DIY Citrus Bird Feeder: Kids Craft Fun

Today we’re back for another Mimi and Me craft project, and this time, we’re bringing a little bit of sunshine to our feathered friends! We’re transforming a simple grapefruit into a delightful and easy-to-make bird feeder. It’s a perfect way to introduce kids to the joy of nature and recycling, all while providing a tasty treat for the birds in our backyard!

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Mimi and Me: Get Crafty with Us!

This bright and cheerful grapefruit bird feeder is perfect for little hands. This project is not only simple enough for even the youngest crafters, but it’s also a fantastic way to teach them about being eco-friendly, helping wildlife and enjoying the outdoors. I’m all for getting the littles outside. So good for them!

You can see our first Mimi and Me project here!

Gather Your Supplies

The supply list for this DIY bird feeder is very small which is appealing to the wallet! To get started, make sure you have a large ripe grapefruit, your favorite birdseed, and a few household items like a spoon and some twine – that’s all it takes to create this delightful bird feeder. The only thing I needed to buy for this craft was the grapefruit. Everything else was a staple in my home.

Preparing the Grapefruit

For this outdoor kids craft, choose a larger grapefruit for a more substantial feeder, giving the birds plenty of room to perch. A grapefruit with a sturdy rind will hold up better to the elements and last longer. Once I had my citrus, I washed it in order to remove any chemicals or dirt.

Next, I cut the grapefruit in half. Of course, my granddaughter and I couldn’t let all that delicious grapefruit go to waste! We carefully scooped out the sections (adding a tiny bit of sugar) and enjoyed a refreshing treat, ensuring we had plenty of energy for our crafting session. It’s always a good idea to enjoy the fruits of your labor, literally!

After enjoying all the yummy fruit, I made sure to hallow out what was left. Avoid scraping too much, as you want to keep the rind relatively thick.

Creating the Hanger: Skewers and Twine

Now comes the fun part – making the bird feeder ready to hang! Carefully push two wooden skewers into the sides of the grapefruit rind, spacing them evenly. These will act as the anchor points and also create good little perches for our feathered friends!

Once the wooden skewers are both in, cutting your twine comes next. I considered using colorful yarn for this DIY bird feeder, because kids love colorful things (and so do I!!!), but decided I would use twine instead. I thought it might withstand the Michigan elements better. Either medium will work great, though! Cut two 14-inch pieces of twine, ensuring enough length to knot securely around each skewer and create a good hanging loop. Once the twine was on the skewers, I used a small piece to knot the two pieces together, on the top.

Adding Birdseed and Hanging Your Feeder

All that’s left is adding the birdseed and hanging it in your favorite bird watching place outdoors. Because you’re crafting with little ones, I recommend waiting until you’re outside to fill your homemade bird feeder. This way, any accidental spills won’t create a mess indoors. I’m all for less mess! Once outside, simply spoon or pour your chosen birdseed into the grapefruit half, filling the citrus to the top.

Then, find a suitable spot in your yard or on your porch to hang your feeder. A sturdy branch or a hook works perfectly. I prefer to hang mine over the grass which creates less mess on your porch or concrete areas. Watch as the birds flock to enjoy their new citrusy snack!

Happy Bird Feeding!

And there you have it! A cheerful, citrusy bird feeder, ready to welcome your feathered friends.

This DIY grapefruit bird feeder is a fantastic eco-friendly project, transforming a kitchen scrap into a delightful haven for birds. It’s a wonderful way to teach your little ones about the importance of recycling and repurposing everyday items, showing them how we can care for our environment in simple, creative ways.

Now, find a cozy spot and watch as the birds flock to enjoy their new snack bar. I hope you and your little ones have a blast watching nature come to life right in your own backyard. Happy bird feeding, and remember, every little bit helps our wild friends!

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