Easy Homemade Bird Feeder

You don't need to spend a lot of money to attract birds to your yard. Save your pennies to stock up on birdseed and instead raid your recycling bin for supplies to make your own bird feeder. You can use just about any container. Here is some DIY bird feeder inspiration.

Mason jar or tin can feeder

This simple bird feeder can be made with a mason jar, tin can or any jar from your recycling bin. Hang it with leather, twine or ribbon, and don't forget a perch for the birds to land on.

Juice or milk carton feeder

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

Plastic bottle bird feeder

Skewer an empty plastic bottle with two wooden spoons and fill with birdseed for this super easy 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 by the mouths of the spoons so birdseed can spill out.

Bird feeding tips:
- There are many types of food that birds like (including things you probably already have on hand, like oats and fruit), and the types of birds you attract will change depending on what you put out.
- It's not just the bird seed that matters. Different types of feeders will attract different species of birds.
- It is important for feeders to have drainage holes to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause food to mold rapidly.
- Make sure your birdhouse or feeder can be easily cleaned (again, to prevent mold).
- If you want to encourage nesting in your yard, consider building a nest box.