Looking for a simple, eco-friendly way to feed backyard birds? This DIY toilet paper roll bird feeder is the perfect quick project. It’s a great activity for kids, takes less than 10 minutes, and uses items you probably already have at home.
Whether you’re just getting started with backyard birding or looking for a fun nature craft, this feeder is a win win, easy for humans, tasty for birds!
🐦 Why Make a Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder?
- ✅ No tools required
- ✅ Reuses cardboard tubes
- ✅ Kid and bird friendly
- ✅ Ideal for chickadees, cardinals, finches, and woodpeckers
This feeder attracts a variety of backyard birds and encourages hands on learning for little nature lovers.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
- 1 empty toilet paper roll or paper towel tube (cut in half)
- Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergies)
- Bird seed mix (black oil sunflower is best)
- Butter knife or spoon for spreading
- String or twine (optional)
- Shallow plate or tray
📋 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Spread the Peanut Butter
Use a butter knife or spoon to coat the outside of the toilet paper roll with a thick layer of peanut butter. Make sure it’s well covered this is what holds the seed.
📝 Tip: For nut-free options, use Crisco, lard, or sunflower seed butter.
Step 2: Roll in Bird Seed
Pour bird seed onto a plate or tray. Gently roll the peanut butter covered tube in the seed, pressing lightly so it sticks. Rotate until it’s fully coated.
🐤 You can also sprinkle extra seed on by hand for full coverage.
Step 3: Hang/Slide Onto a Branch or Hang on The Side of a Tree
- Option 1: Slide the roll directly onto a small tree branch.
- Option 2: Thread a piece of string through the roll and tie it around a thicker branch.
- Option 3: Hang on hooked tree bark.
🧼 Clean-Up and Reuse Tips
- These feeders last a few days in mild weather. Replace them once the seed is eaten or the tube gets soggy.
- Cardboard tubes are biodegradable, but remove any string or leftovers to protect wildlife.
- Encourage kids to observe and record which birds visit!
🌱 Bonus: Add a Learning Twist
Turn this into a backyard science project:
- Count how many birds visit in 10 minutes
- Compare different seed mixes
- Track feeder activity in a bird journal
Final Thoughts
This DIY toilet paper roll bird feeder is one of the easiest ways to get kids interested in birds and nature. It’s budget friendly, zero waste, and gives your backyard birds a tasty treat.
So grab a cardboard tube, some peanut butter, and your favorite seed mix and watch the birds flock in!