Building A Bird Feeder In Your Garden Or Yard – Planning & Tips

Ever wondered how to build, choose, and place a bird feeder? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about placing homemade or prefabricated bird feeders in your backyard or garden.

Whether you pick a simple bird feeder or make your own using a mason jar, an old wine bottle, or vintage, one thing’s for sure: your feathered friends are going to love chowing down in your outdoor space!

Now, without further ado, here are some essential tips and tricks for placing a bird feeder in your backyard.

Pick the perfect spot for a bird feeder

When humans buy real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. Well, the same goes for bird feeders. Birds are very particular about where they eat, and they want to feel safe and secure while chowing down.

Ideally, bird feeders will be placed close enough to a tree, shrub, or bush that a bird could hide in quickly should a predator surface. But a bird feeder should never be too close to a nest, birdbath, or anywhere predators can sneak up on birds.

Related: How to Place a Birdhouse That’s Convenient, Attractive, and Protective

Decide between ready-to-install and homemade bird feeders

Once you’ve decided precisely where to place a birdhouse, you can start thinking about what kind of bird feeder might be best for your outdoor space.

DIY vs. prefabricated bird feeders

You have two options to choose from: a DIY bird feeder or a prefabricated bird feeder. Both have their pros and cons, of course. DIY bird feeders are super unique and can be a blast to create either yourself or with young children.

But even if you buy a ready-to-install bird feeder, there are tons of unique options out there—including those in Happy Gardens’ handcrafted bird feeder, bird house, and bird bath collection.

Learn how to build a bird feeder

If you’ve decided to go with a homemade bird feeder, you’ll want to start browsing the web for inspiration. There are tons of ideas out there, so you’re sure to find some great inspiration if you keep an open mind.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a round-up of some of our favorite DIY bird feeders:

DIY wine bottle bird feeder

You can use an upside-down wine bottle as a bird feeder! While this DIY project is a bit advanced and requires woodworking knowledge, you can find plans for a self-filling feeder here.

DIY plastic soda bottle bird feeder

This DIY feeder is perfect for kids and beginners. You won’t need much more than an old bottle to cut a hole in, a wooden spoon, and a simple string to hang the feeder, either.

DIY mason jar bird feeder

This next DIY bird feeder uses an old mason jar in a fun way. Using a small, round chicken feeder, bird seed, twine, and a glue gun, you can quickly create a rustic bird feeder that’s a cinch to hang from a tree, post, or clothesline.

DIY flower pot bird feeder

Finally, you can use an old flower pot to create a hanging bird feeder. This adorable idea—which even features a cute perch—requires a flower pot, two terra cotta saucers, and a few other tools.

Gather all the materials for a DIY bird feeder

Once you’ve settled on a DIY bird feeder project, it’s time to get started. The first step is gathering everything you’ll need to create a beautiful bird feeder, from a milk carton to peanut butter to bird seed to paint, glue, and wood.

Most DIY bird feeder projects call for upcycled materials, like vintage teacups, wooden spoons, old cups and glasses, and everyday craft supplies like a drill, glue, and paint.

We highly recommend reading your project’s instructions twice before getting started. Trust us; you don’t want to realize you don’t have a tool to create drill holes once you’re halfway through your craft.

Look for top-quality bird feeders online

DIY projects aren’t for everyone. If you decide against crafting your own DIY bird feeders, plenty of absolutely gorgeous options are available for sale online.

At Happy Gardens, for example, we sell handcrafted bird feeders that are bursting with bright colors and unusual features. Best of all, these bird feeders are ready to hang, install, or affix to a tree, post, or wall.

Wherever you choose to buy your bird feeders, ensure you select items made from top-quality materials. You’ll also want to verify that your bird feeder is easy to install, comes with all required hardware, and is a cinch to keep clean.

Select the right food for your DIY bird feeder

Once you’ve built or bought your perfect bird feeder, you’ll need to ensure you’re providing local birds with the right seed. While there are many ways to attract birds to your bird feeders, one of the most important factors is selecting the right feed for your bird feeder.

From sunflower seeds to suet to fresh fruit, there are tons of options for nourishing your feathered friends. And, after all, different birds crave different food. Woodpeckers and bluebirds don’t want the same kind of birdseed.

Bottom line: do your research. Think about what kind of birds you want in your backyard, then select right bird feeder and the right bird feed for your goals.

And remember—nothing’s permanent. You can always try another bird feeder, or another bird feed, whenever you’re ready to change things up.