A bird drinker is a great way to encourage wild birds to visit your yard. It helps keep the little creatures hydrated and nourished throughout the colder months of the year. It’s also a fun craft project for kids.
The cool thing about a DIY bird drinker is that it can be made from just about any kind of bottle. You can use plastic water bottles, sports drink bottles, or even those old plastic ketchup or jelly containers. It’s easy to do and it teaches children about recycling as well as wildlife conservation.
To start the project, have your child cut or poke two small holes in the bottom of a bottle (at least 3 inches from the top). Explain to them that they should not cut their fingers while doing this because the sharp plastic could hurt themselves. Afterward, ask your child to thread twine or wire through the holes and out the other side of the bottle, making a loop for hanging the feeder.
For the perches, you can either use woodworking dowels or unsharpened pencils that your child can cut with a box cutter or other sharp-tipped tool. Try to make the perches a consistent length, so they’re not too long or too short for birds to sit comfortably on them. You can also add twigs or sticks for additional perches.
If you want to use different types of seeds for the feeder, the feeding ports should be 1/8 or 1/4 inches wide. You can use larger holes for mixed seed and sunflower seeds, or smaller ones for Nyjer or millet. The feeding ports should be spaced about 2 inches above the perches so that the birds can reach them easily with their feet.
Once you’ve drilled the perches, it’s time to add the feeding ports. The holes should be one above each perch and four total, with each port about 1/8 or 1/4 inch wide. This will give the birds access to the seeds without them getting their feet wet.
After the feeder is complete, it’s a good idea to test the feeder to ensure that it works as intended. Then, hang the feeder in your yard and watch for birds to stop by.
Depending on the species of birds you’re trying to attract, the type of seeds and feeders you choose will make a difference in how many birds are drawn to it. You can also choose to add sugar water, which can help hummingbirds find their way to the feeder.
To finish the project, spray paint the entire container (inside and outside) if desired. This will make the feeder stand out and also help it blend in with the rest of your garden.
If you’re using wooden dowels, be sure to make the holes in the perches large enough so that the dowels are centered inside the bottle. This will help the feeder be stable.
Be sure to keep your safety gloves on while you work with the sharp tools, as any cuts or nicks can be painful for you and the birds.
