
Ashleigh Smith

There are many ways to make a bird feeder from a plastic bottle. You have probably done this activity many times as a kid either for a school project or at a summer camp. The basic concept is that you can cut holes in a bottle full of bird seed providing a cheap and entertaining way to feed your local wildlife.
It is also customary to add a perch for the birds to rest on. This can be done by putting either a dowel, pencil, or other stick-like object through the plastic container. My favorite way of adding a perch is by inserting a cooking spoon with the spoon end dispensing some seed. I have found that this method can increase the bird traffic that visits my feeder during the summers.
Steps To Make Your Own Bird Feeder:
- Pick out a plastic bottle. You can use anything from the common water bottle to a 2 liter or milk gallon.
- If you are going to use a spoon as a dispenser and perch, cut a small hole for the spoon end and a slot for the handle to fit through directly across from the first hole. The advantage to using a spoon as a dispenser is that you can fill the entire bottle with seed.
- If you aren’t using a spoon, cut out a hole big enough that birds can retrieve the seed. Keep in mind you will only be able to fill the feeder up as high as the lowest hole you make. Add a perch by cutting a hole just big enough for a pencil or dowel, then insert your chosen perch.
- Fill the bottle with your favorite bird seed. We recommend our Organic Bird Seed Sprouting Mix. This mix is perfect to add to your bird feeder, or sprout as a healthy addition to any meal for yourself.
- Make two holes directly across from each other just below the bottle cap. Feed some twine through the holes. Use this to tie your feeder to a tree or other support. You may make two additional holes in the opposite direction from your initial set for more stability.
- Hang your new bird feeder in a tree or on your porch.
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
2 comments
Paula Helene Marlatt
I love your emails! I send them to our kids and grandkids. Everyone in this family gardens. Thank you for the inspirations.
Bronwyn Castillo
I wish you had a picture to see how the bird feeder is set up!
Further Reading
Grass to Garden: Transforming Your Outdoor Space With Raised Beds
Written By Lara Wadsworth Looking to turn your lawn into a productive, easy-to-manage garden? One of the best ways to convert grass, turf, or weeds into a flourishing garden space is by using raised garden beds. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetab...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-246 min read1How to Protect Your Garden from Heat Stress: Summer Plant Care Tips
Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is here, and the heat is turning up. As the sun becomes more intense and daytime temperatures routinely soar, some plants struggle to cope. Sunburn, sunscald, leaf scorch, and heat stress are common problems that plants...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-178 min read0Maximize Your Garden with the French Intensive Method
Written By Lara Wadsworth There are many ways that people online claim to maximize garden space, including everything from container gardening to square-foot gardening. There are books galore written about how to get the most out of each square foot of...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-118 min read0Top Nutrient-Dense Foods and Why You Should Eat Them
Written By Lara Wadsworth In today’s world of health trends, dieting, and fitness fads, one essential element is often overlooked: nutrients. Nutrients are the foundation of true wellness—fueling every organ, supporting immune function, and enabling bo...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-107 min read0