Learn how to make a simple bird feeder to feed your backyard birds. This mason jar lid bird feeder is easy to make, and it makes a great craft for kids. These look cute hanging in your yard, and your birds will love them.
We live on a small farm and are surrounded by corn fields. One thing that I love about the property is all of the wild life.
We have more than 10 deer living on the property. They are so pretty to watch near the ponds or in the big yard in front of the house.
They don't seem to be bothered by us. They come up to our patio and watch us while we are outside.
We have chipmunks, squirrels, and of course a lot of birds. My living room has two large picture windows with trees outside of both windows.
The birds love to hang out in those trees. And the cats like to sit in the windows watching the birds.
I feed the birds in a suet feeder and a bird feeder, but we also like to make to make feeders as a fun homeschool or scout activity. Learn how to make a simple bird feeder to feed your birds.
How to Make a Simple Bird Feeder With Mason Jar Lid
I reuse my canning rings several times, but eventually they get bent or rusted and can't be used anymore.
I've reused them to make a canning ring wreath and rustic farmhouse coasters and no sew fabric coasters. Now we are going to learn how to make a DIY bird feeder with mason jar rings.
I love mason jar lid bird feeder because it was free for me to make. I used old canning rings and already had the string.
However, even if you have to buy the wide mouth canning jar rings to learn how to make a homemade bird feeder, it's still an inexpensive craft idea.
If you like to make bird feeders, then click over to learn how to make a simple bird feeder different ways:
What Type of Bird Seed Should I Use?
I don't recommend using the cheapest bird seed you can find, but you don't need an expensive one either. I used Wagner's wild bird food.
I normally use a bird seed with sunflower seeds, but these mason jar lid bird feeders are small, so I choose a seed with small pieces.
Is Gelatin Safe for Birds?
Yes, in small amounts gelatin is safe for birds. You need the gelatin in this mason jar lid bird feeder to make the bird seed hard so it holds it shape.
Cornell University recommends using gelatin in DIY bird feeders.
You can use Knox unflavored gelatin packets or bulk gelatin. I buy the bulk because it's a lot cheaper.
Where Is The Best Place to Hang a Bird Feeder?
Hang a bird feeder in an area of your yard that is open and quiet. You want them at about eye level of a little higher.
Don't hang them too low because squirrels may eat the seed or cats can chase off the birds. Once you learn how to make a simple bird feeder, you want to be sure that the birds feel safe using it.
I hang mine in a tree that I can see from the house. The kids and I like to watch the birds while they eat.
If you don't have a tree, you can also use a garden hook to hang yours.
How Long Does it Take for Birds to Find a Bird Feeder?
Patience, my friend. It can take a day or several months for the birds to find your bird feeder.
To encourage them, make sure it's a quiet area and hang the mason jar lid bird feeder in an area where you normally see birds.
Make sure that you use a bird seed that will attract the birds in your yard. I have a lot of blue jays, so I use a seed blend that attracts them.
Birds are also attracted to bright colors, so keep that in mind when learning how to make a homemade bird feeder.
Mason Jar Lid Bird Feeder Tips
When you are learning how to make a simple bird feeder, there are some things to keep in mind.
Use a natural peanut butter. You can use a crunchy peanut butter, but look for one without added sugar and salt.
I recommend using bright colors to paint the canning rings. This will help attract the birds.
If the birds don't use the bird feeders within a week, try moving them to a new spot. Move them higher or lower to the ground because your birds may have different preferences.
You can use whole wheat flour if you prefer.
Paint your rings and let them dry for at least a day before you make the bird seed mixture. You'll want to press the seed into the rings while it's still warm and before it sets up.
Press the seeds into the rings on a silicone mat or on parchment paper. It will get messy!
Mason Jar Lid Bird Feeder Supplies
- 2 cups bird seed
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 6 wide mouth mason jar rings
- non toxic acrylic paint
- foam brushes
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Twine
- Silicone baking mat
Mason Jar Lid Bird Feeder Directions
Step #1
Start with clean and dry mason jar rings. I used wide mouth rings. Let them on parchment paper and paint them. Let dry for an hour between coats. Use two coats.
Step #2
Once the paint is dry, use Mod Podge to seal the rings. Let dry for at least an hour before making your bird seed mix.
Step #3
Cut 18 inches pieces of twine for each ring and tie around each rings.
Step #4
Combine the bird seed and flour in a large bowl and set aside.
Step #5
In a smaller bowl, mix the gelatin and 1 cup of hot water according to the package directions. Add the peanut butter and corn syrup and stir until well blended.
Step #6
Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Stir until well combined. It should feel like thick sand. You can add more hot water if needed.
Step #7
Lay the mason jar rings with the flat side down on a silicone baking mat or on parchment paper.
Step #8
Spoon the prepared bird seed mixture into each ring. It should be overflowing. Use the bottom of the measuring cup or a spoon to press the bird seed into the rings. They should be flat with the rings. Let dry overnight.
Step #9
Once the bird seed is hardened, you can hang your mason jar lid bird feeder in a tree to feed your backyard birds.
Now you know how to make a simple bird feeder!
Mason Jar Lid Bird Feeder
materials:
- 2 cups bird seed
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 tablespoons corn syrup
- 6 wide mouth mason jar rings
- non toxic acrylic paint
tools:
- foam brushes
- Mod Podge
- Scissors
- Twine
- Silicone baking mat
steps:
- Start with clean and dry mason jar rings. I used wide mouth rings. Let them on parchment paper and paint them. Let dry for an hour between coats. Use two coats.
- Once the paint is dry, use Mod Podge to seal the rings. Let dry for at least an hour before making your bird seed mix.
- Cut 18 inches pieces of twine for each ring and tie around each rings.
- Combine the bird seed and flour in a large bowl and set aside.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the gelatin and 1 cup of hot water according to the package directions. Add the peanut butter and corn syrup and stir until well blended.
- Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture. Stir until well combined. It should feel like thick sand. You can add more hot water if needed.
- Lay the mason jar rings with the flat side down on a silicone baking mat or on parchment paper.
- Spoon the prepared bird seed mixture into each ring. It should be overflowing. Use the bottom of the measuring cup or a spoon to press the bird seed into the rings. They should be flat with the rings. Let dry overnight.
- Once the bird seed is hardened, you can hang your mason jar lid bird feeder in a tree to feed your backyard birds.
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