Milk Jug Bird Feeder Activity
In this activity, you will create a simple and attractive feeder using recycled materials. Your new feeder
will be sure to attract some interesting and colorful WILD visitors.
Time
20-30 minutes (with adult assistance)
>1 hour (if painting jug)
Supplies
Birdseed for wild birds
Strong glue (like Mod Podge)
Leaves
Marker
Hole punch or nail
Clean, empty milk jug with cap
Kitchen-type scissors (for cutting plastic)
Twigs (1 dozen 5inch twigs)
Wire or thick string or rope (about 2 feet)
Photo: National Wildlife Federation
Clear, non-toxic craft glaze or finish
Green acrylic paint (optional)
Sponge paint brush (optional)
Tiny stones (optional, for decorating)
Other natural items like bark or pinecones (optional, for decorating)
Instructions
1. Make the entrance to the bird feeder.
Draw and cut out a large circle (about 2.5 inches wide) a few inches up from the bottom of an empty,
clean gallon milk jug.
2. Punch a hole for the perch twig.
Make a small twig-sized hole just below the large one, either with a nail or a hole punch. (See step 5 for
adding the perch.)
3. (Optional) Paint the milk jug green.
Brush green acrylic paint on the outside of the jug and let it dry.
4. Add camouflage to the milk jug.
Attach leaves to the jug with clear glue.
5. Create a hanger on the bird feeder.
Punch a hole through both sides of the top just below the cap and slip a wire through it.
6. Add twigs for more camouflage.
www.indianawildlife.org
Glue about a dozen or so five-inch twigs to each side of the jug’s top, as shown.
7. Make the perch.
Poke another, thicker twig into the perch hole.
8. (Optional) Add more camouflage decorations over the leaves.
Glues on stones, pinecones, more twigs, or any other decorations you like.
9. Glaze the whole thing so your decorations are water-resistant.
Paint over the leaves with clear non-toxic craft glaze or finish.
10. Hang up your bird feeder.
Add birdseed and hang your feeder from a hook or pole. Be sure to place it away from tree branches so
squirrels don’t steal the seeds!
Source: Activity has been adapted from the National Wildlife Federation.
www.indianawildlife.org