Are you searching for the best DIY bird feeder ideas for kids to make? Learn how to make easy homemade bird feeders for hanging on trees!
Every year the girls make DIY bird feeders, whether that is at school or at a community event. They’re usually a simple craft of peanut butter smeared on a pine cone or toilet paper tube, then rolled in bird seed.
Most of the peanut butter provided at these events isn’t actually real peanut butter. I worry about feeding the birds in our forest with peanut butter filled with added sugar, hydrogenated oil and other ingredients I wouldn’t consume as a human.
I understand, though, when you’re doing a large event. Real peanut butter is more expensive than the stuff loaded with additives. We typically only have organic peanut butter on hand (which can get kind of pricey), so this way of making a DIY bird feeder is also more cost effective for us.
In addition, I know a lot of kids today have peanut allergies, so I wanted to put together a tutorial on how you can make a DIY bird feeder that’s free of peanut butter. That way everyone can get in on the fun!
Whether there is a peanut allergy in your home, or you’re simply looking for a more cost-effective way to make DIY bird feeder this spring or summer, you’re going to love how simple this tutorial is!
DIY Bird Feeder that's Peanut Butter Free
Supplies
- 1 1/2 cups birdseed
- 5 teaspoons gelatin or 2 packets of unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup water
- Colorful twine
Tools
- Cookie cutters
Instructions
- Mix your unflavored gelatin with cold water, place in a small pot, and bring to a boil while stirring.
- Once your gelatin is dissolved (about 1-2 minutes), turn the heat off and mix in your bird seed.
- Place your cookie cutters onto parchment paper lined plates. Scoop the bird seed into your cookie cutters and press your birdseed down with your finger tips.
- Now place a stick in the top of your filled cookie cutter to leave a small hole for your string
- Set in the freezer for 10 minutes. Remove from the freezer and set on the counter to keep at room temperature for another 10 or so minutes. Carefully remove the bird feeders from the cookie cutters.
- Tie a piece of twine through the hole for hanging.
- Hang your DIY bird feeder in a tree outside for the birds to enjoy or on your Christmas tree as an ornament.
