Have you noticed how quiet your garden sounds these days? With habitats shrinking and pollution rising, birds are losing safe places to feed and rest.
Creating a welcoming space for local birds isn’t just good for them; it helps balance ecosystems, pollinate plants, and add life to your backyard.
The best part is that you don’t need to be an expert or spend much money.
These 20 easy DIY bird feeders are fun to make, kid-friendly, and use materials you likely already have at home.
#1. Rainbow Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder
This cheerful bird feeder turns craft sticks into a vibrant haven for feathered friends.
Each layer is built from colorful popsicle sticks, creating a square structure with plenty of room for birdseed and a sturdy perch.
The rainbow palette makes this project especially fun for kids, and it adds a bright pop to any garden space.
Materials Needed
- Colored popsicle sticks (about 60-70)
- Hot glue gun or strong craft glue
- Twine or jute rope
- Small wood square (for roof base, optional)
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Create the feeder base by gluing popsicle sticks into a square, stacking and securing layers for height.
Step 2: Use sticks to form the four vertical pillars and tie twine securely around each joint.
Step 3: Construct the slanted roof by gluing sticks diagonally on a triangle base or directly across two supports.
Step 4: Add a perch by gluing an extra stick to one side near the bottom opening.
Step 5: Tie four pieces of twine to each corner, gather them at the top, and knot to form a hanging loop.
Step 6: Add birdseed and hang your masterpiece where birds can feast in full color.
#2. Colorful Juice Carton Bird Feeders
These brightly painted juice carton feeders are as cheerful as they are practical.
They bring out the playful side of crafting and offer a perfect weekend project for kids and grownups alike.
With wide openings for birds to perch and peck, the design is simple, open, and inviting, ideal for smaller backyard birds to enjoy their snacks in peace.
Materials Needed
- Empty juice or milk cartons
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Craft knife or scissors
- Twine or yarn for hanging
- Birdseed
- Optional: waterproof sealer for longevity
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Rinse and dry the carton, then cut out large rectangular windows on three or four sides, leaving the bottom intact to hold seed.
Step 2: Paint the outside of the carton in bright, bold colors. Let creativity run wild, abstract patterns, animals, or rainbow stripes all work beautifully.
Step 3: Once dry, apply a waterproof sealant if desired for added durability outdoors.
Step 4: Punch a hole in the top and thread twine through to make a hanger.
Step 5: Add birdseed inside and hang your feeder in a tree or near a window.
#3. Painted Carton Feeders with Twig Roofs
These whimsical carton feeders bring a splash of color and personality to any winter garden.
With hand-painted snowflakes, polka dots, and even a festive pennant garland, each one feels like a mini birdhouse with charm to spare.
This DIY idea is a beautiful way to reuse milk cartons and spark some seasonal creativity with the kids.
Materials Needed
- Empty milk or juice cartons
- Acrylic paints in assorted colors
- Small twigs (cut to size)
- Hot glue gun
- Craft knife or scissors
- Small wooden dowels or sticks for perches
- Birdseed
- Twine for hanging
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut an arched opening near the bottom of each clean carton, leaving room for seed and perch.
Step 2: Paint the cartons with patterns, snowflakes, or tiny birds and let them dry completely.
Step 3: Glue trimmed twigs onto the top as a roof. Use strong glue to keep them secure in cold weather.
Step 4: Insert a small dowel or twig just below the opening for a perch.
Step 5: Fill with birdseed, attach twine, and hang on a sturdy tree branch.
#4. Hanger Feeder with Seed Tray and Suet Balls
Wow, this creative bird feeder proves that even a simple clothes hanger can find new life outdoors.
With a fresh coat of green paint and a suspended mesh tray underneath, this upcycled hanger becomes an airy platform where birds can gather, snack, and socialize.
Two suet balls hang from each end to offer high-energy bites, especially valuable in colder months.
You don’t need much to pull it off, just a bit of mesh, a few hooks, and a place to hang it.
Materials Needed
- 1 plastic or wooden clothes hanger
- Small section of mesh or screen (for tray)
- 2 suet balls in netting
- Wire or twine for attaching parts
- Birdseed mix
- Optional: green spray paint
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the hanger if desired and allow it to dry completely.
Step 2: Attach a rectangular piece of mesh or fine screen to the underside of the hanger, securing each end with wire or strong twine.
Step 3: Hang a suet ball from each corner for added feeding stations.
Step 4: Fill the mesh tray with a mix of seeds and hang the feeder on a branch or hook outdoors.
Tip: Choose a hanger with broad arms to better support the mesh tray and make it more stable in the wind.
#5. Rustic Ivy Birdhouse with Natural Accents
This nature-inspired birdhouse blends in beautifully with the outdoors, making it a peaceful retreat for feathered visitors.
Crafted from a recycled carton, it’s transformed into a rustic haven with faux ivy vines, twine, and miniature feathers.
The popsicle stick roof adds a handcrafted charm, while a twig perch gives birds a natural place to rest before feeding.
Materials Needed
- Empty milk or juice carton
- White acrylic paint
- Craft twine or raffia
- Mini faux ivy or greenery vines
- Popsicle sticks
- Small twigs and feathers
- Hot glue gun
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a rounded hole in the front of the clean, dry carton and paint the entire surface white. Let it dry completely.
Step 2: Glue popsicle sticks on top to create a rustic roof effect.
Step 3: Wrap twine or raffia around the upper part of the carton. Tuck in a few feathers and small twigs for extra detail.
Step 4: Attach faux ivy along one side, letting it trail naturally.
Step 5: Insert a twig perch under the entrance and secure tightly with glue. Fill the inside with birdseed and hang in a shaded area.
#6. Colorful Beaded Hanging Cup Feeder
Bright, playful, and kid-approved, this cheerful bird feeder is a burst of color among bare branches.
Made from a simple clear plastic cup and strung up with yarn adorned in pony beads, it’s a fun craft for little hands and curious minds.
You can hang it low where kids can watch birds come and go, or higher in a tree for a surprise pop of color in the garden.
Materials Needed
- 1 small plastic cup or container
- Yarn or strong string (4 pieces, 12-15 inches each)
- Plastic pony beads (variety of colors and shapes)
- Hole punch
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Use a hole punch to make four evenly spaced holes near the rim of the cup.
Step 2: Thread beads onto each string, knotting both ends to keep them from slipping.
Step 3: Tie each string through the punched holes and gather all four ends together above the cup to form a loop for hanging.
Step 4: Fill the cup with birdseed and hang it on a branch where birds can perch safely.
#7. Upcycled Glass Bottle Bird Feeder Station
Why not turn your recycling bin into a haven for hungry birds with this striking trio of green glass bottles?
Mounted upside-down on a rustic wooden plank and tied off with natural twine, the bottles dispense seeds slowly into shallow wooden trays below.
The symmetry is pleasing to the eye, while the steady flow keeps the feeding area well-stocked.
Materials Needed
- 3 empty glass bottles (preferably green wine or soda bottles)
- Sturdy wooden board (about 18” wide)
- 2 wooden slats for bottom support
- Thick twine or jute rope
- Screws and screwdriver
- Bird seed mix
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Thoroughly clean and dry the bottles. Remove labels for a polished look.
Step 2: Mount the wooden board vertically on a shed or fence using screws for secure anchoring.
Step 3: Attach two wooden slats horizontally at the bottom to cradle the bottle necks.
Step 4: Fill each bottle with bird seed, then invert and place the necks into the slots. Use twine to secure them to the board.
Step 5: Let the seed flow naturally into the slat base and refill when low.
#8. Cheerful Flower Can Feeder with Beads and Bird Accent
Made from an upcycled tin can and shaped like a blooming flower, it’s a charming way to bring both art and nature together.
The cheerful beads and yellow bird cutout give it a fun, whimsical personality, almost like it’s straight out of a children’s storybook.
Moreover, the vibrant colors will attract feathered visitors and delight any passerby.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty tin can (cleaned and label removed)
- Craft foam or glitter foam sheets (orange or flower color of your choice)
- Yellow cardstock or foam for bird cutout
- String or twine with colorful beads
- Glue or double-sided tape
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a flower shape from craft foam and glue it around the open edge of the can to frame it.
Step 2: Create a bird silhouette from yellow foam and attach it to the side of the can as a cute accent.
Step 3: Thread colorful beads onto two strings of twine, then tie each end to the can for hanging.
Step 4: Fill the can with birdseed and hang it from a tree branch.
#9. Funny Cartoon Juice Box Bird Feeders
These goofy bird feeders bring serious fun to the garden.
Made from recycled juice cartons, they’re transformed into cartoonish birds with googly eyes, bright beaks, and painted wings.
Also, a wide front opening reveals a mesh bag of seeds inside, while a wooden stick pokes out below for a perching spot.
Materials Needed
- Empty juice cartons (rinsed and dried)
- Acrylic paint (various bright colors)
- Googly eyes or plastic bottle caps
- Red or orange foam or construction paper (for beaks)
- Mesh bags filled with birdseed or suet balls
- Wooden popsicle sticks
- Glue, scissors, string (for hanging)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint the juice cartons in fun colors and let them dry completely.
Step 2: Cut a hole in the front for the seed pouch, and a smaller hole underneath for inserting the perch stick.
Step 3: Attach googly eyes or bottle caps for eyes and cut out paper beaks and wings to glue onto the sides.
Step 4: Insert a wooden stick through the hole for a perch and place the mesh seed pouch inside the box.
Step 5: Make a hole at the top and tie a string through to hang your feeder on a fence or tree.
#10. Sleek Hanging Jar Feeder with Leather Strap
Minimalism meets rustic charm in this glass jar bird feeder that hangs effortlessly from a tree branch.
You just need a sturdy jar, a thick leather strip, and a simple wooden dowel to turn this into a stylish snack stop for your local feathered visitors.
The clear glass lets you keep an eye on the seed level, while the dowel rod acts as a perfect perch for birds to dine comfortably.
Materials Needed
- 1 medium glass jar (wide mouth)
- 1 leather strap (2″ wide, 18–24″ long)
- 1 wooden dowel (½” thick, 8″ long)
- Metal hook or carabiner
- Super glue or epoxy
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Clean and dry your jar. Insert the dowel through the lower part of the strap and secure with strong glue.
Step 2: Wrap the strap around the jar and glue it in place so the jar hangs horizontally with the mouth open.
Step 3: Punch a hole in the top of the strap and insert a metal hook or carabiner for hanging.
Step 4: Fill the jar halfway with birdseed. Hang it from a sturdy tree branch and let the birds come to explore.
#11. Cookie Cutter Birdseed Feeders
These delightful birdseed feeders combine function and festivity.
Made using cookie cutters, they come out in fun shapes like hearts, bells, and donuts, each one a tasty treat and charming decoration for your outdoor space.
Birds love them, and you’ll love how easily they add seasonal flair to your garden or balcony.
Materials Needed
- Birdseed (2-3 cups)
- Unflavored gelatin (2 packets) or peanut butter (½ cup)
- Hot water (½ cup if using gelatin)
- Cookie cutters or molds (metal or silicone)
- Twine or string for hanging
- Parchment paper and baking sheet
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Mix birdseed with dissolved gelatin or peanut butter until sticky and well combined.
Step 2: Spoon the mixture into cookie cutters placed on parchment paper. Press down firmly.
Step 3: Insert a straw or skewer at the top of each shape to make a hole for hanging.
Step 4: Let the feeders dry overnight or refrigerate until firm.
Step 5: Remove from molds, thread with string, and hang in your garden.
#12. Whimsical Soda Bottle Birdhouses
Who knew an old soda bottle could become such a charming little cottage for your backyard birds?
These playful bottle birdhouses are a brilliant upcycling project, giving discarded plastic a second life in the most colorful way.
Perfect for spring or summer garden decorating, these feeders add personality and creativity to any outdoor corner.
Materials Needed
- Empty 2-liter plastic bottles
- Craft knife or sharp scissors
- Acrylic paints and brushes
- Twine or hooks for hanging
- Permanent markers (optional)
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wash and dry the plastic bottle. Cut out a circular hole for the bird entrance about halfway up the bottle.
Step 2: Cut the top into strips to create a decorative roof, curling them outward slightly for a flower-like shape.
Step 3: Paint the bottle in fun colors and add drawings, doodles, or messages.
Step 4: Punch a hole in the cap and insert twine or a metal ring to hang the birdhouse.
Step 5: Fill with birdseed and hang somewhere visible for instant cheer.
#13. Rustic Wine Cork Log Cabin Feeder
This wine cork feeder adds a rustic, cottage-in-the-woods charm to your garden.
With its cozy tunnel-like shape, it feels like a snug retreat for birds seeking shelter and snacks.
Each cork works like a miniature log, turning an ordinary can into a charming cabin-worthy feeder that looks handmade and heartfelt.
If you love upcycling and have a stash of wine corks waiting for a purpose, this is a creative and nature-loving way to put them to use.
Materials Needed
- 1 empty tin can (label removed and cleaned)
- Approximately 30 wine corks
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Twine or rope for hanging
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Glue wine corks horizontally around the outside of the tin can, covering the surface completely for a log cabin effect.
Step 2: Once dry, attach a loop of twine to the top for hanging. You can tie it around the middle of the can or glue it securely at both ends.
Step 3: Fill the can with birdseed, tilt slightly if needed to create easier access, and hang it from a tree branch or garden hook.
Tip: For extra charm, you can carve small notches into some corks or stain them for a weathered, vintage look.
#14. Hanging Terra Cotta Cup Carousel
Nature feels a bit more like a fairytale when you hang this whimsical carousel of clay pots from a tree branch.
Each mini terra cotta pot dangles from rustic twine, offering a buffet of treats for your local songbirds.
The suspended wooden frame holds everything with balance and beauty, while the splash of red berries tucked across the top adds a pop of seasonal charm.
Materials Needed
- 1 sturdy wood cross or beam (reclaimed wood works well)
- 5–6 small terra cotta pots
- Jute rope or thick twine
- Strong eye hooks or drilled holes
- Birdseed, rose hips, or dried berries
- Optional: fresh berries or faux florals for decoration
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Attach eye hooks or drill holes evenly spaced along the wooden beam. Loop jute through each one and knot securely.
Step 2: Tie the other ends of the twine to the rims of each terra cotta pot, letting them hang slightly tilted for easy access.
Step 3: Fill each pot with a variety of bird treats—sunflower seeds, peanuts, dried fruit, or suet bits.
Step 4: Add decorative berries or greenery across the top beam for a festive finishing touch. Hang from a strong tree branch using a central rope.
Tip: If your pots are tilting too far, glue a pebble or two inside the base to help balance them naturally.
#15. Royal Dansk Cookie Tin Bird Feeder
Who knew your favorite cookie tin could serve the birds as well as it served your sweet tooth?
This clever feeder upcycles a classic Royal Dansk tin into a chic feeding station.
The deep base holds plenty of seed, while the matching lid, suspended above like a canopy, keeps things dry and shaded.
Bonus, this feeder looks neat, works perfectly, and is an instant conversation starter, especially for those who once expected butter cookies and found sewing kits inside instead.
Materials Needed
- 1 Royal Dansk cookie tin (base and lid)
- Cabinet knob screw or metal dowel
- Wooden spool and small measuring tape (optional decor)
- Washer and nut for securing
- Birdseed
- Hook or twine for hanging
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Drill a hole through the center of the tin base and lid for the dowel or screw rod.
Step 2: Insert the rod through the base and secure it with a washer and nut underneath.
Step 3: Add the lid as a top cover, spaced above the base using the spool for support, then secure tightly.
Step 4: Attach a hanging hook or loop at the top, fill the base with seed, and hang it in a shady spot.
#16. Hanging Tin Can Feeders with Wooden Perches
These charming tin can feeders are a perfect way to turn kitchen scraps into a daily nature show.
All you need are a couple of clean cans, some string, and a sunny afternoon.
Suspended from tree branches with soft twine and adorned with small bows, they offer both rustic appeal and a cozy perch for feathered visitors.
Materials Needed
- 2–3 clean tin cans (labels removed)
- Natural jute or garden twine
- Wooden clothespins
- Decorative ribbon (optional)
- Birdseed or soft fruit pieces
- Nail and hammer or drill
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wash and dry your cans. Use a nail or drill to poke two holes near the top for threading the twine.
Step 2: Loop twine through the holes and tie it securely to create a hanging loop. Add bows if you’d like extra charm.
Step 3: Clip one or two clothespins to the open edge as perches.
Step 4: Fill the bottom with seeds, nuts, or bird-friendly food scraps.
Step 5: Hang on a tree branch and watch curious birds discover their new favorite spot.
#17. Recycled Ketchup Bottle Seed Feeder
This project transforms an empty Heinz bottle into a gravity-fed seed dispenser, using simple materials you likely already have at home.
he wide base allows birds to perch and peck comfortably, while the clear plastic makes it easy to monitor seed levels.
Of course, hang it in your garden or near a window, and watch it become the neighborhood birds’ favorite snack station.
Materials Needed
- Empty plastic ketchup bottle (700ml or similar)
- Plastic bowl or saucer (for seed tray)
- String or twine for hanging
- Craft knife or scissors
- Glue or waterproof adhesive (optional)
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Wash and dry the ketchup bottle thoroughly. Remove the cap but leave the label for fun or character.
Step 2: Cut a small hole or slit near the base so seeds can flow gently into the attached tray.
Step 3: Secure the plastic bowl to the bottom of the bottle using glue or by nesting it firmly around the taper. Ensure seeds can spill out gradually.
Step 4: Poke a hole in the top of the bottle and thread string or twine for hanging.
Step 5: Fill the bottle with birdseed, cap it, and hang the feeder in a shaded spot.
#18. Ladle-on-a-Wall Bird Feeder
This quirky bird feeder uses an old metal ladle to create a rustic feeding station right on your garden fence.
Tucked under a tiny roof and screwed into a weathered wooden board, it offers a cozy little spot where birds can perch and peck.
Moreover, this feeder brings charm and functionality to even the smallest outdoor corner.
Materials Needed
- 1 old ladle (metal or stainless steel)
- 1 wooden board (reclaimed wood adds character)
- 2 small wood pieces for the roof (optional)
- Strong screws or nails
- Birdseed mix
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Attach the ladle to the wooden board using screws through the handle. Make sure it’s tilted slightly upward to hold the seed.
Step 2: If desired, screw two angled pieces of wood above the ladle to create a miniature “roof” for protection and charm.
Step 3: Mount the board securely onto your fence, wall, or tree using outdoor screws.
Step 4: Fill the ladle with a scoop of birdseed and wait for the pecking to begin.
#19. Colorful Collage Bird Feeder
Bursts of color meet practical design in this stunning bird feeder made from a recycled carton.
The entire surface is covered with overlapping tissue paper pieces, creating a stained-glass mosaic effect that glows in the sunlight.
Plus, this project turns a simple carton into a joyful splash of creativity swinging gently in your garden.
Materials Needed
- Empty milk or juice carton (clean and dry)
- Colored tissue paper in various colors
- Mod Podge or glue diluted with water
- Paintbrush or foam brush
- Craft knife or scissors
- Wooden spoon or craft stick (for perch)
- Twine or string
- Birdseed
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a rectangular hole on the front of the carton as the feeding window.
Step 2: Brush glue onto small sections of the carton and layer colorful tissue paper pieces until it’s completely covered.
Step 3: Cut a slit below the window and insert a wooden spoon or stick as a perch. Secure it inside with glue if needed.
Step 4: Fold a cardboard piece into a roof shape and glue it to the top.
Step 5: Punch a hole at the top, tie twine through it, fill the feeder with seeds, and hang it up outdoors.
#20. Painted Plastic Bottle Birdhouse
This charming birdhouse proves that even a plastic bottle can become something magical.
With pastel pink and baby blue paint, hand-drawn floral details, and a straw bow at the top, it brings a gentle, countryside feel to any tree.
The large opening is cut smoothly at the base, filled with straw or netting for nesting comfort. It’s lightweight, cheerful, and irresistibly cute.
Materials Needed
- 1 large plastic bottle (cleaned and dry)
- Acrylic paint (pastel colors + brush or paint pens)
- Natural straw or nesting material
- Craft raffia or twine (for bow and hanger)
- Scissors or craft knife
- Hot glue gun (optional for decor)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut a rounded hole into the bottom half of the plastic bottle to create the entrance.
Step 2: Paint the top half and bottom in contrasting pastel colors. Let dry, then add floral decorations and small accents.
Step 3: Tie raffia around the bottle neck and attach a loop for hanging.
Step 4: Stuff the inside with straw or shredded paper to make it bird-friendly.
Step 5: Hang it securely from a tree branch in a shaded area.
