Turn An Old Tuna Can Into A Simple Hanging Bird Feeder Solution

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Watching birds flit around and hop up and down the length of your garden can be all the reset you need to calm your mind and boost your wellbeing. So, if you are looking to bribe more feathered friends into visiting your yard, there's a simple DIY bird feeder that will do just that — turn an empty tuna can into a birds' buffet table. After completing this project, you'll be sure to enjoy the benefits of having a bird feeder in your yard. All you need is an old tuna can, sturdy string or jute twine, and a church key (or another sharp object) to make holes through the can.

But, first things first. While attracting birds into your garden is an excellent idea, there are a few precautions you should take to protect the birds that accept your invitation. For example, according to the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), you should only put up a few feeders in one area to avoid crowding and disease spread. Also, remember to wash the feeders regularly and soak them in a 20% white vinegar and hot water solution to disinfect and help prevent the spread of avian diseases.

To begin, wash, disinfect, and dry the tuna can. It should preferably be opened partway, with the lid still partially attached. Now fold the can's lid down to make a little bird perch. If the lid has already been removed from the can, you can glue a small stick into the side of the can so it pops out to serve as the perch. An even easier option is to simply attach a clothes peg to the can's brim.

After that, use your church key to poke two holes through the side of your tuna can next to each other. Beware of the sharp edges around the holes; work cautiously. Next, push your string through one hole and out through the other. For a fancier look, replace the thread with a colorful satin ribbon. The string or ribbon is what you'll use to hang the feeder on a tree branch after you add the birdseed.

Now, it's time to set up a feast to woo colorful birds into your yard. You can hardly go wrong with black oil sunflower seeds in your bird feeder. Every bird that eats seeds enjoys it. You can also use high-quality store-bought wild bird seed mixes, mealworms, or household staples like cereal, oats, and unsalted nuts. Avoid low-quality seed mixes as they are chock-full of fillers that birds will reject. The wasted seed may spill onto the ground, attracting rodents that can become a nuisance in your yard.

Now that you've sourced the best feed for your birds, take a glob of fat like Crisco and apply it to one corner of the can's base. This will help keep the seeds in place. Alternatively, use animal fat, such as suet or lard, as it not only holds your seeds in place but also attracts more birds, including starlings, jays, and chickadees. Rendered animal fat is easier for birds to metabolize while providing them with a good source of energy. Now, place a scoop of seeds atop the fat, then tie the string and hang your bird feeder on a tree branch.

Finally, if you want to jazz up the feeder, you can paint the can in colors that will attract more birds to your garden. Remember to use outdoor acrylic paint as it's more durable and better able to withstand the outdoor weather conditions. For a rustic vibe, you can wind jute twine string around the exterior of the can, using hot glue to hold it in place. Now you have a gorgeous and budget-friendly DIY feeder that will keep birds flocking to your yard year-round.