Plastic milk jugs; do they overflow your recycling bin as they do mine? Would you like a simple craft project that you could use with most any age and ability or child or adult? Here’s an easy outline for a bird feeder that can be made using those pesky milk jugs. The great thing about this craft is that you are helping the environment in two ways: first, for every milk jug bird feeder you make, you reduce the number that go into landfills. Second, by making a bird feeder, you support wildlife and the ecosystem.
This recycled milk jug craft makes a fun project for family, school groups, libraries, day care, Vacation Bible School, camp, nature centers, scout troops, 4H, YMCA or any other activity group. People of all ages enjoy bird watching and feeding. This milk jug bird feeder is the perfect way to attract our feathered friends.
This makes a great craft for senior citizens as well. Older folks tend to have limited mobility or are home-bound. Watching birds is one of a limited number of activities available to them, often times. The milk jug bird feeder can be placed or hung near most any size window. Dwellers in the city, suburbs or country can enjoy whatever birds tend to be local.
First, wash and rinse the milk jug throughly. We don’t want spoiled milk in or on it.
Next, draw a window on the front of the milk jug on t;he opposite side from the handle. The window should be about two and one half inches from the bottom and about four inches on all sides.
Then, with everyday scissors, cut out the window. The plastic cuts pretty easily, but can be scratchy. You can assist those with physical limitations.
After cutting the window, poke about 5 small holes in the bottom to drain and air the birdseed and keep it dry.
If you wish, you can decorate the feeder with permanent markers, stickers or fabric paint.
Fill the feeder up to about 1 and 1/2 inches with seed. You can buy seed in bulk for about 19c per pound on sale. This will attract chickadees, cardinals, house finch, dark-eyed juncos, sparrows, starlings, blue jays and lots of hungry squirrels.
For a special treat, save your citrus rinds, apple peelings, fruit seeds, stale popcorn, bread, crackers and nuts. Place these in the feeder. If you carve a pumpkin, save the seeds. Our squirrels canvas the back yard at Halloween after we’ve carved the pumpkins outside.
Hang the feeder in a tree, from poles or just about anything Except utility wires. Hang with bright red yarn or ribbon. Many birds love bright red. You can place the feeder on a porch rail if necessary. Put a nail through the bottom to hold it in place.
Check the links provided for different birds in your area. Everyone gets enjoyment, education and a good feeling about helping the environment with this milk jug bird feeder.
