There's nothing more rewarding and eco-friendly than a homemade bird feeder. These bird feeders bring local birds into the garden and provide an invaluable food source when resources are scarce. While you can always buy a DIY bird feeder, going the handmade route gives you complete control over the design. A bird feeder is also great fun to watch different species and see how they behave.
If you've decided to create a beautiful DIY bird feeder, it is essential to gather the supplies, choose the right outdoor tools, and invest in a portable power station. Jackery offers many lightweight charging solutions, such as the Jackery Solar Generator. Simply plug in the electrical outdoor tools and start charging the appliances for hours.
Why Do You Need to DIY Bird Feeder?
Feeding birds is the second most popular hobby of Americans after gardening. You can create a habitat for birds to enjoy with a bird feeder, nest boxes, and bird baths. It's like providing food and shelter to the backyard birds where they can nourish themselves, build nests, and generally thrive. Here are some other benefits of DIY bird feeders:
- A bird feeder helps you take a break from hectic life and observe the wonders of nature.
- Birds need a reliable food source to thrive and stay well-fed. With DIY feeders, parent birds can feed their chicks without leaving the nest to forage for food.
- Areas with feeders have healthier birds than places without feeders. Birds' stress levels are also low in areas with feeders.
The simple act of building a DIY bird feeder and keeping it full and clean greatly improves bird health.
What Materials & Tools Do You Need for a DIY Bird Feeder?
When building a DIY bird feeder to attract various birds, you must choose suitable materials and tools, such as miter saws, drills, sanding discs, and wood. If you want a simple bird feeder, consider using a plastic soda bottle for a clear body and a copper top for a cap.
Here's a table revealing the essential tools and materials for a DIY bird feeder.
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DIY Bird Feeder Materials |
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Miter Saw |
Hammer |
Flathead Wood Screws |
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Drill |
Bar Clamps |
Clear Polycarbonate Sheets |
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Permanent Marker |
Cedar Board |
Random Orbital Sander |
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Sanding Discs |
Wood Adhesive |
Silicone Adhesive |
Since you'll need some electric outdoor tools, such as an orbit sander, jigsaw, and drills, to build a DIY bird feeder, it is important to invest in a powerful power source like Jackery Solar Generators.
- Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus: The powerful and expandable solar generator can power midsize electric tools like jigsaw and drills to build a custom DIY bird feeder.
- Jackery Solar Generator 1000:Another power source for building a DIY bird feeder is the Jackery Solar Generator 1000. Its NMC battery of 1002Wh capacity can supply continuous electricity to electric tools.
- Jackery Solar Generator 500:It's a portable solar generator with a battery of 518Wh. If your work involves moving from one place to another, consider this lighter power station.
DIY Bird Feeder Ideas
Check out some DIY bird feeder ideas that will inspire you to create a perfect feeder for your garden:
DIY Squirrel-Proof Bird Feeder
The squirrel-proof bird feeder has a unique design that defends against squirrels and even protects the bird seeds. To create a DIY squirrel-proof bird feeder, build a feeder with a bottle or other material and surround it with a wire cage.
Hummingbird Feeder
If you want to build a hummingbird feeder, you can never go wrong with the standard sugar-water feeder. The plastic or glass exterior is also easy to clean, and the bright red often attracts hummingbirds.
Bird House Feeder
A wooden birdhouse feeder attracts sparrows, parrots, and other birds. They also help birds survive in extreme cold and winter months.
Lamp Bird Feeder
If you want an easy and cost-effective bird feeder, recycle any lamp and build a new one. Hang it on any tree and let the visitors enjoy their food.
How to DIY a Bird Feeder?
If you want to build a bird feeder, fill it with seeds, and watch the feathery birds swarm, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Lay Out and Cut the Wood
Start by laying out the bird feeder's six pieces on a 2-foot-long 1×6 cedar with a combination of square and compass. You can clamp the cedar to the workstation and then use a jigsaw to cut out the circles and squares. Now, cut four 4-inch long perches from the ¼ inch dowel. Make sure to sand the pieces with a random orbit sander so they come out smooth and free of splinters.
Step 2: Make the Top of the Feeder
Next, glue two 3 ½ inch blocks and carefully secure them with 4d nails. Start nailing the circles on top of the blocks, then spread the epoxy mix on one side of the square. Once done, set the square into the copper post cap and keep it for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Build and Wire the Base
Turn the 4 ½ inch square on its edge and hold it using a bar clamp, then drill an ¼ inch hole. Repeat the process until you've got a hole on each edge. Glue the 4-inch long perches into the edge hole and then glue the other circles onto the square with perches. Cut a 3-foot-long vinyl-covered wire and feed it through the hole in the base.
Step 4: Make a Hole for Wire On Top
Hold the post cap steady with a bar clamp and use a finish nail to make a little dent in the point of the copper peak. Carefully drill an ¼ inch hole through the peak and attached circle. Jackery Solar Generators can keep outdoor tools like drills charged even when you're away from the power outlet.
Step 5: Make the Seed Holder
Cut the ends of a 1-liter water bottle with scissors and make a cylinder. This will act as a seed holder in the bird feeder.
Step 6: Start Assembling the Bird Feeder
Drill four evenly spaced holes (¼ inches) around ½ inches from the cylinder's edge. Pass the wire attached to the feeder's base through the cylinder and then fit it over the circle on the base.
Nail the cylinder to the base with the help of blued tacks and thread the wire through the top by passing through the circle first followed by the copper peak. Slide the rubber grommet onto the wire top and carefully push it tight against the peak.
That's it! Now, fill the feeder with seeds and hang the bird feeder on a tree.
Jackery Solar Generators for DIY Bird Feeder
You need outdoor tools like electric drills to make a DIY bird feeder. If you want to invest in a portable power source, you must understand the starting and running wattage of the outdoor tools. It's always a wise idea to add the wattage consumption of the appliances you would like to use simultaneously.
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Appliances |
Minimum Wattage |
Maximum Wattage |
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Miter Saw |
840W |
2000W |
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Drill |
720W |
1800W |
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Jigsaw |
700W |
1750W |
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Orbital Sander |
600W |
1800W |
Jackery Solar Generators can charge various outdoor tools to support building a DIY bird feeder. They combine Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels to collect, convert, and supply electricity to essential appliances. Solar panels work when the sun's rays fall on the monocrystalline silicon solar cells and are converted to DC electricity. Then, the pure sine wave inverter converts the DC to usable AC electricity to power appliances.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a midsized charging solution for building a DIY bird feeder. It has a stable and durable LiFePO4 battery of 1264Wh capacity with a 2000W output. It can support up to 99% of outdoor electrical appliances, like drills, miter saws, sanding discs, and orbital sanders. The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station has a foldable handle to carry the battery backup anywhere.
Customer Review
"Power packs are easy to set up, charge, and move around. Weight and size make the units easy to move when and where needed." — Gary Way.
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Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus |
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Capacity |
1.2-5kWh |
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Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
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Cycle Life |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
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Dimension |
Length: 14in (35.6cm) Width: 10.24in (26cm) Height: 11.14in (28.3cm) |
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Recharging Methods |
AC Adapter: 1.7 Hours Car Adapter (12V): 7 Hours 6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels: 2 Hours |
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Output Ports |
AC Output(x3): 120V~60Hz, 2000W (4000W Surge Peak) USB-A Output(x2): 18W Max, 5-5V⎓3A USB-C Output(x2): 100W Maximum, (5V, 9V, 12V, 15V, 20V up to 5A) |
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Working Hours |
Electric Drill (720W): 1.4H Jigsaw (300W): 3.5H Orbital Sander (500W): 2.1H Miter Saw (840W): 1.2H |
Jackery Solar Generator 1000
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 has an NMC battery with a capacity of 1002Wh and a 1000W output. It's big enough to run small to midsize outdoor tools and electronics to build a bird feeder. It has multiple output tools to power up to 8 electrical appliances simultaneously and work from anywhere you want. It can be recharged via a car charger, AC adapter, and Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels.
Customer Review
"Worked very well with all my devices. Solar panels were very easy to set up. Would definitely recommend it!" — Carolyn Kobayashi.
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Jackery Solar Generator 1000 |
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Capacity |
1002Wh |
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Battery Cell |
NMC |
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Cycle Life |
500 cycles to 80%+ capacity |
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Dimension |
Length: 13.1in (33.3cm) Width: 9.2in (23.3cm) Height: 11.1in (28.3cm) |
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Recharging Methods |
AC Adapter: 7.5 Hours Car Adapter (12V): 14 Hours 2*Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels: 7.5 Hours |
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Output Ports |
AC Output(x3): 110V, 60Hz, 1000W (2000W Peak) USB-A Output(x2): 5V⎓2.4A, Quick Charge 3.0x1, 18W Max USB-C Output(x2): 18W Max, (5V, 9V, 12V up to 3A) |
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Working Hours |
Electric Drill (720W): 1.1H Jigsaw (300W): 2.8H Orbital Sander (500W): 1.7H Miter Saw (840W): 1H |
Jackery Solar Generator 500
The Jackery Solar Generator 500 is a compact, lightweight charging solution suitable for many small outdoor tools. It features an AC outlet, three USB ports, and a 12V car output to charge seven appliances simultaneously. It does not emit toxic gases, and features advanced BMS to charge appliances safely indoors. It is made with durable material and works well even at high temperatures.
Customer Review
"It's lightweight and easy to use. It allows me more flexibility to get out with my family." Tracey Sharman.
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|
Jackery Solar Generator 500 |
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Capacity |
518Wh |
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Battery Cell |
NMC |
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Cycle Life |
500 cycles to 80%+ capacity |
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Dimension |
Length: 11.8in (30cm) Width: 7.6in (19.2cm) Height: 9.5in (24.2cm) |
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Recharging Methods |
AC Adapter: 7.5 Hours Car Adapter (12V): 7.5 Hours 1*Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels: 9.5 Hours |
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Output Ports |
AC Output(x1): 110V, 60Hz, 500W (1000W Peak) DC Output(x2): 12V⎓7A USB-A Output(x3): 5V⎓2.4A |
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Working Hours |
¼’ Drill (300W): 1.4H Jigsaw (300W): 1.4H Orbital Sander (500W): 52 min |
How to Attract Birds to Your DIY Bird Feeder?
If you want to attract more birds to your DIY bird feeder, here are a few tips:
- Set up birdhouses and bird baths with moving or running water.
- Fill the bird feeder with different foods, like sunflower seeds, nyjer seeds, fruit and nut mixes, and mealworms.
- Always scatter the seeds or leave sunflower hearts and suet cakes around the bird feeder to attract more birds.
It's best to put food in the feeder for at least a day. During the cold winter months, increase the feeding amount twice a day. However, it's essential to monitor the amount of food left at the end of the day. If there's a lot of food left, reduce the amount you're putting into the feeder.
DIY Bird Feeder FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for a DIY bird feeder?
The size of a solar generator for a DIY bird feeder depends on the total wattage consumption of appliances being charged simultaneously and the number of hours you want to power them.
Example: Suppose you are charging a miter saw (700W), lights (5W), and mobile phone (30W) simultaneously with Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus.
Running Time = Battery Capacity * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of Appliances = 1264Wh * 0.85 / 735W = 1.4H.
The equation is multiplied by 0.85 as there will be some power loss during the charging process.
What type of wood is used for bird feeders?
Cedar is one of the best types of wood for building a bird feeder. Other materials include a soda bottle, vinyl-covered wire, and a copper top.
Which are the best locations for hummingbird feeders?
Hummingbird feeders should be placed in shaded areas protected from the wind because swaying feeders may spill some sugar solution.
Should you feed the birds in your garden?
Yes, there is nothing wrong with feeding birds in your garden. Foods can quickly be in short supply for birds, and nearby feeders can help quickly fill them with seeds and bird food even when the food is scarce.
Final Thoughts
Bird feeders are beneficial for birds looking for food. They're an excellent DIY project that can help you improve the overall look of the place and even attract many new bird species. If you plan to build a DIY bird feeder, consider investing in a portable power source like Jackery Solar Generators. They come in different capacities and can charge most outdoor tools.
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