These homemade bird feeders are easy to make and a great way to treat the birds in your backyard. Make them and then pick a tree to decorate!
Updated November 2023
These homemade bird feeders are so sweet, and the perfect winter afternoon craft. Our marketing director, Anna, made these using this recipe from Fountain Avenue Kitchen.
During the Christmas season, to reduce the emphasis on presents, we try to focus on kindness, helping others, and ways we can make the world a better place. Feeding the birds is a fun way to do just that!
How to Make Homemade Bird Feeders
MATERIALS
- Bird seed mix (¾ to 1 cup)
- Unflavored gelatin (usually comes in packets)
- Water (1/4 cup)
- Cookie cutters (you can grease these lightly to help with removal)
- Drinking straw or skewer
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Twine or yarn (for hanging)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the gelatin mixture
In a saucepan, mix the gelatin with water according to the instructions on the gelatin packet.
Heat the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin is completely dissolved. - Add bird seed
Once the gelatin is ready, gradually add about 3/4 of a cup of bird seed to the mixture. Stir well until all the bird seed is evenly coated.
- Fill cookie cutters
Lay out your cookie cutters on a flat surface, like a cookie sheet covered with wax paper or parchment paper.
Spoon the bird seed mixture into the cookie cutters, pressing it down firmly to ensure it takes the shape of the cutter.
- Let it set
Before the mixture sets, insert a drinking straw or skewer near the top of each shape to create a hole for hanging.
Allow the bird feeders to set and dry. This might take a few hours or overnight, depending on the thickness of your bird feeders.
- Add a hanger
Once the bird feeders are completely dry and set, carefully remove them from the cookie cutters. If they’re not coming out easily, you can use a butter knife to loosen the edges.
You can now thread a piece of twine or yarn through the hole to create a hanger. - Hang them up
Find an outdoor location to hang your bird feeders. It could be on tree branches, a garden hook, or any other place where birds frequently visit.
Make sure you can see it from your window, so you can watch the birds!
Now, all that’s left to do is watch and enjoy as birds come to feast on the homemade bird feeders.
If you’d like a simpler version, you can also make the tried-and-true pinecone and peanut butter feeders!
First, spread peanut butter on pinecones that you’ve gathered from outside. Then roll them in the birdseed. Finally, tie yarn or twine to the top of the pinecones and hang them in a tree!
We guarantee the birds will love visiting your yard this winter with these feeders!
More Christmas Activities for Kids
- 5 Christmas Baking Ideas for Kids this Holiday Season
- Easy Christmas Crafts for Toddlers
- Potato Printmaking for a Handmade Christmas
- 21 Homemade Christmas Ornaments
- 40 Handmade Gift Ideas that Kids Can Make
- 5 Natural Christmas Decorations for Kids
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