Tin Can Bird Feeder

Chirp, chirp! Give your backyard tree or front porch a springtime pop of color with this homemade bird feeder.

Materials

  • Empty tin cans or cylindrical containers with lids
  • Scissors
  • Acrylic paints or colored duct tape
  • Paintbrushes
  • Gems or stickers (optional)
  • Super glue
  • Small wooden dowels
  • Ribbon, yarn, or twine
  • Birdseed

Directions

  1. Remove the plastic lids from the containers and carefully cut them in half. Set aside.
  2. Paint (or tape) the cans and containers. Get creative-bedazzle them if you'd like!
  3. With an adult's help, super glue a halved lid onto its respective container.
  4. Next, use the super glue to adhere a dowel to the bottom of each can. This is for birds to stand on while they eat!
  5. About one-third of the way down the can (from its opening), tie ribbon or twine around the can. Be sure to keep it long enough to hang from a branch or your porch.
  6. Add a scoop of birdseed inside the can, and shake gently to evenly distribute.
  7. Hang your bird feeder outside-and wait for birds to flock toward the food!

Did you know sparrows love millet seeds?
Hop online (dnr.state.mn.us/birdfeeding) to learn about local birds and what their favorite seeds are!