DIY Bird Feeder from Recycled Plastic Bottles: Easy Tutorial

Updated at: 20/05/2025

Attract vibrant feathered friends to your garden with this simple and eco-friendly DIY project! Learning to build a bird feeder not only provides a vital food source for our winged neighbors but also offers a rewarding and sustainable way to repurpose everyday materials. Instead of discarding plastic bottles, transform them into charming and functional bird feeders, contributing to a healthier environment while enriching your outdoor space. This project is perfect for beginners, requiring minimal tools and materials, making it an ideal activity for families or anyone looking for a fun and engaging afternoon crafting session. Plus, you'll enjoy the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and useful from something that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

This easy-to-follow tutorial will guide you through each step, from preparing the plastic bottle to hanging your finished bird feeder. Get ready to learn how to create a beautiful and functional bird feeder that's both budget-friendly and kind to the planet, providing a welcome feast for your local birds all year round. Let's begin!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Plastic bottles (at least 2, one larger and one smaller)
  • Metal hook
  • Soldering iron
  • Cutter
  • Circular rubber piece
  • 1-inch screw
  • Washer
  • Rope
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children when they are near the bird feeder or working on the project. Sharp objects and small parts present potential hazards.
  • Ensure the bottle is thoroughly cleaned and free of any residue from its previous contents. Chemicals can be harmful to birds.
  • Securely fasten all parts to prevent the feeder from falling apart and injuring birds or causing accidental ingestion of small parts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Support and Larger Bottle

    • Secure a metal hook as shown (serves as the main support for the bird feeder)
    • Make holes in the bottle's mouth near the cap to allow birds access to water (using a hot soldering iron)
    • Make a hole at the bottom for drainage and air circulation
    • Thread the metal hook through the bottom of the larger bottle
    Attach the metal hook: Thread the metal hook through the bottom of the larger bottleAttach the metal hook: Thread the metal hook through the bottom of the larger bottleAttach the metal hook: Thread the metal hook through the bottom of the larger bottleAttach the metal hook: Thread the metal hook through the bottom of the larger bottle
    Prepare the Support and Larger Bottle

  2. Prepare the Cap and Smaller Bottle

    • Make a hole in the center of the bottle cap
    • Cut the bottom of a smaller bottle in a circular shape
    • Make a hole at the bottom of the smaller bottle (using a soldering iron)
    • Make a hole in the center of a circular rubber piece (using a soldering iron)
    Prepare the rubber piece: Make a hole in the center of a circular rubber piece (using a soldering iron)Prepare the rubber piece: Make a hole in the center of a circular rubber piece (using a soldering iron)Prepare the rubber piece: Make a hole in the center of a circular rubber piece (using a soldering iron)Prepare the rubber piece: Make a hole in the center of a circular rubber piece (using a soldering iron)
    Prepare the Cap and Smaller Bottle

  3. Assemble the Feeder Components

    • Pass a 1-inch screw and washer through the rubber piece and into the hole in the cap
    • Thread the cut plastic piece from the smaller bottle onto the screw and add another washer
    Attach the smaller bottle: Thread the cut plastic piece from the smaller bottle onto the screw and add another washerAttach the smaller bottle: Thread the cut plastic piece from the smaller bottle onto the screw and add another washer
    Assemble the Feeder Components

  4. Hang and Fill the Feeder

    • Tie a rope around the hook to hang the feeder
    • Fill the larger bottle with water and attach the cap assembly
    Finishing touches: Fill the larger bottle with water and attach the cap assemblyFinishing touches: Fill the larger bottle with water and attach the cap assembly
    Hang and Fill the Feeder

Read more: DIY Plastic Gallon Candy Basket: Upcycled & Adorable!

Tips

  • Ensure the metal hook is securely attached to support the water weight.
  • Hang the feeder in a location accessible to birds, such as a tree or pole.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Drainage Holes

Reason: Insufficient or poorly placed drainage holes can lead to seed spoilage from moisture buildup and attract mold or bacteria.
Solution: Drill multiple small holes in the bottom of the bottle to ensure proper ventilation and water drainage.

2. Using a Bottle with Sharp Edges

Reason: Sharp edges or protrusions on the bottle can injure birds attempting to feed.
Solution: Smooth out any sharp edges or rough surfaces with sandpaper or cover them with weatherproof tape.

FAQs

What type of plastic bottle is best for making a bird feeder?
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic bottles are generally recommended because they are durable and relatively easy to work with. Look for bottles with a number 1 inside the recycling symbol. Avoid using bottles that have contained chemicals or hazardous materials.
How do I prevent the birdseed from getting wet and spoiling?
To protect the birdseed from rain and snow, consider adding a roof to your feeder. This can be made from a larger piece of recycled plastic, a small piece of wood, or even a repurposed bottle cap. You can also try to position your feeder under an overhanging branch or eave.