8 Ways To Turn A Leftover Scrap Jug Into A Bird Feeder

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

On average, a standard American consumes up to 25 gallons of milk per year, according to the National Consumer Panel, which is roughly 2 gallons of milk per month. As you can imagine, that leads to quite a bit of plastic going to the landfills when milk jugs are tossed in the trash. To help with recycling efforts, don't throw out old milk jugs; use a genius hack to reuse them in your garden. One such hack just might be the thing you need to attract more birds to your yard: milk jug bird feeders.

It's so easy to turn old milk jugs into bird feeders, so it's a great DIY for both beginners and kids. Plus, your garden will thank you for bringing new pollinators into your backyard ecosystem. You can easily convert milk jugs into hummingbird feeders or seed feeders to attract a variety of birds. From simple adjustments like cutting holes in the sides or adding nectar spouts to intricate art projects like an adorable mushroom- or bird-shaped feeder, these fun and creative bird feeders are perfect for upcycling leftover scrap jugs.

This DIY bird feeder made from milk jugs is one of the easiest options on the list. All that's needed is some string or wire, scissors, glue, and nature! You'll need to cut a hole in the front or the sides of the milk jug to give the birds a way to reach the seeds. Attach a string to the top for hanging. Forage your favorite leaves and nature items and glue them onto the milk jug. Choose leaves that will dry nicely and hang the feeder in a dry place to prevent mold.

This adorable mushroom feeder adds a whimsical touch to your backyard decor while providing a valuable food source for local wildlife. You'll need a milk or juice carton for this easy craft. Cut the top of an empty milk or juice carton off, and cut a milk jug in half. Paint the carton white, and the jug red with white dots (or whatever mushroom-inspired color you want). Cut a front flap that folds down for seeds to spill out near the bottom of the carton. Finish it off by tying off the end of a string and threading it through the bottom of the carton and the center of the milk jug. Be sure to seal the carton with an outdoor-safe sealant like outdoor Mod Podge.

Have some fun with this adorable bird-themed milk jug or carton feeder (too cute)! This is often done with a carton, but a milk jug works just as well. On opposite sides, cut wing flaps that open upward to give enough space for birds to fly into the feeder. Cut out a circle in the front for the bird's "belly," and add a perching area using sticks or dowels. If you're creative, you can make the perch look like feet. Paint or create a bird face to finish the look. This is a fabulous project for a rainy Sunday afternoon with children. Just make sure to seal your project with a waterproof sealant like outdoor Mod Podge.

If you have half-gallon milk jugs and some 2-liter bottles, you could make a fairy house (or bird house)-themed feeder. Cut off the top of the 2-liter bottle and paint it whatever color you want your roof. On the milk jug, cut away the sides or front to allow birds to congregate safely. Paint the jug to look like a house. Glue the roof on and attach a string or hook for hanging. For easier access, add sticks for perching or place the feeder on a stand. For a fairy house look, add some craft moss to the roof like Forlaoers moss, or glue miniature figures perched on the "house." A great place to start is with this VerdantVibes miniatures kit.

Milk jugs make filling your bird feeder easy, but they also make for easy bird feeders! Another simple, yet whimsical idea is to simply cut the front of the carton in the shape of open doors. like a little house You paint it in whatever style you like, or just use permanent markers to dress it up a bit. The only downfall with this design is that it only has one point of entry, which may make birds feel crowded if they start to gather. Be sure to sand any sharp exposed milk carton edges to make the feeder safe for the birds.

This affordable DIY bird feeder couldn't be easier to make. This design is all about being practical, and it is so easy. Cut away the sides of the jug, leaving enough plastic around the corners to provide support for the feeding tray (i.e., the bottom of the jug). Use your favorite bird-safe embellishments, like paint or markers, to add some designs to the feeder. Flowers, birds, or messages about spring are common themes for these kinds of feeders. Wrap painter's tape around the opening if you are concerned about sharp edges. Your avian friends will thank you.

Most birds want to take a bit of a rest while they eat, so having a place to land comfortably is important. As you can imagine, the cut-away edges of a milk jug probably aren't the most comfortable thing to stand on. For a simple solution, grab extra skewers or craft dowels, and insert them all the way through both sides of the milk jug. This works as a perch solution for any style of milk jug feeder.

Birds love natural elements that make them feel safe from predators, like sticks and twigs. Next time you're picking up sticks after a wind storm, save a few for this adorable bird feeder hut. Glue some around the cap of the jug to make a roof. Then, cut away the sides using whichever design you like and glue some sticks at the openings for a perch. Get creative with twig window panes or even a twig chimney.