Milk Jug Bird Feeder

Don’t toss out that empty milk jug! Turn it into an easy-to-make bird feeder.

by Michele Reyzer; photo by O. Louis Mazzatenta

What You Need

  • empty gallon milk jug
  • nail or hole punch
  • green acrylic paint
  • craft glue
  • wire
  • clear non-toxic craft glaze
  • leaves, twigs, pebbles, and pine cones
  • bird seed

What You Do

  1. For the main entrance to the feeder:
    Draw and cut out a large circle (about 2½ inches wide) a few inches up from the bottom of the jug.
  2. For the perch:
    Make a small twig-sized hole just below the large one, either with a nail or hole punch.  (See step 5 for adding the perch.)
  3. Brush green paint on the outside of the jug and let it dry. Glue leaves onto the outside of the jug.
  4. For the hanger:
    Punch a hole through both sides of the top of the jug just below the cap and slip a wire through it.
  5. For the roof and final touches:
    Glue a dozen or so twigs to each side of the jug’s top, as shown. Poke a thicker twig into the perch hole. Glue on pebbles, pine cones, or any other decorations you like. Paint over the leaves with craft glaze.
  6. Add birdseed and hang your feeder from a tree branch. (Be sure to put it where you can easily refill it.)

    Now sit back and wait for the birds to discover the newest diner in town!