Build a Bird Feeder

Use treated wood, teak or cedar to build your bird feeder. These woods are ideal because of their resistance to the elements and pest infestation.

There are several types and styles of bird feeders you can build. This project describes how to build a simple bird feeder that resembles a small house with a hinged roof, that tapers slightly at the bottom, similar to the one shown here. Begin by cutting end panels from your boards using a table saw. Cut each piece so that the panel width tapers toward the base from 5" at its widest to 3½" at the bottom. The panels should be cut to be 7½" in length, with the tops cut at a 90-degree angle so that they are "pointed" like a triangle.

Create grooves in the outside edges of these panels by cutting into them ½" from the edges and at a ¼" depth. These grooves will fit the "windows" on the sides of the feeder.

Next, cut two pieces for the feeder's roof. One piece will be 4½" x 9" and the second will be 5½" x 9" to form rectangular shaped slats. The feeder base should be cut at 5½" x 9". Cut thin strips of wood to be ¼" x 1 ¼". You will attach these along the outer edge of the base to create a lip that will keep birdseed on the feeder and allow the birds to perch.

Measure and cut two pieces of acrylic sheeting for the "windows." These pieces will fit into the grooves you made in the end panels. Before making your cuts, remember to leave a space at the bottom of the acrylic pieces (about 1") for the seed to spill out onto the shelf for the birds.

Piece together the sides and bottom of the bird feeder using wood glue and wood screws or nails. Save the roof pieces for last. Attach the strips you cut to form the lip along the base using a hammer and nails. Secure the post to the bottom of the feeder using a screwdriver and a 4" wood screw.

Helpful Tip

To make the job easier, use a power drill to make small starter holes before fastening the screws.

Slide the acrylic pieces into the grooves you made on the end panels. Next, attach hinges to the smaller roof piece using a screwdriver. Make sure the hinges are placed evenly on the roof piece equidistant from each side. Attach the larger roof panel to the feeder using wood glue and nails. Attach the hinges of the small roof piece to the large roof piece by screwing them on. Check to see that the smaller roof piece will open and close freely on its hinges. This creates a lid that you open to fill the feeder with food.

Once the feeder is assembled, it's time to put it up. Using a small spade or post-hole digger, dig a 1' hole. Place the end of the post into the hole and then refill until the post is secure and upright.

Empty a 2-liter bottle and wash it thoroughly. Remove the label but don't throw away the cap.

With a utility knife or scissors, cut two square holes about 3" from the bottom on each side, large enough for a bird to reach the seeds that will eventually be inside.

Using a screwdriver, awl or hole-punch, create a small hole underneath each of the larger holes you just made. Insert a small wooden dowel in each hole to create a perch for birds to sit upon when snacking.

Use a funnel to pour bird seed or sunflower seeds into the top of the bottle. Fill up the bottle to the level of the bottom edge of the feeding holes. Screw on the cap.

Tie a length of string below the lip of the bottle below the cap. Make sure it's secure. You don't want the string to slip off or come untied. Tie the other end of the string around a tree branch, an awning or from a similar elevated position.

Nice work. Now you and your family can sit back, relax and watch the birds flock to their new feeding destination in your backyard.