How To Make A Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder

There are many ways to make a bird feeder from a plastic bottle. You have probably done this activity many times as a kid either for a school project or at a summer camp. The basic concept is that you can cut holes in a bottle full of bird seed providing a cheap and entertaining way to feed your local wildlife.

It is also customary to add a perch for the birds to rest on. This can be done by putting either a dowel, pencil, or other stick-like object through the plastic container. My favorite way of adding a perch is by inserting a cooking spoon with the spoon end dispensing some seed. I have found that this method can increase the bird traffic that visits my feeder during the summers.

Steps To Make Your Own Bird Feeder:

1. Pick out a plastic bottle. You can use anything from the common water bottle to a 2 liter or milk gallon.
2. If you are going to use a spoon as a dispenser and perch, cut a small hole for the spoon end and a slot for the handle to fit through directly across from the first hole. The advantage to using a spoon as a dispenser is that you can fill the entire bottle with seed.
3. If you aren’t using a spoon, cut out a hole big enough that birds can retrieve the seed. Keep in mind you will only be able to fill the feeder up as high as the lowest hole you make. Add a perch by cutting a hole just big enough for a pencil or dowel, then insert your chosen perch.
4. Fill the bottle with your favorite bird seed. We recommend our Organic Bird Seed Sprouting Mix. This mix is perfect to add to your bird feeder, or sprout as a healthy addition to any meal for yourself.
5. Make two holes directly across from each other just below the bottle cap. Feed some twine through the holes. Use this to tie your feeder to a tree or other support. You may make two additional holes in the opposite direction from your initial set for more stability.
6. Hang your new bird feeder in a tree or on your porch.