DIY bird feeders are one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to bring life and color to your backyard. Whether you’re hoping to attract cheerful finches, curious cardinals, or just enjoy a closer view of your feathered neighbors, making your own feeders is a fun, low-cost weekend project for adults and kids alike. Plus, many of these ideas use items you already have at home—making them not only eco-friendly but also ideal for quick afternoon crafting.
From recycled bottles and pinecones to charming teacups and cookie cutters, this guide shares 16 creative and easy DIY bird feeders that can be made with minimal tools and supplies. These ideas don’t require carpentry skills—just a bit of time, some birdseed, and a love for nature.
Each project is designed to be simple, effective, and beautiful enough to enhance any garden, balcony, or backyard.
Table of Contents
1. Pine Cone Peanut Butter Feeder
This classic DIY bird feeder is perfect for families and beginners. All you need is a large pine cone, peanut butter, birdseed, and string. It’s simple, inexpensive, and birds absolutely love it.
To make:
- Tie a string securely around the top of a pine cone.
- Spread peanut butter deep into the cone’s scales.
- Roll the coated cone in a shallow bowl of birdseed.
- Hang it from a tree branch or porch rail.
This feeder is ideal for colder months, and it’s easy to refill or replace as needed.
2. Milk Carton Feeder with Crafty Details
Turn your empty milk cartons into colorful, functional bird feeders. It’s a great way to reuse household waste and get creative.
To make:
- Rinse and dry a half-gallon milk carton.
- Cut a large hole in one side to form the “door.”
- Paint the outside with non-toxic craft paint.
- Add decorations using washi tape or waterproof stickers.
- Poke a small hole below the opening and insert a short wooden dowel as a perch.
- Use string or twine to hang from a tree.
- Fill with seed and watch the birds flock.
This feeder is especially fun for kids to design and decorate.
3. Branch Feeder for Natural Charm
Bring a rustic look to your garden by transforming a simple fallen branch into a practical bird feeder.
To make:
- Choose a thick, sturdy branch around 1.5–2 feet long.
- Drill several 1-inch-deep holes along the branch using a spade bit.
- Fill the holes with peanut butter, then press in birdseed.
- Screw a metal eye hook into the top and hang it with rope or twine.
This natural-style DIY bird feeder blends into outdoor spaces beautifully and is great for woodpeckers and other tree-loving birds.
4. Dinnerware Bird Feeder from Spare Plates
Have an extra plate or shallow bowl lying around? Repurpose it into a charming feeder that looks elegant and works well.
To make:
- Use strong adhesive (like E6000) to glue a small plate to a bowl or shallow saucer.
- Drill or glue a hook or screw eye into the top.
- Attach sturdy string, chain, or rope to hang.
- Add seed and hang from a tree or garden hook.
Melamine or unbreakable plates are best for durability outdoors.
5. No-Tool Colorful Cup Feeder
If you want a bright and cheerful DIY bird feeder without using tools, this one’s for you. Great for spring, it’s made from lightweight plastic cups and simple craft supplies.
To make:
- Choose a colorful plastic or melamine cup.
- Use strong glue to attach the cup to a matching saucer.
- Decorate with weather-resistant paint or craft stickers if desired.
- Drill (or punch) a small hole in the cup’s side for drainage.
- Glue or screw a hook to the top of the cup and hang with twine or ribbon.
It’s a quick, no-fuss project with lots of room for personalization.
6. Cookie Cutter Seed Feeders
Fun, festive, and toddler-friendly, these shaped feeders are ideal for holidays or themed gardens.
To make:
- Mix together ¾ cup birdseed, 1 packet unflavored gelatin, and ¼ cup water in a saucepan.
- Heat until gelatin dissolves, then let cool slightly.
- Lay cookie cutters on wax paper and press the seed mixture into each one.
- Poke a hole at the top using a straw.
- Let harden overnight.
- Add string and hang from branches.
You can use heart, star, or seasonal shapes for extra charm.
7. Wine Bottle Feeder with Wood Base
Recycle an empty wine bottle into a sleek, gravity-fed bird feeder that’s surprisingly easy to build.
To make:
- Clean and dry a wine bottle.
- Build a small wooden platform with side supports to hold the bottle at a slant.
- Drill a small exit hole near the mouth of the bottle to allow seed flow.
- Secure the bottle to the wood base with metal clamps or wire.
- Hang or mount the setup on a post or fence.
This design keeps seed dry and looks stylish in any backyard setting.
8. Hanging Wine Bottle Feeder with Perch
Here’s another clever wine bottle version—this one with a more open, hanging setup and an added resting perch for your feathered guests.
To make:
- Drill two holes into a wooden board to slide a bottle through horizontally.
- Attach a flat wood base beneath the bottle as a feeding tray.
- Add a metal hook or rope for hanging.
- Fill the bottle with seed and let gravity do the rest.
A functional piece with a modern twist—perfect for wine lovers with a soft spot for birds.
9. Soda Bottle Feeder for Quick Recycling
A plastic soda bottle makes an excellent base for a DIY bird feeder, giving new life to something that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin.
To make:
- Rinse and dry a 16–20 oz plastic soda bottle.
- Cut or drill two holes about an inch above the base and insert wooden spoons or chopsticks as perches, angled slightly downward.
- Cut small seed holes just above each perch, ensuring they’re not too large to prevent spillage.
- Poke two holes in the bottle cap and thread wire or string through for hanging.
- Fill with birdseed and hang it on a tree or pole.
This project is perfect for beginners and eco-conscious crafters.
10. Teacup Bird Feeder with Vintage Charm
If you’ve got old teacups collecting dust, turn them into adorable DIY bird feeders with cottage-core vibes.
To make:
- Use strong outdoor adhesive to attach the cup sideways onto its matching saucer.
- The saucer serves as a base, while the cup can hold birdseed.
- Let dry overnight.
- Drill a small hole through the saucer and attach hanging wire or chain.
Elegant, functional, and a conversation starter—this feeder looks lovely in flower gardens and patios.
11. Candle Sconce Feeder from Dollar Store Finds
This thrifty feeder idea uses a wall-mounted candle sconce and a small dish, making it easy to hang and refill.
To make:
- Pick up a metal or wrought iron candle sconce at the dollar store.
- Glue or set a shallow dish into the holder.
- Fill it with seed and mount the sconce to a fence, post, or wall near your garden.
A great option if you want a feeder that stays put and adds a decorative touch.
12. Water Feeder for Birds and Butterflies
Not all feeders are for food—hydration matters too! This simple project provides fresh water for birds and butterflies, especially during hot or dry months.
To make:
- Use a shallow ceramic or glass dish with small stones or pebbles inside.
- Add clean water just below the level of the stones, allowing butterflies and birds to perch safely.
- Place the dish on a stand or in your flower bed, preferably near plants that attract pollinators.
This easy DIY supports your local ecosystem and encourages frequent bird visits.
13. Budget-Friendly Plate and Bowl Feeder
For under $10, you can create a sturdy and stylish feeder using nothing more than a basic plate and bowl combo from the dollar store.
To make:
- Glue a shallow bowl upside-down to the bottom of a plate to act as a base.
- Drill a small hole through the center if you’d like to hang it with a threaded rod or rope.
- Fill the plate with seed and either hang it or place it on a flat surface.
This feeder is easy to clean and refill—and ideal for patios or balconies.
14. Acorn-Shaped Feeder for Fall Flair
Add a touch of whimsy to your garden with this fall-inspired DIY bird feeder that mimics the look of a giant acorn.
To make:
- Use a round plastic bowl as the base and a decorative top like a wicker basket lid or painted dome for the acorn cap.
- Drill holes and attach the pieces using zip ties or adhesive.
- Add a rope for hanging and fill the base with seed.
It’s a fun seasonal project that’s both functional and festive.
15. Pine Cone Revisited – Autumn Edition
This variation of the pine cone feeder adds a fall-friendly twist and is ideal for cool-weather crafting.
To make:
- Use cinnamon sticks or mini pumpkins as decorations around the feeder area.
- Instead of peanut butter, try using suet in colder months to prevent melting.
- Add dried cranberries or chopped nuts to appeal to a wider variety of birds.
Perfect for bringing life to your yard during the quieter fall and winter months.
🧺 Conclusion
Creating DIY bird feeders is more than just a craft—it’s a way to connect with nature, reduce waste, and add charm to your outdoor space. With just a few simple materials and an afternoon of crafting, you can attract a wide range of beautiful birds to your yard year-round.
Whether you prefer rustic pinecones, recycled bottles, or elegant teacups, there’s a bird feeder on this list that suits your style, budget, and skill level.
Remember to clean feeders regularly, keep them stocked, and place them near sheltering trees or shrubs to keep your feathered visitors safe and happy.