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How to Build a Hanging Bird Feeder With a Roof

A hanging bird feeder with a roof doesn't have to be expensive, or even store-bought. You can make a simple homemade feeder from recycled materials from around the house for free. The beauty of the feeder is that it provides a roof for keeping the birdseed dry, and a little sheltered area for birds to enjoy their meal out of the weather. This is a quick, easy project for even young children to make a bird feeder that is sturdy enough to last through the winter.

Things You'll Need

Empty plastic 1-gallon milk jug
Marker
Scissors or hobby knife
Screwdriver
Wood dowel or stick
Fishing line
Paints or colored markers
Birdseed

Instructions

- 1
  Wash and dry an empty plastic 1-gallon milk jug thoroughly. Keep the lid.
- 2
  Draw a rectangle on each of the two large sides opposite the handle with a marker. Make the rectangles about 3 inches wide and 4 inches tall. Cut them out with scissors or a hobby knife.
- 3
  Poke a hole about 1 inch below each of the rectangular holes with a screwdriver.
- 4
  Push a wood dowel or stick through the two small holes to form a perch for the birds.
- 5
  Poke two hanging holes in the top of the jug with a screwdriver, each about 1 inch away from the spout.
- 6
  Thread some fishing line through the small holes for hanging the feeder.
- 7
  Decorate the bird feeder with paints or colored markers.
- 8
  Fill your feeder with birdseed and hang it outdoors where you can see the birds feeding from a window in a comfortable spot indoors.

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