How to Make Bird Feeders Out of Gourds

Large gourds can make perfect bird feeders for your yard or garden area. The gourds can be left in their natural state or painted bright colors to accent the area where they are placed. Gourd bird feeder can be hung from tree limbs or mounted to a post or pole and placed where you can enjoy watching the birds as they visit the feeder to eat.

Things You'll Need

• Large dried gourd
• Pencil
• Dremel tool with saw blade attachment or sharp razor utility knife
• Drill with 1/4-inch bit
• 24 inches of wire or fishing line
• 2 wood screws
• Birdseed

Instructions

1. Draw a large oval shape in the center of one side of the gourd.

2. Use the Dremel tool with the saw blade attachment or the utility knife to cut out the oval shape.

3. Remove the seeds and fibrous material from inside the gourd.

4. Drill two small holes in the top of the gourd if you plan to hang the gourd from a tree branch. If you want to mount the feeder on the top of a wooden post, drill the two holes in the bottom. If you plan to secure the feeder from the side of a pole, drill the holes in the back of the gourd opposite the oval opening.

5. Thread the wire or fishing line through the one of the holes and then back out through the second hole. Place each end of the wire around a tree limb and secure by twisting the wire tightly. If you're using fishing line, tie the line securely around the limb. If you are mounting the gourd, secure the feeder to the post or pole with the wood screws through the drilled holes.

6. Fill the bottom of the feeder with birdseed. It may take a day or so for the birds to realize the feeder is there, so be patient.

Tips & Warnings

• Gooseneck gourd bird feeders add a touch of elegance to your yard or garden simply by the shape of the gourd. Basketball gourds can hold a pound or more of birdseed and will not need to be refilled as often as smaller gourds.