened applesauce and a touch of condensed milk, along with fruits and vegetables.

Landsperg sometimes gives her birds boiled oatmeal. “They love it,” she said. “I occasionally give them small amounts of various dry cereals like Cheerios, Rice Krispies, and Raisin Bran as treats.”

Don’t fill it to the brim

Moderation is the key to success, according to board-certified avian veterinarian Greg Burkett of the Avian Veterinary Services Clinic in Durham, North Carolina.

“In small amounts and fed as a treat, even the sweetened cereals are safe for health,” says Burkett. “You shouldn’t put a large bowl in the cage for impromptu treats, though.”

Burkett pointed out that high sugar levels can lead to yeast infections and recommended sugar-free, whole grain cereals with no artificial colors.

“I prefer Cheerios and other unsweetened cereals made from natural grains,” he says. “The zinc in food is in such small amounts that you won’t see any toxicity from dietary zinc. If you share your cereal with your birds, remember that they cannot digest the lactose (found in milk) and may experience temporary diarrhea.”

There has been much debate about the presence of zinc in grains and whether it is toxic to birds. I asked avian veterinarian Elisabeth Simone-Freilicher of the Veterinary Medical Center in West Islip, New York, to clarify the situation.

“The zinc in food is usually zinc sulfate or zinc oxide, and not the pure metallic zinc used in cages and supplies,” Freilicher says. “Zinc, like all required trace metals, can be toxic in amounts not much in excess of dietary requirements. Amounts 10 to 20 times zinc requirements are believed to be toxic to birds. Of course, when it comes to zinc, other ingredients in the diet matter – I think oat bran is high in phytates, which makes zinc less easily absorbed.”

Although Freilicher “isn’t too keen on feeding grains to pet birds,” she believes it’s probably okay to offer them in small amounts or as a treat, rather than as a dietary supplement.

Freilicher says the main problems with muesli are carbohydrates, fiber, low protein, and added vitamins and minerals. She pointed out that most cereals on the market list sugar as a second or third ingredient, and the first ingredient is always starch.

“Psittacines (with the possible exception of loris) just don’t need that much sugar,” she says. “Birds eat for their energy needs, and most cereals also don’t have very much protein as a percentage of their weight to balance out all the sugar and starch. Most pellets contain about 10 to 15 percent protein.”

Freilicher also noted that many of the “healthier” cereals are high in fiber — because humans need more fiber than birds — and a high-fiber cereal can make a bird feel full without adding much nutrition.

“The added vitamins and minerals can also be problematic — not just zinc, but calcium, which makes up only 2.5 percent of the diet in poultry, can also cause problems,” she says. “Even fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D and E can easily be overdosed. As with everything else, cream of wheat and farina are probably fine in moderation, but I would be concerned about those that contain added iron, which may be too high for some particularly sensitive species like lorikeets, toucans and mynahs.”

The consensus on grains is: read labels, avoid those fortified with sugar and vitamins, and feed in moderation. Provide your bird with a varied diet and consult your avian veterinarian for specific advice.

Posted by: Chewy Editorial

Featured image: jonnyslav/Shutterstock.com

Alison Sherwood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to attract birds to your garden. Save your money to stock up on bird seed and instead scavenge through your recycling bin for supplies to make your own bird feeder. You can use almost any container. Here is a DIY bird feeder inspiration.

RELATED: These Wisconsin-made birdhouses are cute enough to live in

1. Mason Jar or Can Feeder

This simple bird feeder can be made using a mason jar, tin can, or any jar from your recycling bin. Hang it up with leather, string or ribbon and don’t forget a perch for the birds to land on. Here’s a tutorial by Hawthorne and Main.

2. Lego bird feeder

This stunning creation by Gary Mueller of Rolla, Mo., won a Feeder Creative Photo Contest hosted by Project FeederWatch. It should be noted that while it’s a fun idea, it’s not the most practical bird feeder. Anne Marie Johnson, Project Assistant at FeederWatch said: “It is crucial that feeders are easy to clean and do not have small crevices where feed can get caught and go mouldy.”

3. Juice or milk carton feeder

Kids can help decorate a used juice carton that has been cut into the shape of a birdhouse. We love the branch roof look like this one from Little Peanuts Mag, but you can also get creative and use what you have lying around the house.

4. Bird feeders made from plastic bottles

Skewer an empty plastic bottle with two wooden spoons and fill it with bird seed for this super easy bird feeder. You’ll need a utility blade like an X-Acto knife to cut the holes for the spoons. Be sure to cut larger holes at the mouths of the spoons to allow bird seed to squirt out. Here is a tutorial from Here Comes the Sun.

5. Birdie Bundt wreath

Use a bundt pan to bake a treat for the birds. Here is the recipe.

Bird feeding tips

Project FeederWatch, a collaborative annual bird watch led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, has these tips for feeding birds on your property:

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Cleaning the bottle Thoroughly clean and dry the bottle and remove all labels. Use a weak bleach solution to ensure the bottle is sanitized, then rinse thoroughly. Allow the bottle to air dry for several hours or overnight to ensure no moisture remains inside, which could cause the seeds to spoil. The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Attach the hanger hook. Screw the hook into the center of the bottle cap and make sure it is tight and tight. If necessary, you can use an awl or nail to make the hole, which will make it easier to screw in the hook. After the hook is fully seated, seal both sides (inside and out) with a bead of polyurethane glue to add extra strength and keep moisture out of the feeder. However, avoid getting glue on the threads of the cap as you will have to open the bottle every time you refill seeds. The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Add Perches Cut holes large enough to fit the perches all the way through the bottle, about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom of the bottle. The rod dowels should fit snugly into the holes and extend all the way across the bottle and out of the matching hole on the opposite side. When using the perches, equalize the length of the perch at each end to allow the birds to eat comfortably. A little glue can also be used to attach perches and keep the holes from widening or loosening. If desired, add additional perches higher on the bottle. Each additional perch should be 2 to 3 inches higher than the last one and rotated around the bottle from where the last perch was. This creates the most space for birds to perch. The top bar should be 3 to 4 inches below the cap. The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Cut the Feeding Holes Using a utility knife, cut the feeding holes 1 to 2 inches above each perch. The openings should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch wide depending on the type of seed you will be using – use larger holes for mixed seeds or sunflower seeds and smaller holes for nyjer or millet. Oval holes that are taller than they are wide make it easier for birds to feed. The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

Fill with seed Slowly fill the feeder with the desired seed. If the feed openings are too large, placing a piece of clear tape over them and trimming smaller holes in the tape can solve the problem. If you like, you can add crumpled paper, decorative marbles, or gravel to fill the bottom of the feeder and take up the space under the feeding holes where the seeds are out of reach of the bids. The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

If you’ve never put up a birdhouse before, you might be worried that birds won’t find it right away.

On the other hand, if you have already put up a bird feeder, your question often changes. How did they come so fast? How do the birds know I’ve filled the feeder?

Birds find newly filled feeders by using their keen eyesight and listening to other birds excitedly bickering over food. They are constantly looking for food sources and investigating new objects in their territory. Once they find a feeding spot with seeds, they keep going back to see if it fills up again.

Image by Veronica Andrews from Pixabay.

Can wild birds smell bird seeds?

Experiments have shown that most birds have a poor sense of smell. Their sense of smell is equal to or less sensitive than that of humans. Both humans and birds have 3 shells that are responsible for the sense of smell.

There are some birds that have a good sense of smell.

Turkey vultures can locate carrion by smell.

Petrels can smell chemicals released by plankton to find food in the oceans. These birds also use the sense of smell to locate their proper nesting sites in colonies dug in sods on offshore islands.

Kiwi birds in New Zealand use scent to locate prey underground while probing with their beaks.

Parrots are said to have a good sense of smell.

But those are the exceptions.

Birds do not use scent to locate feeding sites or to determine if seeds or other food are present.

Then how do birds find bird feeders?

Birds primarily use sight, their sense of sight, to find food.

Birds can see seeds, which they recognize as food in your feeder. But to do that, they have to be pretty close.

Some birds of prey (hawks, eagles, falcons) have excellent visual acuity – they can spot prey very well – even at a great distance.

Many birds, including at least hummingbirds and robins, can see in the ultraviolet. This allows them to see different “colors” in what appears to be a single color to the human eye. But that doesn’t mean they can see bird seeds further away than you or I can.

So, to attract birds to a new feeding spot, you can sprinkle some seeds on the ground. Then they have a better chance of recognizing the seed.

Birds recognize feeders the same way you do – through experience. A bird feeder is a small object in the shape of a bowl or box next to the large square building (house) in which people live. Inside is birdseed. Once they know where to find food, they keep coming back.

Birds are very curious creatures. They explore their small territory by constantly looking for two things. Birds are constantly looking around to avoid danger. Birds are constantly looking for food.

Birds are also on the lookout for their neighbors. Other birds, whether of the same species or not, can alert them to dangers or food sources. If other birds flap and hop around a small area, it may be food!

But that’s not all. When a group of birds is eating, they usually squawk and fight over the food. They sometimes make quite loud noises when eating in such a group. If you listen, you can also hear birds at your feeding station.

So hearing is the second way birds find feeding sites.

So how do birds know when I’m putting out food?

Seeds come from plants. Seed-eating birds need to remember where these plants are and visit them regularly.

The same goes for birdhouses. Birds visit bird feeders regularly, perhaps several times a day. You may not know how the food gets into the feeder. But they keep checking back.

On the other hand, birds can see you putting food in the feeder. Or they may have learned that there may be a new supply of food as humans approach the feeding site. Remember that birds are on the lookout for danger? Humans can be dangerous. So when you’re out in your garden, the birds are keeping an eye on you!

So that’s it. Birds can see you filling the feeding troughs. Or they visit feeding stations several times a day and find new food. As soon as one or two birds visit a newly filled feeder, other birds will see and hear and follow them.

It seems like birds have a special sense of just “knowing” when you’ve refilled your feeding trough. But they only watch, listen and visit regularly.

Wagner’s Songbird Supreme Bird Seed is my favorite for attracting most types of birds to my bird feeder. When it’s not available, Wagner’s Greatest Variety is a close second. These are Amazon affiliate links supporting this blog. Many Thanks.

More bird feeding tips

5 easy ways to attract more birds to your bird feeder

How often should you refill an empty bird feeder?

The Two Types of Bird Seed That Attract the Most Birds!

7 types of birdhouses and the birds that like them

Confused on how to set up your bird feeder? let me help

Is it okay to throw bird seeds on the ground?

As you look at the wide variety of bird feeders to choose from, you may be wondering what color bird feeders will attract the most birds? There doesn’t seem to be a clear consensus, and the internet seems to be full of differing answers to this question. The answer is that there is no one birdhouse color that is most attractive to all birds. Some species have their own preferences, some don’t. However, some research suggests that blue and green feeders are preferable to red or yellow ones.

Do birds have good color vision?

Humans have pretty good color vision because we have three types of photoreceptors in our eyes. Animals like dogs only have two and therefore see fewer colors in the visible spectrum than we do. Birds have the same three, but in greater numbers. This can allow them to see even more color variations and intensities than we can. Birds also have a fourth photoreceptor, which we don’t have, that allows them to see ultraviolet light. Research is still learning about UV vision in birds and how they use this to find food and mates.

Which birdhouse color attracts the most birds?

If you check stores and catalogs you will find that some feeders are colored to match the color of the bird they are intended for. Yellow for goldfinches, blue for blue birds, orange for orioles, etc. A lot of this I think is just marketing meant to appeal to people more than birds. However, two types of feeders whose colors can actually help are red for hummingbirds and orange for orioles. For orioles the idea is simple, they love to eat oranges so it would make sense that the color orange would at least catch their eye when looking for fruit. Similarly, flowers in the red/purple/pink category often have nectar that hummingbirds seek, so it makes sense that a red or brightly colored feeder would entice them to come by and investigate.

So those are orioles and hummingbirds, but what about the majority of backyard foraging birds? I found three studies online where researchers attempted to gather data on this topic by placing different colored feeders and collecting data on the number of bird visits and the amount of seeds eaten by each feeder.

A study conducted by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) found that blue was most popular during the summer months, followed by silver, which was popular year-round. They also found that goldfinches showed a preference for green, while birds like siskins using peanut eaters seemed to prefer red.

Another study conducted by the Morrell Lab at the University of Hull showed that silver and green were the winners, but they found that robins particularly liked black and starlings liked blue.

Two schoolboys, George Rabin and Ed Thurlow, designed a colored feeder experiment that won them the 2017 GSK UK Young Scientist Award. They observed and collected data on the use of different colored feeders. Their results showed blue as the winner with green in second place. They believe that birds prefer high energy wavelength colors (purple/green/blue) while lower energy wavelength colors such as red and yellow are less popular as they are often used as “warning” colors in nature.

There doesn’t seem to be an overwhelming consensus across the board. But it seems that in these studies at least, blue and green come out on top.

Are hummingbirds attracted to the color red?

When it comes to hummingbird feeders, most bird feeders you find will likely be colored red in some way. Does this really help attract hummingbirds? According to Audubon, the cones in the retinas of hummingbird eyes contain pigments and oil droplets in yellows and reds that can act like filters, increasing their sensitivity to red and yellow colors and muting darker colors like blue. As such, reds and yellows may appear the brightest to them and draw their attention more easily than a darker colored feeder.

However, they also found that the biggest difference for the hummingbirds is the nectar itself. Researchers have found that regardless of color, hummingbirds prefer the most nectar-rich flower. The red may help a hummingbird notice your feeder, but what makes it come back is good quality nectar. Luckily, making your own is very easy!

What attracts birds to my bird feeders?

Most experts would agree that there are far more important factors to consider when attracting birds to your bird feeder than color. Consider these important aspects when attracting birds to your bird feeders;

Offer him his favorite food and make sure it doesn’t sit too long and spoil

Make sure the feeder is at a reasonable height off the ground

Multiple feeders will attract more birds

Place it within 15-50 feet of bushes and trees

Make sure the type of feed you use is appropriate for the birds you intend to feed

Add a water feature like a bathtub or fountain

Keep dogs and cats away from the feeding area

Follow these steps and be patient, it may take some time for the birds to show up at your feeders.

Here are a few things to check before filling a nectar feeder:

Check that the bottom trays are tight. Push the container into the base to close the openings and prevent leakage. Unscrew the lid to fill it with nectar. Screw the cap back on securely to form an airtight seal. We recommend leaving the feeder in the closed position until you get to where you want to hang it. For Perky-Pet ® Top Fill Feeders – Open the nectar container by holding the bottom with one hand and pulling the container up with the other to open the openings for feeding. Your feeder is now ready.

Hang your bird feeder

A sheltered southeast orientation is best for hanging a bird feeder, as birds like to feed in the sun and out of the wind. Birds also prefer to have a clear view over their feeding area so they can see any predators.

If this is the first bird feeder in your yard, you may have to wait several weeks for the birds to discover it. To help them find the bird feeder faster, place a shiny cake pan with some seeds in it under the bird feeder to attract birds in flight. Black oil sunflower seeds are popular with most birds. Water is also a natural attractant.

Hang your bird feeder away from trees, bushes, fences or buildings. Squirrels and other predators can use these to climb or jump onto the feeder. If you must hang the bird feeder from a tree, keep it at least two meters away from the trunk or branches.

Install a clear Perky-Pet ® Squirrel Deflector over the bird feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing down the wire used to hang the bird feeder. If you choose a freestanding pole, it should be 5 feet tall and 10 feet from the nearest tree.

Hummingbird feeders should be hung out of direct sunlight as the sun can spoil the nectar. They should also be hung away from windy areas and out of the reach of cats. If possible, place the hummingbird feeder in and around trumpet flowers. This will help attract more birds to your hummingbird feeder.

Perkypet.com is the top destination for finding quality wild bird feeders and supplies. Perky-Pet® and K-Feeders wild bird products are trusted brands for bird lovers around the world. Interact with nature, relax and build memories that will last a lifetime by conveniently ordering from perkypet.com. Happy bird feeding!

Each editorial product is independently selected, although we may receive compensation or receive an affiliate commission if you purchase something through our links. Ratings and prices are correct and items are in stock at the time of publication.

Experts share what to look for when looking for messy bird feeder options to attract birds. Also, check out the best feeders to add to your yard.

How to choose a clean bird feeder

Courtesy of Clinton Meese

“What options can I add to my apartment balcony for a clean bird feeder?” asks Katie Schick of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.

Bird experts Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman say, “Choosing the right bird seed is the first step in keeping your feeder clean. Shelled nuts, sunflower hearts, and suet are options that create less mess.”

Look for feeders with bowls on the bottom to catch debris. You may also consider installing a seed tire. The Kaufmans also encourage people to visit a nearby bird feed supply store to ask about clean bird feeders that will work well in your area.

Garden tip: A clean seed dispenser is less likely to attract squirrels and raccoons. Check out the best squirrel-proof bird feeders.

A hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water is another great option for a clean bird feeder. Kenn and Kimberly suggest a saucer-style feeding dish for hummingbirds to deter bees and wasps. Make sure to add a good ant pit to deter ants. You can also offer orioles grape jelly and orange halves without worrying about cleaning up messy seeds.

The best clean birdhouses

Flower shaped oriole feeder

Attract fruit-loving birds in two different ways with this oriole feeder. Prick a half of an orange on one of the metal branches and place grape jelly in the included glass bowl. It is also a beautiful work of art to admire!

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Learn how to attract orioles to your garden.

About Etsy.com

Peanut Butter Feeder

Feed two hungry birds at once with this clean peanut butter feeder. But first, here’s what you should know about feeding birds peanut butter. We think you can also use this feeder to serve jelly or mealworms.

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Don’t miss 10 Unique Birdhouses to Buy on Etsy.

About PerkyPet.com

Top fill hummingbird feeder

Never worry about spilling hummingbird sugar water with this top-fill, leak-preventing feeder. The feeder is clear so you can easily see when it needs cleaning. Plus, it has built-in bee guards to deter unwanted swarming visitors.

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Psst – we’ve found even more hummingbird feeders and accessories your birds will love.

Perky Pet Finch Feeder with Flexports

Attract sunny goldfinches, other small songbirds like redpolls and common redflies with a clean finch feeder. Fill it with Nyjer thistle seed; The rubber flexports prevent seeds from spilling throughout the garden.

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About Chewy.com

Squirrel proof double tallow feeder

Serving suet is a less messy option than seed foods. Whether you prefer to buy pre-made suet pies or try a homemade suet recipe, you don’t have to worry about furry visitors or tyrannical birds stealing the food. This squirrel-proof double tallow feeder holds two tallow cakes at a time, and the cage is designed to accommodate smaller tallow-loving birds, such as downy woodpeckers and nuthatches.

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This is how you get rid of blackbirds and common grackles at feeding stations.

Via Amazon.com

Hoop bird feeder

Fix this bird feeder under a messy bird feeder to catch all the shells that birds are flicking away. It’s 16 inches in diameter, keeping a porch, balcony, or anywhere else in your yard nice and clean. Ground-eating birds such as sparrows and sorrowing doves can land on the hoop to clean up leftover food.

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Check out the best finch feeders to serve thistle seed.

Via Amazon.com

Brome Squirrel Buster Nut Feeder

Place shelled peanuts or suet nuggets in this Squirrel Buster Nut Dispenser for minimal mess. The weight of the squirrels closes the feeding holes, meaning the birds can feed happily.

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Next, check out more of the best peanut bird feeders.

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Your native wild birds will surely thank you for taking the time to make a bird feeder out of toilet paper rolls. It’s a simple craft that’s easy and fun for kids of all ages, especially preschoolers.

Follow our step-by-step guide and video tutorial to learn what to do!

How to make a birdhouse from toilet paper rolls

Here in Ohio, spring can bring sunshine and warmth or ice and snow. Today was an ice and snow day, meaning food is still scarce for many species of wild birds.

This DIY bird feeder is easy to make for kids at home or school. It can be made with vegetable fat, peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or coconut oil. Don’t make this feeder (or any bird feeder) with honey. Honey often harbors mold and bacteria that are deadly to wild birds.

Necessary accessories for bird feeders

Cardboard Tube Bird Feeder Instructions

1. Use a popsicle stick or butter knife to spread vegetable shortening on a clean toilet paper roll. The vegetable fat makes your toilet paper roll water-repellent, making this bird feeder perfect for winter!

2. Roll the toilet paper roll on a plate filled with birdseed.

3. If desired, thread a hemp string through the toilet paper roll.

4. Hang the birdhouses from toilet paper rolls on a bush or push them onto a branch. The birds go crazy for it! Ours have attracted so far:

cardinals

finches

tit

nuthatch

sparrows

Hawfinch

blue jay

tits

Mourning doves

No squirrels on this feeder…yet! 🤣

5. After the birds have picked the seeds, there may still be a small layer of vegetable fat on the roll. If it does, re-roll it in seeds for a second use!

6. When you’re done enjoying your toilet paper roll bird feeder, don’t forget to remove it from the tree for recycling.

Is Vegetable Fat Safe for Birds?

I had the exact same question when my kids first made birdhouses out of toilet paper rolls at the local nature center. The naturalist explained that birds need fat in the winter and that vegetable fat is a quick, easy, and healthy way to get it.

The Audobon Society recommends using a palm oil-free vegetable shortening due to habitat loss caused by palm oil plantations.

Note: Offer bird feeders only in winter, when cold temperatures (below 50 degrees) prevent the vegetable fat from spoiling or melting.

More birdhouse crafts for kids

from from bala

Here are some creative ideas to turn unused or scrap material into birdhouses. Each image should have appropriate text below it – all images on the blog should be the same size

1. Bird house made from tiny sticks picked in the garden

Photo credit – Craftionary

A realistic and natural looking birdhouse like this one is sure to attract the winged beauties. Everything you need is in your garden. Pick up rot-free branches, cut them evenly and glue them together. You’re sure to make friends for life with these natural and eco-friendly homes for your new friends!

2. Birdhouse Made from one piece of bamboo

Photo credit – pinimg

This one piece bamboo bird house has an attractive and sturdy design that will attract the little colorful residents and is easy to make and keep. Because of its tree-like appearance, it blends in with the birds and makes them feel at home, while also consuming minimal supplies.

3. Milk carton converted into a bird feeder

Photo credit – Pinimg

These super cute items are great for letting your creative urges flow, so be sure to try one of these. Make sure the colors you use are not harmful to the birds. If you don’t feel like too much decoration, just paint it a single color. Either way, the birds will only thank you!

4. Shoebox converted into a birdhouse

Photo credit – Mamabee

By reusing cardboard, you’re not only creating a home for your winged friends, you’re also helping to reuse and recycle things that would otherwise pollute our rivers or end up in landfills. Just use one of the size you prefer and decorate with whatever your heart desires, cut out a hole and hang! Voila! Your tree house is ready!

5. Coconut shells made into a bird house

Photo credit – bp.blogspot

Although drilling a hole might test your skills, a more durable, sturdy, and safe option would be to use a coconut shell as a bird house. It is suitable for small creatures and blends harmoniously into the environment. Simply hollow out a hole in the middle or tie two halves together with string and you’re good to go.

6. Dry gourd can be used as a birdhouse

Photo credit – Houseput

God’s little creatures don’t care if you let your creativity run free or leave it as it is; These pumpkin houses are ridiculously easy to make. Just clean and dry them and hang them up after creating a doorway and you’re on your way to making friends for life!

7. Popsicle bird feeder

Photo credit – Craftproject ideas

Don’t miss the chance to become an architect and design a beautiful and colorful house the way you want. This type of house can stretch your imagination to the limit. Whether coloured, painted, decorated or plain, these bird feeders are attractive and enticing pieces. You can even have a ledge or balcony for the birds to relax on.

8. Old cowboy boots converted into a bird house

Photo credit – i.pinimg

If you have a bit of country spirit in you and a flair for going crazy with your craft ideas, then this is sure to be an exciting endeavor for you. Transforming an old worn out boot into a snazzy new birdhouse is a novel way of furnishing a snazzy looking house for the birds, y’all!

9. Colorful packing tape bird box

Photo credit – i.pinimg

Adding patterns and textures just by sticking them on, packing tapes are phenomenal ideas if you’re an artist looking to express yourself. Painting and pasting cardboard can be magical. You can even customize it by naming your regulars and attaching a name tag to create a more personal bond with them!

10. Old plastic bottle converted into a bird house

Photo credit – Nojavanha

Recycle your used plastic bottles by turning them into innovative birdhouses. Cut to desired size. Hang from a tree or place around your balcony. This eco-friendly birdhouse is cute and easy to carve and reinvent.

11. Bird house made from unused PVC pipes

Photo credit – Impressive magazine

Measuring to your liking and cutting a piece of PVC pipe to size creates a weatherproof and strong bird house that can be placed vertically, horizontally on a branch or stuck into the ground like a mailbox! It’s versatile and easy to make. Make sure you don’t paint it too dark as it can get very hot for the birds inside!

12. An unused terracotta pot has been turned into a birdhouse.

Photo credit – Static Dezeen

Earthy and inexpensive, terracotta potted birdhouses are durable and look appealing too. Fitting plywood over the top of the pot and hanging it horizontally via a nail will do, or you can hang it face down and drill a doorway in the side. Any number of tricks are workable. Just make sure to use your hands carefully, or you could end up with a broken clay pot and no birds in hand!

Methods to attract birds to your birdhouse

Some gardening is required

Set up birdhouses and nesting boxes

Make birdseed available at all times

Provide fresh water

Provide nesting material

Tips for making nest boxes

Material – Make sure the material you use has not been pressure treated or painted with lead paint – otherwise the toxic chemicals found could harm the birds that visit your aviary.

Make sure the birdhouse opening is the right size for the species you are trying to attract. If the opening is too large, predators will have easy access to the nest

Choose natural colors so that the birdhouse blends in with the surroundings. Brown and dark shades of green are the most suitable choices and will be the most attractive to birds. Never paint the interiors

Set up a bird bath that attracts birds

Place your bird bath in the shade near plants or TREES.

Clean sand or gravel on the underside ensure a safer footing.

The water should be no deeper than 1/2 to 1 inch at the edges and a maximum of 2 inches deep in the center of the bath.

Make your bird bath more attractive by providing dripping water. Many birds find the sight and sound of moving water irresistible. Punch a tiny hole in the bottom of a plastic bottle, fill it with water and hang it over the bird bath so the water drips into the bathtub.

Regular supply of food and water to attract birds

Put your feeders in a quiet place where they’re easy to see and convenient to refill.

Tray Feeder is the easiest to make and also attracts many seed eating birds like pigeons, sparrows, starlings etc.

Place a wide variety of seeds such as sunflower seeds, corn curds, flaxseeds, peanuts, golden millet, canary seed, etc

Place a bowl of drinking water near the feeder bowl and add a few drops of water to attract the birds

Provide nesting material

The term “nesting material” refers to anything that birds can use to build a nest, such as

The nesting material serves several purposes:

Cushioning of the eggs from the ground and the weight of the parents

Insulate eggs from temperature changes

Holding the clutch together for thermal efficiency

Camouflage of the nest from predators

Protection of the nest from the elements

In order to protect their eggs optimally, parent birds carefully select the nesting material

Therefore, providing nesting material attracts birds.