Turn An Old Coffee Can Into A Cheaper Bird Feeder That Keeps Seed Dry

Watching birds may start out as a fun hobby, helping you appreciate local wildlife and identify different species. Over time, you may grow especially fond of your new feathered friends, looking for ways to draw even more to your yard. While a clean water source, like a bird bath or running fountain, is one way to show them some appreciation, birds will also congregate toward seed. Fortunately, if you don't want to spend a pretty penny, there are many budget-friendly DIY feeders that will keep birds flocking to your yard year-round. And if simplicity (and affordability) is what you're after, we may have found one of the best do-it-yourself bird feeder tutorials. The materials for this project couldn't be easier to find. All you need is an empty plastic coffee can, a couple of screws, two binder clips, and some string or twine.

This bird feeder comes together in only a few minutes and has a waterproof surface. That means, whether you purchase store-bought bird food or try any of these DIY seed recipes that offer variety to the birds in your yard, you won't have to worry about about rain showers getting the seed getting wet.

Before you get to building, you'll need to wash and dry your coffee can. You can leave the can as is or decorate it with a unique design. Since paint doesn't adhere well to plastic, you may need to scuff the surface and apply a non-toxic primer first if you decide to paint it. If you do, use non-toxic, water-based paint. Once the paint has cured, you can move on to the next steps.

According to YouTuber Original Jane, to make this bird feeder, you'll need to place the coffee can lid inside the can and drill screws on either side to hold it in place. (If you choose to drill from the outside, make sure to cover the exposed screws inside the feeder so that they don't scratch birds.) The lid forms a shelf that will hold your birdseed. Next, take a utility knife and cut the bottom out of the can so that birds can access the feed from both sides. You can also drill a couple of drainage holes in the bottom, under the feed holder, just in case any water does get in. Finally, add a binder clip to each side and thread some string through. With your bird feeder ready to hang, you can try some of the best tips and tricks for attracting birds to a new feeder, such as offering a variety of bird food types and adding a bird bath nearby.