• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

What Do We Do All Day logo

  • Books
    • Classics
      • 20th Century Classics
    • Early Chapter Books
    • Easy Readers
    • Folktales
    • Holiday Books
    • Middle Grade (8-12 years)
    • Nonfiction
    • Picture Books
  • Games
    • Traditional Games
  • Kids Activities
    • Arts and Crafts
    • Literacy & Writing
    • Math
    • Playful Activities
    • Science
    • Toddler
  • Parenting
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Books
  • Games
  • Activities
  • Parenting
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    You are here: Home / Nature / Easy Homemade Bird Feeder from Paper Roll, Fat and Seeds

     

    Easy Homemade Bird Feeder from Paper Roll, Fat and Seeds

    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Making a homemade bird feeder is a rite of passage for every kid! Even apartment dwellers can feed the birds with this easy diy bird feeder using a paper roll, fat and seed.

    Once your child has finished making the bird feeder, be sure to hang it up where you can easily see it from the window and watch the grateful birds feast! This is one of four easy bird feeders kids can make at home and is a great way to connect with nature in winter.

    Materials for Homemade Bird Feeder

    Bird seed

    Large tray, such as a baking tray

    Paper roll, such as an empty paper towel roll

    Solid fat like peanut butter or vegetable shortening

    Pastry brush or plastic knife (to spread the fat)

    Hole punch

    String

    Bird feeder materials laid out on table

    How to Make the Bird Feeder

    1. Gather your materials and protect your work surface, if necessary.

    2. Punch two holes in the top of the paper roll. Thread the string through the holes and secure into a loop. This is how your homemade bird feeder will hang, so be sure to make it long enough to hang from your chosen location.

    3. Spread the fat onto the paper roll. We used vegetable shortening and spread it on with a silicone pastry brush. If you are using peanut butter, a knife will be a better tool.

    Child using pastry brush to spread fat on paper roll

    4. Pour the seeds in a thin layer on the bottom of a baking tray.

    5. Roll the fat-covered paper roll over the seeds until it is fully covered.

    Rolling paper roll in bird seed

    6. You may have to firmly press some of the larger seeds onto the roll.

    Child's hand pressing corn seeds onto homemade bird feeder

    5. Ta da! Hang outside your window for an avian restaurant with a view. (Then take a really ugly photo of it.)

    Homemade bird feeder hanging against backdrop of white brick building and fire escape

    I will not offend your sensibilities by posting a photo of what happens to a paper towel roll bird feeder after being put through the rigors of rain, sleet, snow and one hugely fat squirrel.

    MORE BIRD FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES:

    • How to help backyard birds build their nests
    • Winter birding tips for kids
    Want Your Kids to Love Being Unplugged?
    Subscribe to our newsletter and as a thank you, receive 10 waiting games kids can play anytime anywhere.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    « How to Make a Road for Toy Cars
    Simple Spelling Practice Activity »
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shan says

      January 14, 2009 at 5:05 pm

      We did a similar project last winter and NO BIRDS even glanced at it. Ours used Crisco, sunflower seeds, and an egg carton. Boo.

      Reply
    2. Izzy's Mama says

      January 18, 2009 at 3:28 am

      Cute blog! Crisco is icky but you can replace it with something better that I just discovered: Organic shortening -http://www.spectrumorganics.com/?id=87

      Reply
    3. Krishna says

      February 03, 2009 at 5:37 am

      Very nice work, you and kiddo have a great time.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Erica! I believe parents can stay sane without giving their kids an electronic device. Learn how!

    More about me →

    Newsletter

    Join over 19,000 subscribers who said "Yes! I want to unplug my kids!" We'll send you 10 waiting games your kids can play anytime, anywhere. Join here -->

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About the Site
    • No AI

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and join over 19,000 other families finding ways reduce screen time.

    Other Stuff

    We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    Copyright © 2023 What Creative Media LLC

    Want Your Kids to Love Being Unplugged?
    Subscribe to our newsletter and as a thank you, receive 10 waiting games kids can play anytime anywhere.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want More Free Activity Ideas?
    Join our email list and as a thank you gift I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games that will make your kids smarter.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.
    Want your kids to love being unplugged?
    Join our newsletter and as a thank you, I'll send you a list of 10 waiting games.
    Your email will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Click here to view our privacy policy.