How to Make Bird Seed Stick to a Pine Cone Without Peanut Butter
Making toys and treats for birds has developed into a family hobby for many bird owners. While some households may have children who are allergic to peanut butter, honey is an excellent option. Unlike peanut butter, honey can become stuck to the feathers of birds. When using honey as a seed stick adhesive, use very little at first to see how your bird reacts to the stickiness of the pine cone.
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Things You'll Need
- Clean, dry pine cone
- One tablespoon organic honey
- Pastry brush
- 1-gallon sealable plastic bag
- Half cup quality seed mix
- Six inches of bird-safe sisal rope
Instructions
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1
Pour one tablespoon of honey in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 10 seconds in the microwave.
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2
Dip the tip of the pastry brush into the warm honey.
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3
Lightly dab the pastry brush onto the tips of the pine cone until all of its tips are covered.
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4
Place the honey-glazed pine cone into the plastic bag and pour the seed mixture into the bag.
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5
Seal the bag and shake the seed mixture until it covers all of the glazed areas on the pine cone.
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6
Remove the pine cone from the bag once it is covered with seed and tie the pine cone to a branch or bird cage with sisal rope.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Monitor the bird to ensure it does not become stuck to the cone or coated in honey.
Reduce or increase the amount of honey to your bird’s preferences.
Change the type of seeds offered for variety.
Organic honeys are free from pesticides and safer for your bird.
Do not use excessive amounts of honey so as to prevent the bird from becoming tangled in bedding, seed or toys.
Wash natural pine cones in warm water and a cup of vinegar, then dry them in the oven for about 30 minutes at 225 degrees Fahrenheit to kill germs, pests and bacteria.
Never use wood or pine cones that have been near roads, treated with pesticides or those that are wet or moldy.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
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Comments
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I need to know more. Once you gather and wash the pine cones...is there a way to "harden" the honey so you can make many of these and preserve them? Or is corn syrup a better choice for preservation?
