Homemade Bird Feeder
Here's a homemade bird feeder that is simple to make and is very functional.
The base has a piece of aluminum screen sandwiched between two wooden frames. The screen allows the birdseed to dry quickly.
Like many of my woodworking crafts, I built this one entirely from old cedar fence boards. I highly recommend using similar wood when you make your bird feeder. Except for a small piece of aluminum screen and a few galvanized nails and screws, the materials were essentially free.
I used a miter saw to cut the pieces and a 16-gauge finish nailer to assemble the parts. You can use a circular or table saw to cut the pieces.
Since I didn't own any scrap aluminum screen, I purchased a short roll from the hardware store for a few dollars. I knew I would make several bird feeders so the extra screen would not go to waste.
Building the Homemade Bird Feeder
From a couple of 1x4 fence boards, cut the parts to the sizes and dimensions indicated below. Assemble the base with the aluminum screen sandwiched between.
Note: the bottom four base pieces are cut from 3/4" x 3/4" material. You'll have to rip these from your 1x4 fence boards.
Cut and assemble the top part of the base. These pieces are 3/4" x 1 1/2" material.
Cut and place the screen (slightly smaller than the outside base dimensions) on top of the 1 1/2" base section, and place the 3/4" x 3/4" base section on top. Secure with 1 1/2" finish nails.
Flip the assembled base over where the 1 1/2" base section is on top. Attach to front and back to the inside of the assembled base as shown. Finally, attach the roof pieces and drill the decorative 1 1/2" hole on one (or both) end pieces.
These holes are decorative, but I saw a bird use the hole as a shortcut to get to the seed in the tray.
Screw eye bolts to each end of the roof section and thread some wire or lightweight cable to hang the homemade bird feeder from a tree or pole.
Birdhouse Plans - Check out more birdhouse plans on mycarpentry.com.
Woodworking Projects - See more woodworking projects on mycarpentry.com.
DIY Projects - Check out the DIY projects on mycarpentry.com.
What next?
Leave homemade bird feeder and visit the mycapentry.com home page.