Yes, you can easily make a simple bird feeder out of a plastic water bottle.
Making a bird feeder out of a water bottle is an easy craft that can be done with simple materials found around the house. It’s a great activity to do with kids to teach them about recycling and helping local birds. Here are some quick answers to common questions about making a water bottle bird feeder:
What kind of water bottle works best?
Plastic water bottles or soda bottles work best. Look for ones with smooth, straight sides that will be easy to cut into. Avoid bottles with deep ridges or curves. Go for larger bottles, like 16-20 oz size, which will be more stable when hanging.
What do I put inside the bottle?
You can fill your bottle feeder with common birdseed mixes, like millet, sunflower seeds, nyjer, or safflower seeds. Avoid mixes with peanuts or large seeds that won’t fit through the bottle opening.
How do I hang the bottle feeder?
Use string, wire, or twine to make a hanger for the feeder. Run the wire through the bottle cap before screwing it back onto the bottle. You can hang the feeder from trees, posts, or your roof overhang.
Where should I hang the bird feeder?
Look for a spot near trees or shrubs where birds naturally congregate. Hang the feeder 5-10 feet off the ground and at least 4 feet from windows or walls. Position it so it’s easy to refill and clean.
Will birds actually use a plastic bottle feeder?
Yes, common feeder birds like chickadees, titmice, finches, and nuthatches will happily visit a simple plastic bottle feeder. As long as you fill it with their preferred seeds, they’ll come to your DIY feeder.
What materials do I need to make a water bottle bird feeder?
Luckily, you only need a few simple, inexpensive items:
- An empty plastic water or soda bottle, thoroughly cleaned
- Birdseed
- A small nail or drill (if drilling a hole)
- String or wire for hanging
- Scissors or craft knife
- Ruler
- Pen or marker
You’ll also need a safe cutting surface, like a cutting board or work table. With these basic supplies, you’re ready to make your DIY bird cafe!
Step-by-step instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide to making a simple water bottle bird feeder:
Step 1. Thoroughly clean and dry the water bottle
Start by washing out the plastic bottle with soap and warm water. Remove any labels as well. Let the bottle completely dry before starting the project.
Step 2. Measure and mark the cut lines
Using a ruler and pen or marker, measure and mark horizontal lines where you want to make the cuts:
- About 2 inches up from the bottom
- 1-2 inches below the neck/cap area
These lines mark where you’ll be cutting openings for birds to access the seed.
Step 3. Cut out the bottom of the bottle
Carefully use scissors or a craft knife to cut along the lower line to remove the bottom of the bottle. This will create the opening for birds to reach the birdseed.
Step 4. Trim openings in the bottle neck
Along the upper line, cut several horizontal slits about 1 inch long around the circumference of the bottle neck. Space the slits about 1⁄2 inch apart.
Step 5. Add hanger
Using a nail or drill, carefully make a small hole on opposite sides of the bottle cap. Thread string or wire through the holes and knot it to create a hanger.
Step 6. Fill with birdseed
Add your desired birdseed blend through the large bottom opening. Stop about 2 inches below the neck so seeds don’t spill out.
Step 7. Replace cap and hang up
Screw the cap back on tightly and hang your feeder in the desired spot outside using the attached string or wire.
Step 8. Maintain and enjoy your feeder
Check and refill the feeder as needed. Wipe away built up dirt but don’t use soap. Enjoy watching the birds savor your DIY creation!
Tips for making a successful water bottle bird feeder
Here are some helpful tips for making a functional, safe feeder that will attract birds:
- Choose a large, straight-sided bottle for stability
- Avoid bottles with dyes or additives that could leach
- Drill drainage holes in the bottom if not removing it
- Use strong wire or cord to hang the feeder
- Hang in a sheltered spot to avoid swinging in wind
- Cut slits on opposite sides of the neck for easiest access
- Check seed levels every few days
- Clean periodically with warm water, no soap
- Consider adding perches made from twigs or dowels
- Decorate with non-toxic acrylic paints if desired
Following these tips will help you construct an effective recycled bottle feeder that brings joy to backyard birds!
What birds will visit a water bottle bird feeder?
Many common feeder birds in North America will readily come to bottle feeders filled with their favorite foods. Species likely to visit include:
Bird Type | Foods They Like |
---|---|
Chickadees | Black oil sunflower seeds, nyjer |
Titmouse | Safflower, sunflower |
Finches | Nyjer seed, millet |
Nuthatches | Sunflower chips, suet |
Woodpeckers | Suet, peanuts |
Jays | Peanuts, sunflower |
The key is choosing seeds suited to the birds you want to attract. Sunflower, millet and nyjer will lure in the widest variety of small feeder birds.
Troubleshooting water bottle bird feeders
Here are some common issues and solutions for recycled bottle feeders:
Problem: Birds reluctant to use the feeder
- Try moving it to a more bird-friendly spot surrounded by protective shrubs or trees
- Add perches to give birds a place to land before feeding
- Start by filling with a bird’s favorite food to entice them
Problem: Seeds getting wet and rotting
- Make sure the feeder has drainage holes in the bottom
- Move feeder to a more covered location
- Use awning to help keep seeds dry
Problem: Ants in the feeder
- Coat wire hanger in petroleum jelly or hot pepper wax to deter ants
- Sprinkle cinnamon, chili powder or cayenne around hanger opening
- Diatomaceous earth on ground around base can deter ants
Problem: Mold growing inside bottle
- Clean periodically with weak bleach solution, 1 part bleach to 9 parts water
- Ensure all seed debris is cleaned out through openings
- Use distilled white vinegar to kill any mold or algae growth
With some troubleshooting and experimenting with different seed types, you’ll soon have happy birds flocking to your homemade water bottle feeder!
Creative variations on the water bottle bird feeder
Once you master the basics, there are lots of creative ways to customize your plastic bottle bird feeders:
Add perches
Drill small holes on opposite sides of the bottle to insert wooden dowels or twigs as perches. Birds will appreciate a place to land before hopping inside!
Decorate with paint
Spice up a plain bottle with colorful designs using non-toxic acrylic craft paint. Just let paint fully dry before installing outside.
Insert feed cake cylinder
Cut the bottom off a smaller plastic bottle. Place seed cake inside and insert into larger bottle to hold cakes/suet in place.
Make double-sided feeder
Cut the top off two bottles. Invert one, hot glue tops together, then flip over to create feeding ports on both sides.
Add plastic windows
Cut plastic transparency sheets to fit feeder sides. Tape over cut openings so birds can see the seed inside.
Convert to a suet feeder
Rather than seeds, fill your feeder with suet cakes to attract nuthatches, woodpeckers and wrens.
The possibilities are endless when upcycling plastic bottles into fun backyard bird feeders! Use your imagination to create feeders as unique as the feathered friends who visit them.
Conclusion
Constructing bird feeders from recycled materials like plastic water bottles provides an easy, enjoyable project for crafters of all ages. The basic design can be made in under an hour with just scissors, string, and birdseed. And birds will happily visit these DIY creations to feast on their favorite treats.
With a little care and maintenance, a water bottle feeder can provide years of birdwatching entertainment right outside your window. As an added bonus, repurposing plastic trash reduces waste while also supplying food to your feathered neighbors.
So grab an empty bottle and your creativity and see who shows up! Both you and local birds will appreciate the efforts. Just be sure to provide fresh food and clean when needed, choose safe hanging locations, and use appropriate seeds for your desired visitors. With a simple upcycled feeder, you’ll soon delight in a flock of happy birds gathering at your homemade bird cafe.