Learn how to make an apple bird feeder. This is an easy DIY for kids, and they will love watching the bird come to the feeder to eat.
It's officially fall, which means apple season. We still have one more box of apples to process. After making our food, I admit that I got sick of looking at apples.
I thought why not let the bird enjoy an apple or two? So we made these easy apple bird feeders.
My kids are all teens, but this is so easy that even littles can make them with a little bit of help cutting.
We hung them in a tree outside of the picture window in the living room. There's a nice big tree there, and the birds really love to eat there because it's fairly secluded.
Not only did the kids and I get to watch the birds, but the cats quickly found out that the birds were coming around.
The picture window is definitely big enough to accommodate two cats, but that didn't stop a fight for the best spot.
Eventually, they learned that they can share the window and nap while they waited for the bird to eat from the apple bird feeder.
How to Make an Apple Bird Feeder
How Do You Make Apple Bird Feeders?
They are so easy to make! You just need an apple, bird seed, peanut butter or lard or gelatin, and some twine. You can also just set the apple on a table, but we like hanging it from a tree.
For an even easier apple bird feeder, you can buy this bird feeder on Etsy and just place an apple on it.
Is It OK to Feed Birds Apples?
Yes, birds can safely eat softer apples. Make sure that they are no bad spots on the apples or any mold.
What Can You Use Instead of Peanut Butter to Make a Bird Feeder?
If someone in your family has a nut allergy, you can use lard or Crisco vegetable shortening. You can also use unflavored gelatin to mix with the bird seed (directions below).
The Best Bird Seed to Use
This depends on the type of birds you have or want to attract. I don't buy the really cheap seed, but I go for the midgrade bird seed instead.
I have a lot of cardinals, so I buy seed with sunflower seeds to attract them.
Is Peanut Butter Bad for Birds?
No, peanut butter is safe for birds. I usually buy a jar of natural creamy peanut butter each year just for the birds. But you can use any creamy peanut butter.
Why Won't Birds Use My Bird Feeder?
Make sure you place the apple bird feeder where birds will see it. If it's hidden in the trees, the may not see it.
Also make sure that they are no pets there. My birds won't eat from the feeder if the dog is tied outside, but they don't mind the cats in the window.
Birds like to eat at different heights, so you may need to move it higher or lower it.
If the birds were eating and have stopped, make sure that the bird seed didn't go bad and start to mold. If you see mold, toss it and replace.
If you like making your own bird feeders, check out these DIY bird feeders:
Apple Bird Feeder Supplies
- 1 apple
- 1 cup peanut butter or shortening or 1 pack of unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups bird seed
- Jute cord
Directions
Step #1
Cut apple in half and scoop out the insides. If children are making this, have an adult do this step.
Step #2
If you are using peanut butter or lard, spread a thick layer on the apple.
If you are using gelatin, prepare the gelatin according to the package directions.
Step #3
Mix the bird seed and the peanut butter, lard, or gelatin. Pack into the apple and set in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours to harden.
Step #4
Cut the jute cord into 4 equal sections. Tie a knot at the top and at the bottom. Hang from the top in a tree. Set the apple on the bottom knot and use the strings to hold it in place.
Now sit back and wait for the birds to come. They can eat the seeds and then eat the apples. Then make another apple bird feeder to replace it.
Apple Bird Feeder
materials:
- 1 apple
- 1 cup peanut butter or shortening or 1 pack of unflavored gelatin
- 2 cups bird seed
- Jute cord
tools:
- Spoon
- Scissors
steps:
- Cut apple in half and scoop out the insides. If children are making this, have an adult do this step.
- If you are using peanut butter or lard, spread a thick layer on the apple. If you are using gelatin, prepare the gelatin according to the package directions.
- Mix the bird seed and the peanut butter, lard, or gelatin. Pack into the apple and set in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours to harden.
- Cut the jute cord into 4 equal sections. Tie a knot at the top and at the bottom. Hang from the top in a tree. Set the apple on the bottom knot and use the strings to hold it in place.
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