We've found that it's difficult to find free bird feeder plans all in one place, so we've searched the net and did it for you.
Enjoy!
Choose the feeder that fits best with the kind of birds you wish to attract.
Remember to use squirrel baffles when mounting feeders on poles as well as
from above.
If possible, try to place your feeder where squirrels cannot access them from
above or where they are unable to jump to them...otherwise, without protection,
you've just built a squirrel feeder as well!
And be sure to install a
squirrel baffle
either above or below your bird feeders depending upon if they are hung from a
branch or mounted on a pole.
Click on the pictures of the feeders below. A new window will open with the plans.
A nice addition to the basic design
would be a roof or canopy to keep seeds dry. There should also be enough
drainage holes to prevent water accumulation and subsequent mold and mildew
growth.
Platform Bird Feeders
Hopper Feeders
This type of feeder is self-refilling, letting out a small quantity of seed at a
time as the birds eat. The hopper has walls and a roof, to keep the seed dry,
and small openings at the bottom, where a small portion of the seed can spill
out from the main container onto a tray. These kind of feeders will attract a
wide variety of birds, from chickadees to jays. It is an excellent feeder for
black oil sunflower seeds. Hopper
Bird Feeders
click on photos for plans
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are cylindrical tubes that cater to smaller birds with its multiple
feeding stations and smaller perches. If you remove the perches, you can
restrict the feeder to only those birds that can easily cling - finches,
chickadees, titmice and woodpeckers. Or if you prefer more variety, bottom trays
attached to the tube will allow larger birds to land and feed. It is excellent
feeder for black oil sunflower seeds and special variation can have tiny seed
ports for thistle feeding.
Tube Bird
Feeders
Suet Feeders
Suet is a high energy food made from animal fat. Suet feeders are mesh
containers which hold suet blocks and allows "clinging" birds to feed through
holes. They will attract woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets,
cardinals, and creepers.
If starlings are a problem at your suet feeder, discourage them by using a suet
feeder with access only from the bottom. Starlings are reluctant to perch upside
down. Chickadees and woodpeckers don't find that to be a problem.
click on photos for plans
Hummingbird Feeders
Hummingbird feeders are a real favorite for attracting the color, speed, and
aerial acrobatics of this small but fascinating bird. They are inverted
containers filled with nectar, or sugar water, that is dispensed through tiny
holes. Construct feeders that are easy to clean because mold & fermentation will
occur inside the feeder as quickly as 3-4 days.
click on photos for plans
Feeders made from Household & Natural Items
For nearly no expense, you can build feeders from items found in or outside your
house!
Below is a video demonstration to build a simple feeder.
Bleach Bottle Bird Feeder Demo
And here are additional plans for making feeders from a mayonnaise jar, pinecone and milk carton:
Hope you've enjoyed this page of bird feeder
plans and we wish you all the best in attracting lots of birds with
your new feeder!
If you are finding it too difficult to keep away the squirrels from your bird
feeders, here are some
free
squirrel feeder plans to make everyone happy! Fed separately, but equally
sometimes will solve the problem.
Here's some discount bird feeders available on eBay you may want to purchase too:
