When a solid blanket of snow covers the country and frosty temperatures prevail, our feathered friends often no longer find enough food. You can help them get through the winter well with a homemade bird feeder. Let your imagination run wild when designing, because the only important thing is that the food stays dry and cannot be contaminated by the animals.
What materials and tools do I need to build a bird feeder myself?
To build a bird feeder yourself, spruce, pine, fir or larch wood boards, plywood or MDF fiberboard and galvanized metal parts are suitable. You can find construction instructions on the Internet, hardware stores or work books. Tools required include a workbench, drill, saw and wood glue.
Which material is suitable?
The materials should have the following properties:
| Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Spruce, pine, fir or larch wood boards, 18-20 mm thick | Stable and weatherproof. |
| Plywood or MDF fiberboard | Be sure to seal edges with varnish or paint so that no water can penetrate. |
| Metal parts | Galvanized nails, brass screws or coated screws are resistant to corrosion. Hinges should be made of brass. |
Where can I find building instructions?
On the Internet you will find many instructions with stencils that are easy to implement. Many hardware stores also have corresponding flyers at the beginning of the winter season. Alternatively, you can check out the local library. Workbooks for children are a good source of inspiration.
What tools and accessories should be available?
- A workbench or an old table with a vice is recommended. This should have a firm stand so that you can saw and plan on it.
- Drill machine to pre-drill holes for the nails.
- Saw: Since a bird feeder almost always only requires straight cuts, a foxtail is sufficient. A fretsaw (€17.00 on Amazon) is suitable for more complicated lines. Working with an electric jigsaw is more convenient.
- Glue: Use only good wood glue.
- You will also need: hammer, wood file, plane, utility knife, screwdriver, rag.
General tips:
When gluing two pieces of wood, especially if you are using wood that has been stored for a long time, make sure that the surfaces are clean and free of grease. When processing MDF boards, you must remember that wood glue does not stick well to them.
Always apply the glue thinly on both sides and press the pieces of wood together with screw clamps. Immediately wipe off any glue that comes out of the joint with an old rag. Allow to dry thoroughly.
Tip
Finally, the birdhouse should be well protected against the effects of the weather. Children especially love bright colors. In addition to the usual wood preservatives, acrylic paints are well suited for painting. These are easy to use and contain very few harmful solvents.
