Orange Bird Feeder
A fun and eco-friendly kids craft, this DIY Orange Bird Feeder is easy to make with just an orange, string, and birdseed. Perfect for getting kids outside, it invites feathered friends right to your backyard!
Brighten up your yard and invite some feathered friends for a feast with these orange cup bird feeders. They are so easy to put together and everyone will love watching for birds. Keep watch for birds you already recognize, and learn about new ones. All you need to do is scoop out the flesh of half an orange, add some skewers for the birds to rest on and fill the citrus rind with bird seed before hanging it in a tree. Making bird feeders is a super simple way to attract birds to your yard.
Why You’ll Love This Activity
- You most likely already have everything you need to get started on this craft so you won’t need to make any extra trips to the store.
- A DIY bird feeder is a great activity to involve the whole family. There are lots of different jobs for different ages so no one will be left out.
- Orange bird feeders are a great way to repurpose a leftover orange rind, especially if you do not compost at home.
Supplies For Orange Bird Feeder
- Orange – Choose a large orange so it is easier to remove the insides and you’ll have more room for bird seed. You can totally use any citrus peels that are available to you – grapefruit, lemon or lime will work, too.
- Twine – Use a sturdy string like twine so that feeder stays strong on windy days.
- Scissors – Young kids might need a hand with these to cut the twine for hanging the bird feeder.
- Ruler – Measure the twine into equal pieces so that the bird feeder sits evenly.
- Knife – Use a sharp knife to cut the orange in half. This is a good job for grown ups or older kids who might be helping out.
- Bird seed – Learn about the birds specific to your neighbourhood and buy the type of bird seed they like best.
- Skewers – Give the birds a chance to rest while they eat. If you don’t have skewers handy, leave them off. The birds will still be able to rest on the edge of the orange cup.
- Spoon – Scoop out the insides of the orange to make space for the bird seed.
Can I Make DIY Bird Feed?
Yes, you can totally mix up your own bird feed with pantry staples like peanuts, dried cranberries, raisins (plain, unsalted and soaked in water for easier digestion), sunflower seeds, diced apple, almonds, walnuts, peanut butter and unsweetened coconut.
How To Make An Orange Bird Feeder
- Wash and dry orange. Carefully cut it in half.
- Scoop out the inside of each half, gently removing the flesh using a spoon. You can save the juice to drink or use in another recipe. Make sure the peel stays intact to hold the bird seed.
- Take two skewers and poke them through the orange half in a crisscross pattern. This will hold the twine securely. Make sure the skewers are snug but do not crack the peel.
- Cut four equal pieces of twine, about 12 inches each. Tie each piece around the ends of the skewers. Bring all four strings together at the top and tie a knot to make a hanging loop.
- Fill the hollowed-out orange with bird seed. Press gently so it stays in place without spilling over.
- Hang your orange bird feeder from a tree branch, a hook, or any safe spot. Watch as the birds enjoy their fresh treat.
Storage
You will have to set these outside when they are freshly made – there isn’t a way to store them. However, if you prepare extra orange peel cups, you can freeze them to fill another time. Allow them to thaw before adding the skewers.
Pro Tips
- Consider using the other half of the orange to attract Orioles. They love to peck at the juice and pulp! Poke a branch through the half orange and it will stay there while the birds enjoy it.
- Sprinkling coffee grounds near the bird feeder will deter squirrels and other pests, ensuring the birds get their fill.
Orange Bird Feeder
Instructions
- Wash and dry your large orange. Carefully cut it in half.
- Scoop out the inside of each half, gently removing the flesh using a spoon. You can save the juice to drink or use in another recipe. Make sure the peel stays intact to hold the bird seed.
- Take two skewers and poke them through the orange half in a crisscross pattern. This will hold the twine securely. Make sure the skewers are snug but do not crack the peel.
- Cut four equal pieces of twine, about 12 inches each. Tie each piece around the ends of the skewers. Bring all four strings together at the top and tie a knot to make a hanging loop.
- Fill the hollowed-out orange with bird seed. Press gently so it stays in place without spilling over.
- Hang your orange bird feeder from a tree branch, a hook, or any safe spot. Watch as the birds enjoy their fresh treat.
More Great DIY Bird Feeders
- Get out the cookie cutters and make some adorable DIY Bird Feeders with the kids. This activity is unique because it doesn’t use peanut butter to hold the shape together, so it’s great for households with allergies!
- A classic use for empty toilet paper rolls is a quick and easy Bird Feeder. Young kids can practice their fine motor skills adding peanut butter and bird seed to the toilet paper roll.
