Spring has sprung, and so have our feathered friends. Though they can be messy (but it’s the good kind of messy!), homemade bird feeders are simple and fun to make.
Spend a rainy afternoon doing this DIY, and when the sun comes out, you’ll have a “seeductive” treat for chickadees and more.
What you will need:
- Assorted cookie cutters
- 2 c. birdseed
- ½ c. water
- 2 envelopes of unflavored gelatin
- Wax paper
- Cookie sheet
- Straws
- String
Note: Makes four feeders.
- Pour two packets of unflavored gelatin and ½ cup of water into a skillet or saucepan over low heat; stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring until all of the powdered gelatin has dissolved. Turn off heat and let the mixture cool for 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups of birdseed to a large bowl and slowly pour in the gelatin mixture. (Use caution, as the gelatin is still hot.) Mix until the birdseed is evenly coated.
- Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and arrange a few cookie cutters on top. With your hands, spoon the birdseed into the cookie cutters. Use your fingers to compress the mixture into the cookie cutters.
- If you don’t have cookie cutters, just wing it! Don’t be afraid to form the birdseed mixture into shapes with your hands.
- Insert straws into the top portions of the birdseed shapes, making sure the straws go all the way through. Let the birdseed feeders set at room temperature overnight (or in the fridge for a few hours).
- Once your feeders are set, gently press them out of the cookie cutters and remove the straws. Run string through the straw-hole openings and hang your feeders in bird-friendly locations outside — preferably someplace you can see them through a window.