A pine cone bird feeder is a fun craft that kids of all ages (and adults too) will have fun making. Use a pine cone from your garden, some peanut butter and birdseed to attract wild birds to your garden and help keep them healthy this winter.
This classic craft is one that you might remember from your childhood. These pine cone bird feeders are so easy to make and a fun craft for kids of all ages. Heck, I might even make some by myself without my daughter's help.
During winter wild birds may need some extra food and nutrients. It's nice to set out a bird feeder and some seeds for your little feathered friends. You can use pine cones from your yard or from the craft store if you don't have any on your property. You could also take the kids out on a nature walk to collect supplies.
Check out the video below and then read on to learn how to make these fun bird feeders.
Supplies needed to make a pine cone bird feeder:
- 2 Pine Cones - Get them here if you can't find them outside
- Jute Cord -like this kind
- Peanut Butter
- Bird Seed
- Fresh Fruit
- Dry Fruit
- Whole Grain Cereal
- Spoon or Small Spatula
What should you not feed to wild birds?
Always avoid feeding wild birds these toxic foods from your kitchen:
- Avocado
- Fruit pits or seeds
- Chocolate
- Milk
You may want to research the native birds in your area to make sure you don't accidentally feed them something that could hurt them.
*Note make sure you are using regular peanut butter with no xylitol. This common artificial sweetener is found in sugarless gum, some peanut butters and many diet foods, causes hypoglycemia, liver damage and possible death in dogs and other animals. Therefore, it's best to avoid exposing birds to xylitol altogether
Instructions:
- Cut fresh or dried fruit into small pieces
- Place bird seed in a shallow bowl, large enough for the pine cone to lay on its side
- Cut a 12 inch piece of jute cord and tie each end on the top of each pine cone
- Use a spoon or small spatula to spread an even layer of peanut butter onto the pinecones in the areas you wish to cover with bird seed - cover entirely or in any pattern you choose
- Roll the pine cone in the bird seed until the peanut butter areas are adequately covered with seed
- Tuck the fresh / dried fruit or cereal into the prongs of the pine cone, pressing them in securely - the cereal can also be pressed into the peanut butter section
- Hang outdoors and watch the bird enjoy their delicious, healthy, handmade treats!
Pine cone bird feeder FAQ's
Yes! The fats from the peanut butter and seeds are healthy and nutritious for birds.
Honey is another good option if you don't have peanut butter or someone has an allergy to peanuts. Bacon grease will also work in a pinch!
Usually in the morning and in the late afternoon. Birds sleep up in the trees an night but you are likely to see birds at your feeder at any time of the day.
From a tree branch where they are safe from most predators. You can also hang it near a window or any place high enough off the ground that a cat or other predator can't get them.
Not necessarily. If you have a rat problem then the main concern is food from the feeder falling onto the ground underneath it and rats or other rodents coming out and eating it. Clean up any fallen food to prevent rodent problems.
The feeder might not be in a good spot. Try moving it to a different location and see if it will attract the birds.