DIY Bird Feeder from Recycled Plastic Bottles: Easy & Eco-Friendly

Updated at: 23/03/2025

Give your feathered friends a stylish new dining experience while contributing to a greener planet! This guide shows you how to create charming and functional bird feeders using readily available recycled plastic bottles. Not only is this project incredibly budget-friendly, but it also offers a fantastic opportunity to repurpose plastic waste, reducing your environmental footprint and providing a safe haven for local birds. Making these feeders is a satisfying activity for adults and children alike, perfect for a family crafting afternoon or a solo sustainability project. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to transform something destined for landfill into a beautiful and beneficial addition to your garden.

From simple designs perfect for beginners to more intricate creations for experienced crafters, we'll explore several variations of recycled plastic bottle bird feeders. We'll cover everything you need, from gathering materials to the final touches, ensuring your new bird feeders are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 2-liter plastic soda bottles
  • plastic juice bottle
  • scissors
  • pliers
  • needle-nose pliers
  • razor knife
  • 3/8 inch drill
  • 1/8 inch drill
  • plastic coffee can top
  • screws
  • marker
  • barbecue skewer
Safety Guidelines
  • Thoroughly clean and rinse the plastic bottle before crafting to remove any harmful residues from previous contents. Ensure all sharp edges are smoothed down to prevent injury to birds.
  • Use non-toxic paint or leave the bottle natural. Avoid using harsh chemicals or paints that could be ingested by birds.
  • Securely fasten the feeder to a sturdy branch or post, out of reach of cats and other predators. Consider using wire or strong string that won't easily break.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Soda Bottle

    • Cut the top off a 2-liter soda bottle and remove the cap.
    • Use scissors to form a collar around the screw cap portion, trimming it even with the scissors to create a feeding port.
    Use scissors to form a collar around the screw cap portion, trimming it even with the scissors to create a feeding port.Use scissors to form a collar around the screw cap portion, trimming it even with the scissors to create a feeding port.
    Prepare the Soda Bottle

  2. Mark and Drill Perch Holes

    • Mark the outside diameter of the juice bottle cap on two opposite sides.
    • Drill a 1/8 inch hole just below the feeding port on both sides.
    Drill a 1/8 inch hole just below the feeding port on both sides.Drill a 1/8 inch hole just below the feeding port on both sides.
    Mark and Drill Perch Holes

  3. Create the Perch

    • Insert a dowel (e.g., barbecue skewer) through the holes to create a perch for the birds.
    Insert a dowel (e.g., barbecue skewer) through the holes to create a perch for the birds.
    Create the Perch

  4. Attach the Base

    • Cut the top off the plastic coffee can and center it on the soda bottle, securing it with screws.
    Cut the top off the plastic coffee can and center it on the soda bottle, securing it with screws.
    Attach the Base

  5. Finalize and Fill

    • Fill the feeder with birdseed.
    • Drill a few holes in the coffee can lid to allow rainwater to drain.
    Drill a few holes in the coffee can lid to allow rainwater to drain.
    Finalize and Fill

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

Tips

  • Use a juice bottle base for a more decorative and stronger feeder base compared to a soda bottle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Improper Drainage

Reason: Holes are not large enough or strategically placed, leading to water accumulating and causing seed rot or mold.
Solution: Drill larger drainage holes at the bottom of the bottle and/or add small holes at the base of the feeding platforms.

2. Weak Perches

Reason: Perches are too thin, poorly secured, or made of materials that easily break, preventing birds from comfortably feeding.
Solution: Use thicker, sturdier branches or dowels as perches and securely glue or fasten them in place.

3. Insufficient Seed Capacity

Reason: The feeder is too small, requiring frequent refills and not providing enough food for multiple birds.
Solution: Use a larger plastic bottle or design multiple feeding platforms within the bottle to increase capacity.

FAQs

What kind of plastic bottles are best for making bird feeders?
PET plastic bottles (usually marked with a #1 inside a recycling symbol) are ideal because they're relatively sturdy and easy to work with. Avoid using bottles that have contained hazardous materials like pesticides or cleaning chemicals.
How do I keep squirrels from eating all the birdseed?
Squirrels are persistent! To deter them, try using smaller feeding holes that only birds can access. You can also add a metal baffle or a wire cage around the feeder to prevent squirrels from climbing up.