Make a Bird Jar
Make a bird feeder from a recycled jar by adding seed, attaching perches and a hanger, then observe visiting birds safely from a window.
About this activity
Make a bird feeder from a recycled jar by adding seed, attaching perches and a hanger, then observe visiting birds safely from a window.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Wash the jar and lid with soap and water and dry them completely.
- 2
Step 2
Place the lid on a table and mark two opposite spots near the edge and one spot in the center with a marker.
- 3
Step 3
With an adult, use a nail and hammer or an awl to make two small holes at the edge marks and one hole in the center of the lid.
- 4
Step 4
Push the handles of the two wooden spoons or dowels through the edge holes so the spoon bowls sit inside when the jar is upside down.
- 5
Step 5
Thread a length of twine through the center hole in the lid so both ends hang out above the lid.
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Step 6
Pour birdseed into the jar until it is about three quarters full.
- 7
Step 7
Place the lid with the spoons and twine in position and screw the lid on the jar tightly.
- 8
Step 8
Tie the twine above the lid into a strong loop for hanging and trim any extra string.
- 9
Step 9
Use waterproof glue or duct tape to cover any rough or sharp edges around the holes and spoon handles.
- 10
Step 10
Choose a safe spot near a window and hang the feeder on a sturdy branch or hook so you can see it from inside.
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Step 11
Sit quietly at the window and watch for visiting birds while staying still and safe.
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Step 12
Share a photo and a short description of your finished bird jar on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I make a bird jar feeder with my child?
To make a bird jar, clean a recycled jar and its lid. With adult help, punch or drill two small opposing holes in the lid for wooden dowel perches and a top hole for a hanger. Insert dowels through the lid, fill the jar with birdseed, screw the lid on, and attach sturdy wire or twine to the hanger hole. Hang the feeder near a window, keep a safe viewing distance, and watch birds visit through the glass.
What materials do I need to make a bird jar feeder?
You'll need a clean recycled glass jar with lid, birdseed, two short wooden dowels or wooden spoons for perches, sturdy wire or twine for a hanger, an awl or drill (adult use only) to make holes, sandpaper to smooth edges, and nonâtoxic paint or markers for decorating. Optional: a small tray or saucer under the jar, hot glue for extra hold, and a pair of pliers to twist wire.
What ages is making a bird jar feeder suitable for?
This activity suits toddlers through schoolâage kids with adult help. Ages 2â4 can help clean and decorate the jar and watch birds. Ages 5â7 can help measure, hold items, and place perches with supervision. Ages 8+ can participate in drilling or cutting with close adult guidance. Always provide full adult control of sharp tools and lifting the finished feeder to hang it safely.
What safety tips should I follow when making and using a bird jar feeder?
Safety tips: always supervise tool use and let an adult drill or punch holes; avoid cracked glass and discard damaged jars. Use nonâtoxic paints and rinse jars regularly to prevent moldâwash with hot water and change seed every week or two. Place the feeder either within 0.5 m of the window or more than 10 m away to reduce collision risk, add window decals, and hang high enough to deter cats and other predators.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a glass jar, wooden spoons, or twine if those are hard to find?
Use a cleaned wideâmouth plastic food container and screw lid instead of a glass jar, swap wooden spoons for sturdy wooden chopsticks or dowels, and replace twine with strong yarn or fishing line while still making the three lid holes and getting adult help for any piercing or drilling.
My spoon handles slip out or seed spills when hanging; what should we check or fix?
Check that the two edge holes were marked and punched near the lid edge so the spoon bowls sit inside, push the handles through fully before screwing the lid tightly, and cover any gaps or rough edges with waterproof glue or duct tape as the instructions recommend.
How can we adapt the project for different ages?
For toddlers, have an adult do the hammering and holeâmaking while the child washes the jar, pours seed, and decorates; for elementary kids let them measure, mark, and thread the twine with supervision; and for teens allow drilling, designing extra perches, or building multiple feeders independently.
How can we personalize or improve the bird jar to attract more birds or make it last longer?
Decorate or paint the jar and lid with weatherproof acrylics before filling, add extra perches by drilling small holes for dowels, use a mixedâseed blend to attract different species, and seal the lid edges with waterproof glue or clear sealant to increase durability.