DIY Birdhouses and Feeders from Recycled Materials

Use Recycled Materials to Encourage Birds in Your Garden Create bird feeders and birdhouses from recycled materials. Better still, it’s environmentally friendly! No throwing out old household goods. Instead, you can transform them into adorable birdhouses or feeders. Apply recycled outdoor projects for the betterment of the environment. They also provide birds with food and shelter, particularly during winter.

Birdwatching is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby. It benefits nature lovers and helps local wildlife. Essentially, building a birdhouse or feeders invites all species. It also adds a creative touch to your outdoor space. Whether new to crafting or skilled, this guide will help add more birds to your garden. You can do it with easy, eco-friendly materials.

Why Make Birdhouses and Feeders from Recycled Materials?

1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

• Reduces Waste: Repurposing old materials prevents them from ending up in landfills.
• Encourages Wildlife Conservation: Providing shelter and food for birds supports local bird populations, helping them survive in urban areas.
• Minimises Environmental Impact: Reduces the need for new materials, lowering carbon footprints.

2. Budget-Friendly and Easily Accessible

• Uses Common Household Items: Most materials, such as old wood, plastic bottles, or tin cans, can be found at home or in recycling bins.
• Saves Money: No need to purchase expensive store-bought birdhouses or feeders when you can make your own.
• Requires Minimal Tools: Simple designs can be created with scissors, glue, and paint, making them accessible to everyone.

3. Fun and Creative DIY Project

• Great for Kids and Families: A fun way to teach children about nature and sustainability through hands-on crafting.
• Customisable Designs: You can paint, decorate, and personalise birdhouses to match your garden decor.
• Adds Character to Your Outdoor Space: Handcrafted birdhouses and feeders bring unique charm and vibrancy to any garden.

Creative DIY Birdhouse Ideas

1. Wooden Birdhouse from Scrap Wood

A strong, durable wooden birdhouse helps birds while recycling leftover wood from past projects.

Steps:

1. Gather pieces of scrap wood or repurpose an old wooden box.
2. Cut the wood into panels to form a small house with a roof and an entrance hole.
3. Nail or screw the panels together securely to create a strong structure.
4. Attach a small wooden perch below the entrance hole for birds to land on.
5. Paint or stain the wood with weather-resistant coatings to protect it from the elements.
6. Using wire, nails, or sturdy hooks, hang the birdhouse on a tree or fence post.

2. Milk Carton Birdhouse

A lightweight and easy-to-make birdhouse using an empty milk carton is a great project for kids and beginners.

Steps:

1. Rinse out an empty milk carton thoroughly and allow it to dry.
2. Cut a circular hole in the front to create an entrance for birds.
3. Decorate the carton using paint, fabric, or glued-on natural materials like twigs and leaves.
4. Punch holes in the top of the carton and thread string through for easy hanging.
5. Place in a sheltered garden spot away from predators to keep birds safe.

3. Teapot Birdhouse

Turn an old ceramic or metal teapot into a charming birdhouse that adds a whimsical touch to your garden.

Steps:

1. Find an unused or chipped teapot with an intact spout.
2. Securely attach the teapot to a wooden post, fence, or tree branch using strong wire or brackets.
3. Position the spout downward to allow for proper drainage.
4. Add soft nesting material inside, such as dried grass or cotton, to make it comfortable for birds.

DIY Homemade Bird Feeders

1. Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

Plastic bottles are one of the easiest and most effective materials for making bird feeders.

Steps:

1. Take an empty plastic bottle and remove any labels.
2. Cut small holes in the sides, ensuring they are large enough for birds to access the food but not too big to cause spills.
3. Insert wooden dowels or pencils through the bottle as perches beneath each hole.
4. Fill the bottle with birdseed and securely screw the cap back on.
5. Using a strong string or wire, hang it from a tree branch or hook.

2. Pine Cone Feeder

This biodegradable feeder is a great way to attract birds using natural materials.

Steps:

1. Collect a large, open pine cone from your garden or a nearby park.
2. Generously spread peanut butter or suet over the pine cone, ensuring it gets into the gaps.
3. Roll the coated pine cone in a bowl of birdseed until fully covered.
4. Tie a strong string around the top and hang it from a tree branch.

3. Tin Can Bird Feeder

Old tin cans make fantastic upcycled feeders that can be decorated to match any garden theme.

Steps:

1. Thoroughly clean and smooth out any sharp edges of a tin can.
2. Paint or decorate the can with weather-resistant colours and patterns.
3. Drill drainage holes at the bottom and attach a sturdy wire for hanging.
4. Fill the can with birdseed and hang it in a secure location where birds can easily access it.

4. Orange Peel Feeder

A fun and fully biodegradable feeder using leftover orange peels.

Steps:

1. Cut an orange in half and carefully remove the fruit, leaving the peel intact.
2. Poke three evenly spaced holes near the top and thread through natural twine.
3. Fill the peel with birdseed and hang it from a branch.
4. Once empty, compost the peel for an eco-friendly disposal method.

Tips for Placing and Maintaining Birdhouses and Feeders

• Choose Safe Locations: Place birdhouses and feeders in sheltered areas. Avoid spots exposed to wind, direct sunlight, or predators like cats.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean feeders and birdhouses monthly. This helps stop bacteria, mould, and disease from spreading among birds.
• Choose Natural Materials: Use untreated wood, non-toxic paints, and biodegradable supplies. This helps protect the environment.
• Provide Fresh Water: Birds need fresh water for drinking and bathing, so consider adding a shallow water dish or birdbath nearby.
• Watch Bird Activity: See which designs attract the most birds. If necessary, change their placement or seed types.

Conclusion: Bring More Birds to Your Garden!

Recycling DIY birdhouses and feeder materials is fun, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly! It also provides a little help for bird populations. Upcycle scrap wood, plastic bottles, and tin cans for more bird-friendly features. It also improves the look of your garden. You cut down waste and make safe spaces for them.”

It is the best time of year to begin your green bird project! Gather your supplies, get creative, and enjoy watching birds flock to your DIY housing and feeders. Have you built a birdhouse or feeder before? Share your experience and ideas in the comments below!