Easy Homemade Bird Feeders: 5 Kid-Friendly Recycled Crafts for Backyard Bird Watching

Transform ordinary household items into charming wildlife habitats with these easy DIY bird feeder projects! Perfect for children ages 7-14, this hands-on nature activity combines crafting, environmental education, and wildlife observation into one rewarding experience. Kids will delight in designing and building their own feeders using recycled materials, then experience the excitement of watching various bird species visit their creations. This accessible project teaches valuable lessons about local ecosystems, wildlife needs, and environmental stewardship while fostering a meaningful connection to the natural world. With multiple design options ranging from simple to more complex, children of all ages and abilities can participate in creating functional feeders that attract a colorful array of feathered visitors to your yard. The activity naturally extends into ongoing bird identification, behavior observation, and habitat learning that can spark a lifelong interest in nature conservation.

Create simple, eco-friendly bird feeders using recycled materials to attract colorful backyard birds, while teaching children about local wildlife, conservation, and the joy of birdwatching!

Creating homemade bird feeders offers children far more than just a fun craft project—it opens a window to the natural world and establishes a continuing relationship with local wildlife. As birds begin to visit their handcrafted feeders, children experience the satisfaction of seeing their creation fulfill a genuine purpose while developing observation skills, patience, and ecological awareness. The project naturally evolves into a long-term learning journey as children begin to identify different bird species, notice behavioral patterns, and understand how their simple act of providing food supports biodiversity in their own backyard. This activity creates a powerful sense of stewardship as children recognize that their actions can positively impact the natural environment. Beyond the scientific learning, there's something magical about the moment when the first bird discovers a feeder a child has made with their own hands—a connection forms that no digital experience can replicate. For many children, this simple project becomes a gateway to deeper nature appreciation and a lifelong understanding of how small actions can support the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

• Clean plastic bottles, milk cartons, or juice containers
• Birdseed (black oil sunflower seeds attract the widest variety)
• Strong string, twine, or wire for hanging
• Scissors or craft knife (adult supervision required)
• Wooden spoons, dowels, or strong twigs for perches
• Large pinecones (for pinecone feeder option)
• Peanut butter or bird-friendly suet (for pinecone feeder)
• Oranges or grapefruits (for fruit cup feeder option)
• Small pieces of untreated wood (for platform feeder option)
• Weather-resistant paint or markers for decoration
• Funnel for adding seed to containers
• Bird identification guide or app
• Notebook and pencils for recording observations
• Binoculars for bird watching (optional but enhances experience)
• Camera or smartphone for documenting birds
• Mild bleach solution for regular feeder cleaning

1. Before creating your feeder, spend time learning about the birds in your area to better understand what you'll be attracting. With your child, browse a local bird guide, download a bird identification app like Merlin Bird ID or Audubon Bird Guide, or visit a wildlife website focused on your region. Discuss which birds are common in your neighborhood and what they typically eat. For younger children (7-9), focus on identifying 3-5 common backyard birds by color and size. For older children (10-14), explore more details about feeding habits and preferred habitats. Make a simple list of birds you hope to attract, noting what types of seed each prefers—many songbirds love black oil sunflower seeds, while smaller birds often prefer nyjer seeds. Discuss the importance of birds in your ecosystem: they control insect populations, pollinate plants, and spread seeds. Understanding the birds in your area helps children form a meaningful connection to the wildlife they'll be supporting and creates excitement about which species might visit their feeder.
2. Select a bird feeder design based on your child's age, interest level, and available materials. Here are five options ranging from simple to more complex: 1) Plastic Bottle Feeder: Cut windows in a clean plastic bottle, add wooden spoon or dowel perches, and fill with seed (best for ages 7-10 with supervision for cutting). 2) Pinecone Feeder: Coat a large pinecone with peanut butter, roll in birdseed, and hang with string (perfect for younger children). 3) Milk Carton Feeder: Cut windows in a clean milk carton, decorate with weather-resistant paint, add a stick perch, fill with seed (good for ages 8-12). 4) Orange Cup Feeder: Cut an orange in half, scoop out fruit, poke three holes around the rim, thread with string to create a hanging basket, fill with seed (appealing to orioles and other fruit-loving birds). 5) Platform Feeder: Nail wooden trim pieces around the edges of a small wooden board to create a tray, drill drainage holes, add a roof with popsicle sticks for weather protection (best for older children with woodworking experience). Let your child choose which design appeals to them most, considering the tools required and their skill level. For a family with multiple children, consider having each child create a different design to attract various bird species.
3. Collect all necessary materials for your chosen bird feeder design, focusing on clean, safe items. For all feeder types, you'll need: appropriate birdseed (black oil sunflower seeds attract the widest variety of birds); strong string, twine, or wire for hanging; and scissors or tools appropriate for your design. For plastic bottle or milk carton feeders: thoroughly wash and completely dry the container; remove all labels; gather wooden spoons, dowels, or strong twigs for perches. For pinecone feeders: collect large, open pinecones; prepare peanut butter or bird-friendly suet (avoid peanut butter if nut allergies are a concern). For orange cup feeders: halve oranges and enjoy the fruit before using the peels. For platform feeders: gather untreated wood pieces, weather-resistant screws or nails, and tools. Set up a protected workspace with newspaper or a drop cloth to catch seed spills. For younger children (7-9), pre-mark cutting lines on containers and assist with any cutting. For older children (10-14), review tool safety but allow more independence in preparation. Organize materials in the order they'll be used to create a systematic workflow that builds good project management habits.
4. Follow these specific directions based on your chosen design: For Plastic Bottle Feeder: 1) Draw cutting lines for 2-3 feeding windows about 2 inches above the bottle's base. 2) Use scissors or craft knife (adult supervision required) to cut along three sides of each rectangle, leaving the top edge intact to create a hinged flap. 3) Fold the flaps outward to create small awnings that protect seed from rain. 4) Directly beneath each window, push a wooden spoon, dowel, or strong twig through the bottle to create perches. 5) Create drainage holes in the bottle base. 6) Make two small holes near the bottle top for hanging string. For Pinecone Feeder: 1) Tie a 12-inch length of string to the top of your pinecone. 2) Using a popsicle stick or butter knife, spread peanut butter into all the pinecone's crevices. 3) Roll the sticky pinecone in birdseed until well-coated. 4) Gently shake off excess seed. For younger children (7-9), focus on the sensory experience of coating the pinecone. For older children (10-14), challenge them to design feeders with multiple feeding stations or protective features against squirrels. Throughout construction, discuss how each feature of the feeder serves a specific purpose for the birds or protects the seed from weather.
5. Once your basic feeder structure is complete, fill it with appropriate birdseed and add special features to attract specific birds. For container feeders (bottle/carton): Use a funnel to pour seed through the top opening until it reaches the bottom of the feeding windows. For platform feeders: Spread a thin layer of mixed seed across the base, ensuring it doesn't block drainage holes. For hanging feeders (pinecone/orange): Add extra seed by gently pressing it into any remaining sticky surfaces. Consider these seed options for attracting different birds: Black oil sunflower seeds (chickadees, cardinals, finches); Nyjer seeds (goldfinches, siskins); Cracked corn (doves, jays, juncos); Fruit pieces (orioles, tanagers); or Millet (sparrows, towhees). For younger children (7-9), create a simple seed mix. For older children (10-14), research specific seed types that attract birds they hope to see and create custom mixes. Add special features to enhance your feeder: Attach colorful ribbons near oriole feeders to attract their attention; Add a water source nearby, as birds need drinking water; Create baffles (like an upside-down bowl above the feeder) to deter squirrels; or Position decorative elements that reflect light to catch birds' attention. Discuss how different birds have different feeding preferences based on their beak shape and natural diet.
6. Selecting the right location is crucial for bird safety and viewing enjoyment. With your child, scout your yard for ideal placement considering these factors: Position feeders near trees or shrubs (about 10-12 feet away) so birds have natural shelter to retreat to if threatened. Avoid placing feeders too close to windows which can cause bird collisions—either place them within 3 feet or beyond 10 feet from any window. Choose a location visible from inside your home so children can easily observe visiting birds. Consider squirrel access—try to position feeders where squirrels can't jump to them from nearby structures. For hanging feeders: Secure the hanging cord over a sturdy branch at least 5-6 feet off the ground, making sure the feeder hangs freely and won't swing into anything. For mounted feeders: Attach securely to a post or railing where predators can't easily reach. For younger children (7-9), involve them in the decision-making process by asking guided questions: 'Would birds feel safe here?' 'Can we see this spot from our window?' For older children (10-14), discuss the ecological reasons behind placement choices and the needs of birds for both feeding and safety. Take a photo of your child hanging their feeder to document this moment of environmental stewardship.
7. Set up a comfortable indoor or sheltered outdoor space where children can regularly observe birds visiting their feeder. Choose a location with a clear view of the feeder, ideally through a window that doesn't get too much foot traffic to avoid scaring away birds. Create a simple bird observation kit including: a notebook for recording sightings; colored pencils for drawings; basic bird identification guide or app; binoculars if available (inexpensive children's binoculars work well); and a chart to track which birds visit. For younger children (7-9), create a simple observation sheet with pictures of common birds they can check off when spotted. For older children (10-14), encourage more detailed documentation including dates, times, weather conditions, bird behaviors, and interactions between different species. Establish a regular 'Bird Watching Time' during peak feeding hours (early morning and late afternoon) when the family can quietly observe together. Explain bird watching etiquette: move slowly, speak quietly, and avoid sudden movements that might startle birds. Consider adding field guides, bird-themed books, or downloading bird call apps to enhance the learning station. This observation station transforms a one-time craft project into an ongoing scientific exploration.
8. Now comes the most rewarding part—watching and identifying the birds that visit your feeder! Encourage regular observation sessions, explaining that it might take a few days for birds to discover a new feeder. Teach basic identification techniques appropriate for your child's age: For younger children (7-9), focus on obvious features like color, size (compared to familiar birds like robins), and distinctive marks. For older children (10-14), introduce more detailed observation including beak shape, tail length, flight patterns, and behavior at the feeder. Create a family bird journal where everyone can record sightings. Include entry spaces for: date and time; weather conditions; bird species identified; number of each species; behaviors observed (eating certain seeds, interactions with other birds); and simple sketches or photos if possible. Turn identification into a game: 'Bird Bingo' with common local species; a points system for spotting rare visitors; or a family competition for who can identify the most species in a week. Use technology as a tool—take photos with a smartphone (even through binoculars) to help with later identification or record bird sounds to match with audio in identification apps. Celebrate each new species identified with a special acknowledgment, creating excitement around biodiversity discovery.
9. Teach children the importance of properly maintaining their bird feeder for the health of visiting wildlife. Establish a regular cleaning schedule: Empty and clean plastic or wood feeders every two weeks (more often in wet weather) using a mild bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water), rinsing thoroughly. Replace hanging feeders like pinecones when they begin to deteriorate. Check seed levels every few days, especially after rain when seed may clump or spoil. For younger children (7-9), create a simple maintenance checklist with pictures. For older children (10-14), discuss the responsibility of caring for wildlife and potential diseases that can spread at neglected feeders. Once your basic feeder is successful, consider expanding your backyard bird habitat: Add different feeder types to attract various species; Plant native flowers, shrubs, or trees that provide natural food sources; Create a bird bath for drinking and bathing; or Add nesting boxes appropriate for local species. Involve children in researching bird-friendly landscaping for your region. This ongoing project teaches children that environmental stewardship is a continuing commitment rather than a one-time activity. Start a seasonal bird calendar noting when migratory species arrive and depart, connecting children to natural cycles.
10. Elevate your bird feeder project by connecting it to real scientific research through citizen science programs. Explain to children that their observations can help scientists track bird populations and migration patterns across the country. For younger children (7-9), introduce simple participation in annual events like the Great Backyard Bird Count or Project FeederWatch where basic identification and counting skills contribute meaningful data. For older children (10-14), explore more ongoing participation using apps like eBird or NestWatch where they can regularly submit sightings and observations. Visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website together to learn about various citizen science projects appropriate for your child's age and interest level. Create a special system for recording observations that will be submitted to these programs, emphasizing accuracy and consistency in documentation. Discuss how individual observations, when combined with thousands of others, create powerful data sets that scientists use to understand bird population trends, migration patterns, and the effects of climate change. This connection to larger scientific endeavors helps children understand how their local actions and observations contribute to global understanding and conservation efforts, reinforcing the importance of their bird feeder project.

• Develop knowledge of local bird species, their feeding habits, and role in the ecosystem
• Build observation skills through documenting and identifying different bird visitors
• Understand habitat needs and how to create wildlife-friendly environments
• Practice recycling and upcycling by repurposing household items for environmental benefit
• Enhance fine motor skills through cutting, assembling, and decorating bird feeders
• Learn responsibility through ongoing maintenance and care of the feeder
• Develop scientific thinking by hypothesizing which birds will visit different feeder types
• Build patience and focus during quiet observation periods
• Practice data collection and record-keeping with bird sighting journals
• Understand seasonal changes by observing different bird species throughout the year
• Develop empathy for wildlife and understanding of conservation principles
• Connect classroom learning about ecosystems and food chains to real-world observations
• Experience the scientific method through questions, observations, and conclusions about bird behavior

• Always have adult supervision when children are using scissors, craft knives, or other cutting tools
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling birdseed, which can contain dust and occasionally mold spores
• Use only clean, food-safe containers that haven't stored harmful chemicals
• When hanging feeders, use proper ladder safety if needed and ensure feeders are securely attached
• Position feeders at appropriate heights where they won't be a hazard for running children
• Be aware of potential allergies to nuts if using peanut butter in feeder recipes
• Keep seed storage containers tightly sealed and away from small children to prevent choking hazards
• Use only mild bleach solutions for cleaning feeders and rinse thoroughly before refilling
• Check outdoor areas for safety hazards before setting up observation stations
• Consider potential wildlife visitors beyond birds—be aware of local regulations regarding feeding wildlife
• Avoid touching birds or nests if discovered nearby, as human scent can cause parents to abandon nests
• Be cautious of window collisions—place feeders either very close to windows (less than 3 feet) or further away (more than 10 feet)
• Store unused birdseed in rodent-proof containers to avoid attracting unwanted pests
• Discuss appropriate distance viewing of birds to avoid disturbing them during feeding