It seems like there are a million reasons why you should try to get more birds in your yard. They add so much life and color to your personal little ecosystem and – as skilled pollinators and bug hunters – they really pull their weight in the garden too. For that, there are many Benefits of placing a bird feeder in your yard or garden. But instead of dropping hard-earned cash on a new feeder, why not use your old muffin tin to make a delicious little buffet that the birds can’t help but visit?
There are loads of ways Reuse old kitchen items to make a DIY bird feederBut we really like the idea of using a muffin tin. For one, numerous cups are perfect for providing a smorgasbord of different offerings, bringing in a more diverse crowd. You can also add water to two holes to make it two-fer. The simple design of the tin makes it more attractive. The flat spaces between the cups give the birds enough space to eat and socialize. And—perhaps the most convincing argument—it uses things you probably already have lying around and aren’t nearly as easy to do.
If you love squirrels, this will probably work for feeding them too – unless you apply the 5-7-9 rule. To keep squirrels away from flat feeders of this nature, hang them at least 5 feet from the ground, 7 feet from nearby objects they can launch from, and 9 feet from any branches, ceilings or overhangs they can jump down.
Pick a pointed snack
Making a bird feeder out of a muffin tin is pretty straightforward. If you don’t plan on keeping the feeder under an awning or overhang, you’ll want to give it some protection from the elements. An old roasting pan lid or trash can lid works well for this. Using a drill bit, make four holes in the lid of the pan and on each side of the muffin tin. You’ll feed a chain link or twine through this to suspend them—under one leg or the other—and hang them in a bird-friendly zone. You might consider drilling some small holes in the designated food cup to help with drainage if it gets waterlogged.
If you want to provide some variety, fill some cups with water and other birdseed that you have lying around and see what new friends appear. If you want to be more intentional with who you invite into the yard, you can place cracked corn in feeders for colorful birds like goldfinches, bluejays, cardinals, and buntings. For the mockingbird’s wild and wonderful song, you’ll need to have some raisins or apple slices to offer. A woodpecker will love some peanuts and so will a crow! During the colder months, you can change things up a bit and fill up the cup Fat and wonder food To help them gain weight in winter.
