Learn by Camping: Classes for All
Plastic Bottle Bird Feeder
Description: This is an easy and inexpensive hanging bird feeder project made from a
recycled 2-liter soda bottle and a few natural branches. In no time birds will certainly
flock to this feeder.
Goals: To create a hanging bird feeder that is simple to make and enjoy.
Objectives:
1. Participants will learn to use a drill. (young children should observe the procedure)
2. Participants will learn to collect the tree branches and determine the length needed.
3. Participants will learn to cut and twist wire.
4. Participants will learn how to hang and refill this bottle feeder.
Materials:
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Plastic soda bottle or plastic juice bottle with cap
Branches
Bird seed
Drill
Wire
Cutting pliers
Procedure:
1. Wash Bottle: Before creating the bird feeder you will need to wash the bottle thoroughly. Use hot water
and dish soap, then let it dry completely.
2. Collect Branches: Collect 3 branches that are long enough to go from a hole in the side of the bottle,
through the center of the bottle, and out through another hole on the opposite side. The branch should extend
approximately 3 inches on each side of the bottle to serve as a perch.
3. Drill Holes: Adult supervision is needed for this step. The holes should be located directly across from
each other. Place one set near the upper portion (side to side) one in the middle (front to back), and one
toward the bottom (side to side). Mark the locations for the holes desired, then take a drill with an
appropriate size bit and drill the holes for the branches. Alternating the direction of the perches will help
balance the feeder.
4. Place Sticks: Place the sticks through the hole on one side and out the hole on the other.
Alice K. Dolu, WVU Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development – Marshall County
July 16
Page 1 of 2
Learn by Camping: Classes for All
5. Seed Holes: Drill one or two additional holes above each perch for the birds to find the seeds inside.
6. Hanger Holes: Drill two more small holes on opposite sides of the neck or shoulder of the bottle for the
hanger.
7. Feeder Hanger: Cut a length of wire long enough to thread through the two holes and be bent upwards
and twisted together to form a hanger. Length of the wire will depend on the size of the bottle being used
and the desired size of the hanger.
8. Adding Seed: Fill your bottle with bird seed and screw on the cap. It is now ready to hang on a tree
branch. When the bottle is full, it will be heavy. Make sure the branch is strong enough to hold it. If several
birds land at one time the entire project can come crashing to the ground. It is best to give it a good tug
before leaving it for the birds. Some seed will naturally fall out of the feeding holes. Don’t worry! The
ground feeding birds will enjoy this new feeding station too.
Alice K. Dolu, WVU Extension Agent, 4-H Youth Development – Marshall County
July 16
Page 2 of 2