How to Make a Simple Bird Feeder

Jul 23, 2018

With common household items, you can help your child create a bird feeder that birds will be chirping about!

Before You Play

Tell your child that you are going to help her make a bird feeder. Ask her to describe different birds that she has seen in your yard or neighborhood. Have her talk about their colors and what sorts of chirping sounds they make.

Materials

Pine cones, an empty paper towel roll, or a stale piece of bread
Peanut butter or honey
Raisins, cranberries, unsalted and unbuttered popcorn, sunflower seeds, shelled plain peanuts or mixed birdseed
Wire, dental floss, or cotton string
A hook to hang the feeder

Directions

Start by making the base of the bird feeder. Pine cones are a popular and natural foundation for a bird feeder, but you may also use an empty paper towel roll or a stale piece of bread.

Have your child cover the base with peanut butter or honey. If your child has any peanut allergies, use honey instead of peanut butter.

Have your child mix the raisins, cranberries, unsalted and unbuttered popcorn, sunflower seeds, shelled plain peanuts and/or mixed birdseed. Then, ask her to roll the feeder in the mixture.

Now it’s time to run the wire, dental floss, or cotton string through the bird feeder. Secure the two ends together to make a loop. Younger children may need help with these steps.

Let your child help place the bird feeder on a hook outside of a window or in a tree in your yard. If she cannot see the bird feeder from your home, place it in a tree near a bench where you two are sure to have a great view of the birds enjoying their new feeder.

Activity Type

Craft

Topics