Easily DIY A Bird Feeder With Some Household Objects You Already Have

You don't have to be Snow White to attract a variety of birds to your yard. The most important thing is to provide them with the basic essentials all creatures need — food, water, and a safe shelter. Hanging a bird feeder is the perfect way to let your feathered guests know that they're welcome to visit. Although there are many lovely feeders you can purchase from retailers, from houses to platforms, creating a simple one with just a few common items is all too easy. In fact, there's a good chance you have everything at home already, making this a super affordable and convenient DIY. To get you started, thrifty TikTok creator @mrsclarehoops offers a fun and frugal project that uses just a repurposed container, a simple perch, and some hanging rope to give you an instant feeding station.

The main supplies you're going to need are an empty glass jar and a wooden spoon. You might be able to find an expired jar in the back of your fridge aching to be repurposed. Pull out a few if you want to make multiple feeders to spread around your yard. Just make sure you examine the jars to ensure there are no cracks or chips. After they're emptied, soak them for 15 to 20 minutes in a warm and soapy bath, which will help make getting the labels off easier. Remove any leftover residue with a scrubber, and clean the jars thoroughly with a brush.

Begin your DIY bird feeder by painting the spoon (or spoons) the color of your choice. You could pick one simply because it's your favorite — or, use a color that'll be beneficial to the birds. Our feathery friends want to feel safe from predators while they eat. So, it might be a good idea to paint your spoon an earthy tone, like gray, brown, or soft green, allowing it to blend in with nature. Since some varieties can have different preferences, you may want to experiment with other colors that will attract more birds to your garden.

Now's the time to attach your spoon to your jar. You want the mouth of the spoon to extend past the jar's opening, giving the birds a place to land. Secure the spoon to the jar using wire or another piece of cordage, like twine. Next, create a hanger for the feeder out of a piece of rope. Tightly tie one end of the rope around the bottom of the jar, and the other around the top. Add yummy bird seed to the container, and find the best spot to hang a bird feeder in your yard. You'll hang it from the rope so that the jar and attached spoon are laying horizontally. Keep a close eye on your jar to ensure it stays full of fresh, non-moldy seeds, and clean it once every week or two. Other than that, you may just have to swap the spoon if it becomes noticeably worn. Overall, it's a simple feeder that will have enjoyable results.