Do you want to attract birds to your garden? Read this article to learn how to build simple bird feeders. This tutorial will teach you how to make a manger with simple ingredients and common items. It will prove to be a valuable food source for hungry birds during the cold winter months and is also a fun activity to do with children.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Feeder with a cube of lard
Step 1. Drill a hole in the bottom of a yogurt pot and thread a string through it
This must be long enough to allow the feeder to hang from any position. Tie a knot on the string on the outside of the yogurt pot so the end cannot come out.
Step 2. Melt the lard in a skillet over low heat
Once melted, remove it from the heat, and mix the lard into the breadcrumbs and birdseed.
Step 3. Pour the mixture into the yogurt pot and wait for it to cool
When the mixture has solidified, take the manger and hang it on a tree in your garden.
Method 2 of 4: Feeder with a Can
Step 1. Get an empty can
It can be as big as a can of coffee or as small as a can of soup.
Step 2. Use a can opener and remove both ends
Step 3. Draw the shape of the base of the can on a cardboard
The thicker and stronger the cardboard, the better the result.
Step 4. Cut out the cardboard circle
Step 5. Remove the center from the cardboard circle
You should now end up with two cardboard rings; they don't have to be perfect.
Step 6. Use hot glue to secure the cardboard to each end of the can
Place the can on a surface and glue the cardboard so that each end is covered on the bottom.
Step 7. Get a stick
These can easily be purchased at any home improvement store for just a few euros. The stick should preferably be at least 20 cm longer than the can (or longer than half the can).
Step 8. Attach the stick
Use hot glue to attach the stick to the bottom of the can so that a few inches of the rod protrudes from both ends. These will serve as a support for the birds. If you can't find a stick long enough, use two.
Step 9. Paint the can, the stick and the cardboard
Paint the entire structure any way you want. This is a good opportunity to unleash your creativity or that of children.
Step 10. Create the support for the manger with a sturdy rope
Take a long piece of string or string and wrap it around the can to hang.
Step 11. Hang the can
Tie the string to a tree branch or any other surface you want to hang the manger on.
Step 12. Insert the birdseed into the trough made from the can
Method 3 of 4: Natural Feeder with Pumpkin
Step 1. Purchase a large pumpkin
Step 2. Divide the pumpkin into two parts and remove the inside
Step 3. Make the pumpkin stand
Using two lengths of twine or very thick rope, wrap one of the cables under the pumpkin and arrange the other perpendicular to the first, always under the pumpkin, creating a kind of frame.
Step 4. Join the strings
Grasping all four ends evenly, gather them together at least 30 cm above the edge of the pumpkin and legal.
Step 5. Hang the pumpkin
Hang the pumpkin by tying the strings to a tree branch or any other surface you wish to hang the manger on. Make sure they are secure.
Step 6. Fill the bird feeder with bird seeds
Method 4 of 4: Construct a Manger with other Items
Step 1. Make a manger from a pine cone
This is a typical fun chore for kids.
Step 2. Make a bird feeder from a milk carton
This is another simple chore to do with the kids.
Step 3. Make a bird feeder from a milk jug
It is a very simple method and slightly more resistant than the previous one.
Step 4. Build a feeding trough out of a plastic tube
This requires more skills and more tools, but creates a functional and much more durable product.
Advice
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Choose the type of birdseed you want to use; there are different types.
For example, goldfinches like thistle seeds, as they naturally prefer grass seeds. The tit, on the other hand, has a preference for sunflower seeds
- Once the birds have eaten all the birdseed, repeat the entire process.
