It’s easy to go out and buy a bird feeder and bird food but it’s even more fun getting the whole family together and making them yourself. Get your creative juices flowing and remember bird feeders aren’t just for winter, although these are priority months, the birds will be grateful if you provide food all year round, plus it’s great watching the wildlife enjoying your homemade snacks.
According to the RSPB, dawn and dusk are key times of the day to ensure that fresh food is available, especially during the winter months. As well as providing food for our wildlife, providing them water is just as important.
What Do Birds Eat?
Mealworms Live mealworms are highly nutritious for birds as they are loaded with protein which provide them with essential energy. This is especially important during the spring months when parents are feeding their growing chicks.
If you don’t like the sound of live mealworms, don’t worry, you can buy dried mealworms, just soak them in water before you put them out. This provides the birds with essential moisture.
Fruits The high water content in fruits are beneficial for birds and the simple sugars provide great energy. The best fruits are those such as apples, pears and plums, simple leave on the bird table and enjoy watching robins, blackbirds and thrushes feast on these treats.
Peanuts Peanuts are high in essential fats and are a good source of protein. Remember to crush them up because if a parent gives a whole nut to a chick it could choke them.
Sunflower Seeds These little powerhouse seeds are great as they are rich in unsaturated fats and protein which is essential for development.
Coconut You can buy a whole coconut, cut it in half and hang it up. Once the coconut meat has been eaten the shell makes a great container for homemade treats.
Avoid dried coconut as this can cause their stomachs to bloat which will make them very ill.
1. Tea Cup Bird Feeder
This creative tea cup idea from mommy moment will have all of your guests in awe.
2. Tin Can Feeders
These tin can feeders are simple yet super effective, get the family involved and follow the tutorial from mom endeavours.
3. Soda Bottle Bird Feeder
No need to waste those plastic bottles anymore as this quick and easy bird feeder is simply made from a soda bottle and wooden spoons - here comes the sun
4. Toilet Roll Bird Feeders
This awesome idea is super creative and the kids will love getting sticky with the peanut butter. This is definitely a fun DIY bird feeder to make. Follow the instructions HERE.
5. Popsicle Stick House
If you have kids then you may have plenty of popsicle sticks in that craft drawer, here's a great idea for a bird feeder from 101 gardening.
You can hang it anywhere and enjoy watching the birds eat from your DIY house.
6. Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders
These cookie cutter bird feeders from juggling with kids are great because everyone in the family can choose their favourite cookie cutter shape to use.
Hang these lovely creations from branches and sit back and watch the birds enjoy their treats.
7. Apple Feeders
You will have to resist wanting to eat these tasty treats from happy serendipity, they are very nutritious and will provide the birds with energy and essential vitamins.
8. A Creative Bird Feeder Idea
This bird feeder is very creative and will require a steady hand from the parents. This feeder provides the birds with a shelter.
9. Cheerio Birdfeeders
These fun and easy cheerio bird feeders are fun for children of all ages to make, as well as being fun they will help children with hand eye co-ordination skills.
10. Cone Bird Feeders
What better way to use up wafer cones than to make some cute DIY bird feeders. Kids will love getting involved rolling the seeds onto the cone - Derail Nature Inn
