There’s something magical about watching birds flutter around the yard—and with the right feeder, you can keep them coming back for more.
I’ve tried a bunch of DIY options, and some of them are not only easy to make but also way cuter than anything from the store. These bird feeders turn your garden into a little wildlife haven without much effort at all.
Plus, it’s a fun weekend project that gives back in chirps and color. Let’s check out the ones that birds (and you) will love all season long!
1. Pinecone Peanut Butter Feeder
Gather some pinecones during your next nature walk and transform them into irresistible bird treats. Simply tie string around the top, spread peanut butter into all the nooks, then roll in birdseed until completely covered.
Hang these sticky treasures from tree branches where you can watch from a window. Birds love clinging to the natural texture while picking off seeds, and kids absolutely love making these simple feeders!
2. Recycled Milk Carton Cafe
Don’t toss that empty milk carton! Wash it thoroughly, cut window-shaped openings on opposite sides, and add a small wooden dowel perch below each opening. Paint the exterior with weatherproof paint in bright colors or nature-inspired patterns.
Poke drainage holes in the bottom before filling with seed. The waterproof container protects food during rain showers, while the familiar shape makes an eco-friendly feeding station that’s practically free to make.
3. Teacup Hanging Garden
Rescue chipped teacups from thrift stores and give them new life as charming vintage feeders. Attach sturdy chain or ribbon through the cup handle, securing it with strong glue if needed. Fill with a mix of black oil sunflower seeds and millet.
Match with a saucer underneath to catch spillage and provide extra feeding space. The delicate appearance creates an English garden vibe that adds unexpected elegance to your outdoor space while attracting finches and chickadees.
4. Orange Peel Swing
After enjoying a juicy orange, save the peel halves for this zero-waste feeder. Poke three evenly-spaced holes near the rim and thread string through to create a hanging basket. The bright color naturally attracts birds while the citrus scent eventually fades.
Fill with a mixture of seeds and dried mealworms for protein-hungry species. This biodegradable option breaks down naturally after several weeks, making it perfect for introducing children to both recycling concepts and backyard wildlife.
5. Wine Bottle Dispenser
Transform an empty wine bottle into an elegant automatic feeder that keeps seeds fresh and dry. Attach a special feeding base (available at craft stores) or create your own using a small wooden plate with raised edges. The bottle creates a gravity-fed system that dispenses seeds as birds eat.
Mount on a post or hang from a sturdy branch. The glass container protects food from squirrels while the continuous supply means less frequent refilling during busy feeding seasons.
6. Cookie Cutter Suet Shapes
Melt beef suet or vegetable shortening and mix with cornmeal, peanut butter, birdseed, and dried fruits. Pour the warm mixture into holiday cookie cutters placed on wax paper. Before it hardens completely, insert a loop of twine at the top for hanging.
After cooling completely in the refrigerator, pop out these festive shapes. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees especially love these high-energy treats during winter months when natural food sources are scarce.
7. Mason Jar Seed Station
Attach a small chicken feeder base to the lid of a mason jar using strong glue or screws. Fill the jar with your favorite seed mix, then flip it over so gravity pulls seeds down as birds feed. The clear glass lets you easily monitor seed levels.
Hang from shepherd’s hooks or tree branches using heavy-gauge wire wrapped securely around the jar’s neck. This practical design keeps seeds dry during rainy weather and creates an attractive, farmhouse-style accent for gardens and patios.
8. Wooden Spoon Buffet
Gather old wooden spoons from thrift stores or your kitchen drawer to create this whimsical feeder. Drill small drainage holes in the spoon bowls, then attach them in a circle to a wooden disk base using screws or strong glue. Each spoon creates an individual feeding station.
Suspend your creation using three equal lengths of chain attached to the base. Different species can feed simultaneously without crowding, making this perfect for gardens that attract a variety of local birds.
9. Soda Bottle Seed Dispenser
Plastic bottles transform into practical feeders with just a few simple cuts. Use a craft knife to cut small feeding ports about 1-2 inches from the bottom, then insert wooden spoons or dowels through opposite sides as perches. The bottle cap keeps everything secure when hanging.
Fill with black oil sunflower seeds before hanging from a branch with strong twine. The transparent plastic lets you easily monitor seed levels while protecting food from rain and snow, making this recycled option practical year-round.
10. Tin Can Seed Bar
Clean empty soup cans become industrial-chic feeders with minimal effort. Remove labels, sand any sharp edges, and drill drainage holes in the bottom. Apply outdoor paint in bright colors or leave metal exposed for a modern look. Attach strong wire through holes punched in the top rim.
Fill with sunflower seeds or a mixed blend before hanging horizontally from trees or shepherd’s hooks. The cylindrical shape allows multiple birds to perch along the opening edge, creating a popular dining spot for finches and sparrows.
11. Grapevine Wreath Platform
Natural grapevine wreaths from craft stores create beautiful platform feeders that blend seamlessly with garden surroundings. Weave small twigs across the opening to create a basket-like base, securing with natural twine or floral wire. Line with a piece of screen mesh for drainage.
Hang with three equal lengths of rustic rope or chain attached to the wreath. Cardinals and jays particularly enjoy these open platforms where they can perch comfortably while selecting favorite seeds from your custom mix.
12. Coconut Shell Swing
After enjoying fresh coconut, save the empty shell halves for charming tropical-inspired feeders. Drill three evenly spaced holes near the rim and thread weather-resistant cord through each hole, knotting securely. The natural bowl shape perfectly holds seed mixes or suet.
Hang at varying heights around your garden to attract different species. The durable, weather-resistant shell withstands outdoor conditions for months, gradually weathering to a beautiful silver-gray color that looks stunning against green foliage.
13. Bundt Pan Seed Wreath
Outdated metal bundt pans from thrift stores create beautiful circular feeding stations. Wrap the center tube with weather-resistant ribbon before hanging with strong chain or rope. The decorative ridges provide perfect perching spots around the entire circumference.
Fill the channel with a premium seed mix, allowing multiple birds to feed simultaneously. The metal construction stands up to squirrels better than plastic alternatives, while the unique shape adds vintage charm to garden spaces while attracting a variety of local songbirds.
14. Log Cabin Feeder
Create a rustic woodland feeder using a section of natural log. Drill several 1-inch deep holes around the sides and fill these natural cups with different seeds, nuts, and suet plugs. Add a small roof from bark or wood scraps to protect some feeding spots from rain.
Mount on a post or hang vertically using eye-hooks screwed into the top. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees especially love clinging to the natural bark while extracting treats from the drilled cavities, mimicking their natural feeding behavior.
15. Chandelier Seed Dispenser
Rescue an old chandelier from the thrift store and transform it into an elaborate garden feeding station. Remove electrical components and glass shades, then attach small dishes, cups, or jar lids to the arms using wire or strong adhesive. Paint with outdoor-rated spray paint if desired.
Hang from a sturdy branch where you can enjoy watching the avian activity. The multiple feeding cups at various heights attract different species simultaneously, creating a spectacular bird gathering that transforms your garden into a wildlife sanctuary.
16. Terracotta Flower Pot Tower
Stack terracotta pots of decreasing sizes to create a multi-level feeding station. Thread a metal rod through the drainage holes to secure the tower, then fill the spaces between each level with different seed varieties. Small clay saucers can be attached to the sides for additional feeding spots.
Place on a pedestal or wide base in your garden. The earthy material maintains a natural aesthetic while providing multiple feeding zones at different heights, attracting everything from ground-feeding doves to perching finches in one beautiful structure.