Looking for a simple, eco-friendly activity to do with the kids this weekend? We’ve got just the thing! Why not reuse some household waste to build a bird feeder? It’s as good for the kids as it is for the environment!

STEP 1 – GATHER THE MATERIALS

The material you will need
  • An empty milk or juice carton (preferably one without a cap)
  • Popsicle sticks (licked clean)
  • A small branch
  • Acrylic paint (or any non-toxic, water-resistant paint)
  • String (the stronger the better)
  • A utility knife
  • A glue gun (or crazy glue)

STEP 2 – PAINT THE CARTON

Paint the carton

Birds have excellent colour vision and are especially attracted to bright things. They really like orange and red, the colours of their favourite berries. Avoid white, which they associate with warning signals, and dark colours, which heat up faster. Go ahead and let your inner Van Gogh run wild!

STEP 3 – INSTALL THE ROOF

Glue the roof

Wash the popsicle sticks. Then cut them in half and glue the pieces to the top of the milk carton with the glue gun. Now you can see why it’s better to use one without a cap! Leave the sticks au naturel or paint them first for even more colour.

STEP 4 – MAKE DOORS

Cut the doors

If you want more than one bird to join the feast, you need to make doors on either side of the carton. Draw two circles near the bottom on opposite sides of the carton and cut them out with the utility knife. Like things just so? Trace the circles with an empty roll of toilet paper to make the doors identical.

STEP 5 – INSTALL THE PERCH

Install the perch

For the perch, use a branch that’s sturdy enough for the birds to land on and long enough to stretch across the carton. Once you’ve found the right one, cut an X below each of the circle cutouts and slide the branch through.

STEP 6 – HANG YOUR FEEDER

Hang the feeder

Simply make a hole in the top of the carton, thread a string through it, and hang it on your favourite tree. It will last longer if it’s protected from the elements in a sheltered area. You can also add ribbons and other decorations that will catch the eyes of your feathered friends. Fill it regularly with seeds to attract birds.

Now sit back and watch the birds!