How to Make a Birdfeeder Out of Recycled Materials

There are many ways to teach children about the importance of recycling. In addition to the lesson you choose to give, have the children create something out of a recycled product. One suggestion is to make a bird feeder. Bird feeders can not only be made out of recycled materials, but they also provide hungry birds with a nutritious meal.

You will need the following items to make your birdfeeder:

Plastic gallon jug or a 1 liter soda bottle
Knife
Wooden spoons or solid sticks
Twine
Bird seed

Follow these steps to make your birdfeeder:

Step 1:
Clean an old plastic gallon jug or a 1 liter soda bottle to remove any residue left behind by the liquid that was previously inside. Set out to air dry.

Step 2:
Cut three holes a quarter of a way up from the bottom in your gallon jug or two holes in your soda bottle. The holes need to be big enough to slide in wooden spoons or sticks that the birds can use as a perch. Slide the sticks into the holes.

Step 3:
Make a few larger holes just above the small holes. These holes need to be at least 2 to 4 inches wide so that the birds can reach inside with their beaks to retrieve the bird seed.

Step 4:
Remove the lid to the container you chose and pour the bird seed in the jug or bottle. Screw the lid back in place.

Step 5:
Tie some twine around the top of the jug or bottle and then around a tree limb. Wait at a distance for the birds to arrive.

Tips:
If you don't have twine, you can use an old piece of clothesline.

Warnings:
Do not allow younger children to cut out the holes.

References:
Environmental Education for Kids: EEK!-Recycle for the Birds
Family Fun: Backyard Bird Feeder