Easy Homemade Bird Feeder for Kids

This easy to make homemade bird feeder craft is quick and a fun activity that is suitable for kids of all ages. Keep it simple or pull out the craft paint and get colorful. Once painted, it will assemble in minutes.

When my boys were little, we made a collection of these bird feeders. The fun and colorful “abstract art” on my two year old’s clay pot was precious. It was such a successful project that when I was cub scout leader a few years later, we made them again with the pack. The boys and birds both loved them! This time, I’m using a terracotta pot that got cracked somehow. It may not be great for holding a plant but will work just fine as a bird feeder. No sense in wasting it!

broken rope for bird feeder — The plastic lacing on the left and jute twine on the right lasted for a few years before giving out. The plastic lasted much longer than the natural fiber. Now I am using paracord in hopes that it will last out both of these former hangers.

These bird feeders last for years. The plastic and twine on ours wore out over time and the clay pots broke on cement or rocks below them. Otherwise, the clay pot bird feeders last for years and years. I’m going to try using paracord this time to see if it holds up better.

Supplies

4-4.5″ diameter Terracotta Pot
6″ Planter Saucer link to a pack of 6
Paracord, Plastic Lacing Cord, or Jute Cording
Pony Beads, or any type of beads to decorate, one as an anchor
Scrap Wood Block
Power Drill with 5/16″ bit
Scissors
Acrylic Craft Paints (Optional)
Paint Supplies- Brush, mixing tray, paper towels, cup of water (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1:

If you feel so inclined, now it the time to decorate your pot. Remember to turn it upside down so the opening is flat on your work surface. This is the direction the pot will be facing when assembled.

easy homemade bird feeder — Use craft paints to decorate the pot any way you choose. The paints dry quickly because the terra cotta is porous.

Finger paint, use brushes, or any style of painting you choose. Bluebonnets, the Texas state flower, is the theme I’m going for on this one. Remember that you could paint on the inside of the pot, too!

Step 2:

While the paint dries, drill a hole in the center of the plastic tray(s) with the 5/16 inch drill bit. Place a scrap piece of wood under the tray to add support while drilling. This will also protect your work surface and the drill bit.

Easy bird feeder craft — Mark the center with a permanent marker if you want. Drill a hole through the center of the tray at the dot. That’s all there is to it!

Step 3:

Cut a 16-20 inch piece of cording, rope, or twine and fold in half. You may need to melt the ends of synthetic cording to prevent fraying.

homemade bird feeder — Frayed end versus melted end of paracord. To prevent fraying, hold cut end up to a flame from a candle until synthetic rope fibers slowly melt.

For adults, or with adult supervision. Use a lighter or candle to melt the ends of synthetic cording. Hold the cut ends about 10 inches from the flame and slowly bring it closer until the ends melt, sealing the fibers together.

*Note, natural fibers will only burn.

Step 4:

Line up the two ends of the cording and tie together in one knot. Add a bead, larger than the hole in the pot, on top of the knot to keep the knot from pulling through. Poke the folded end of the cording through the hole in the pot. Be sure to go from the rim side of the pot towards the base.

Thread the plastic tray next so that the bottom of the pot and the bottom of the tray are touching. String colorful beads if you want added decoration.

Use the loop to hang the bird feeder from a nail, branch, or hook.

bird feeder DIY — Hang assembled bird feeder from tree branch, porch, or hook. Fill with seeds and enjoy watching the birds!

So easy! This easy homemade bird feeder will keep the birds happy for a long time as long as it is filled with birdseeds recommended in your area. This terracotta pot bird feeder is inexpensive, fun, and will last for years. Well, unless it falls down and gets smashed, RIP former bird feeder.

Outdoor spaces are just as important as the interior of your home. We love watching all of the birds that frequent our feeders regularly. Fortunately the cardinals and blue birds are colorful and easy to spot, which makes it that more fun to birdwatch from the kitchen window. Creating something together is a great way to make a house a home.