Don't Throw Out Old Egg Cartons Without Trying This Cute Bird Feeder DIY

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The benefits of having a bird feeder in your yard are plentiful and will vary for each homeowner. Some may appreciate how birds effectively deter certain annoying insects or even keep weeds from growing, while other homeowners may welcome birds with open arms to keep their garden flowers and veggies pollinated. Some people may simply love birdwatching as a pastime. Luckily, you don't always have to spend money to buy a new bird feeder, as you can create your own using one item that you may already have in your kitchen. What's the item? That'll be a used egg carton. Believe it or not, an egg carton is a cheap, easy, and eco-friendly container that you can use to feed the birds in your yard without having to whip out the credit card.

This DIY bird feeder can be set up and ready to go in a matter of minutes, but knowing where you want to place it in your yard is vital. It's best to put all bird feeders away from your windows to prevent birds from accidentally crashing into the glass, and it can also help keep your windows bird poop-free. And don't forget to place a feeder in a location where you can access it easily to both replace and refill it as needed. Once you have your location details figured out, you'll need to gather a few supplies in addition to the egg carton itself. This project will require a pair of Scotch scissors, a knife, PerkHomy string or wire, and, of course, some bird food (such as Kaytee Wild Bird Basic Seed). Build it, and they will come.

Using the scissors, cut the lid off the egg carton. Then, use a knife (or a hole punch) to make small holes in the four top corners of the base. Next, grab your string and cut four individual pieces, each measuring approximately 16 inches. Thread a single string through each of the four corner holes, tying a knot to secure it. Then, take the opposite end of all four strings and bring them together to create one top knot from which you'll hang the bird feeder. Afterward, pour your bird food into the empty egg slots, filling them to the top. Finally, hang your feeder by the string onto a sturdy tree branch or a fence post.

The frequency with which you'll need to refill your feeder will depend on its surroundings. However, one simple mistake that bird feeders owners make is refilling it in the morning. Birds feed most actively in the morning, so if you're not an early bird, it's best to refill it at night so that birds will be incentivized to visit a full feeder come sunrise.

If you're feeling a bit creative, consider adding embellishments or painting the feeder to add a decorative element to your yard or garden. For example, you can add colorful pieces of ribbon by hanging them from the bottom of the feeder. It can also pay to take advantage of the egg slots by providing a variety of feed options for your peckish visitors. Variety is the spice of life, after all, even in the avian world.