How to Build a Bird Feeder from a Milk Jug

Turn an empty milk jug into a simple bird feeder with basic supplies and bring backyard birds closer to your family.

  1. Gather Your Materials. You'll need: one clean, empty plastic milk jug (any size), scissors or a craft knife, wooden spoons or dowels, string or wire for hanging, birdseed, and optionally some acrylic paint or markers for decorating. Make sure the milk jug is completely clean and dry before you start.
  2. Cut the Feeding Holes. About 3 inches from the bottom of the jug, cut holes that are roughly 1.5 to 2 inches wide. Make one hole on each side of the jug, so you'll have four feeding holes total. The holes should be big enough for birds to get their heads in comfortably, but not so large that all the seed spills out. Adults should handle the cutting, or supervise older children closely.
  3. Add Perches. About an inch below each feeding hole, poke a small hole all the way through the jug. Thread a wooden spoon or thin dowel through these holes to create perches where birds can land while eating. The handle of the spoon should stick out about 3-4 inches on each side. Push the spoons through firmly so they don't wobble.
  4. Create a Drainage System. Poke 3-4 small holes in the bottom of the jug with a nail or awl. This lets rainwater drain out instead of making the birdseed soggy and moldy. These holes should be tiny - just big enough to let water through, not seed.
  5. Add Hanging Hardware. Remove the cap and thread strong string, rope, or wire through the opening and out the top. Tie a big knot inside the jug so it won't pull through. You can also wrap wire around the neck of the jug if you prefer. Make sure your hanging system is strong enough to hold the jug when it's full of seed.
  6. Decorate and Fill. Let kids paint or color the jug if desired, but keep decorations away from the feeding holes. Once any paint is completely dry, fill the bottom of the jug with birdseed - about 2 inches deep is perfect. Don't overfill, as wet seed can get moldy.
  7. Hang and Position Your Feeder. Hang your feeder 5-6 feet off the ground in a spot where you can easily see it from inside your house. Choose a location that's near some trees or bushes where birds can quickly hide if they feel threatened, but not so close that cats or squirrels can jump onto the feeder.