A Pine Cone Bird Feeder is a fun natural project kids of all ages can make for feeding wildlife. Kids can easily learn how to make a homemade bird feeder with these simple steps and watch the birds flock to this traditional peanut butter bird feeder craft. Pinecone birdfeeders are fun to make at home or in the classroom!
Related: Easy Paper Plate Bird Craft with Movable Wings
Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeder Craft for Kids
Homemade bird feeders are easy and fun to make, and great for wild birds in the winter! My kids love to watch and see if any squirrels are coming out to play in our yard.
- Did you know that late winter is actually the ideal time to make pinecone bird feeders?
- You might think of it as a summer project, but birds don’t need much help in the summer.
- We love making bird feeders all year long.
How to Make a Pinecone Bird Feeder
Although making pine cone bird feeders is fun to make with kids of all ages, a Pine Cone Bird Feeder is an easy preschool craft that encourages more birds to fly by your windows and one of the easiest homemade bird feeders you can make.
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Supplies Needed To Make A Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Directions To Make Pine Cone Feeders For Birds
Step 1
- The first thing you want to do is tie the string, twine or wire to the pine cone before you begin.
- Leave a long enough piece at the top so you can hang the pine cone bird feeder later.
Step 2
Next, cover the pine cone in peanut butter. A thicker peanut butter works better here so it will adhere to the pine cone better.
You can use a spoon or butter knife to spread peanut butter from the top of the pine cone to the bottom.
Tip: A preschooler should be able to do this step with very little, if any, help.
Step 3
Now, coat the peanut butter in bird seed. We rolled our pine cone in a dish, paper plate, or small bowls filled with peanut butter and poured bird seed on as well.
Step 4
We then patted the bird seed in to ensure it would all stick well.
Finished Peanut Butter Bird Feeder Craft
Finally, find a place to hang your Pine Cone Bird Feeder outside.
We had so much fun making this homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeder and hope you do too!
How High to Hang a Bird Feeder if You Have Cats
- If you have neighborhood cats, then you’ll want to find a high enough place that makes it harder for them to snatch any hungry birds.
- We live on a farm and have barn cats so I’ve found that hanging bird feeders at least 10 feet high keeps the cats at bay and gives birds lots of safety just in case.
Learning About Birds
- Try identifying the different birds or counting them and you’ve got an art and science lesson at the same time.
- If might be fun to get some bird books to make identifying them easier as well.
Can Birds Eat Peanut Butter?
I know we all worry about what we feed animals, and it is a valid worry. But peanut butter is actually a good high-protein food for birds. Though, it is also suggested that you give them natural or organic peanut butter. You can even give them crunchy peanut butter as a treat.
What Is The Best Type Of Bird Seed To Use For Your Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeder?
Sunflowers seeds will attract the greatest variety of birds. Safflower is also a good option. If you use a mixed bag of seeds check for fillers and dyed products as those are not the greatest for birds.
Can I Use Scented Pine Cones For My Homemade Pine Cone Bird Feeder?
While it may easier to just buy the pine cones, it probably isn’t a good idea unless they’re plain. The pine cones cannot be scented, painted, have glitter, or any other chemicals that can be harmful to birds.
Active Time
20 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Difficulty
easy
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Pinecone (we used large pine cones, but you can use any size)
- Peanut butter
- Bird seed
- String, twine or wire
Tools
- paper plate or pie plate
- scissors
Instructions
- The first thing you want to do is tie the string, twine or wire to the pine cone before you begin. Leave a long enough piece at the top so you can hang the pine cone bird feeder later.
- Next, cover the pine cone in peanut butter. A thicker peanut butter works better here so it will adhere to the pine cone better. You can use a spoon or butter knife to spread peanut butter from the top of the pine cone to the bottom. A preschooler should be able to do this step with very little, if any, help.
- Now, coat the peanut butter in bird seed. We rolled our pine cone in a dish, paper plate, or small bowls filled with peanut butter and poured bird seed on as well. We then patted the bird seed in to ensure it would all stick well.
- Finally, find a place to hang your Pine Cone Bird Feeder outside. If you have neighborhood cats, then you’ll want to find a high enough place that makes it harder for them to snatch any hungry birds. We live on a farm and have barn cats so I’ve found that hanging bird feeders at least 10 feet high keeps the cats at bay and gives birds lots of safety just in case. We had so much fun making this Pine Cone Bird Feeder and hope you do too!
More Great Homemade Bird Feeder Crafts From Kids Activities Blog:
Or check out these decor pine cone crafts!
How did your pine cone bird feeder turn out? What are your favorite birds that have stopped by?
