How to Make a Birdfeeder From a Gourd
A bird feeder is a great addition to any yard. A well placed bird feeder is almost guaranteed to keep birds coming back to your yard, which is especially nice if you are an avid bird watcher. Bird feeders come in a variety of styles, many of which are made out of plastic. For those who prefer a more natural and rustic-looking bird feeder, you can make one from a dried gourd. The entire process can sometimes take several months, but the time spent is well worth it.
Things You'll Need
- Gourd
- Drying rack
- Drill
- 5/8-inch wood boring bit
- Bottle brush
- 1/4-inch drill bit
- 1/8-inch wooden dowel (at least 4 inches longer than the widest point of the gourd)
- Wood glue
- String
- Bird seed
Instructions
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1
Set the gourd outside on a drying rack until it is completely dry. Rotate the gourd 90 degrees every day during this time to prevent flat spots. You can tell the gourd is dry when the seeds shake around and the gourd has a hollow sound. Depending on the size of the gourd and the conditions it is in, it can take anywhere from one to four months for it to dry.
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2
Drill a 5/8-inch hole in the gourd with a drill and wood-boring bit. The hole should go on the side of the gourd about halfway between the top and the bottom. Drill a second hole of the same size directly across from the first one.
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3
Drill a 1/4-inch hole about 1/2 inch below each of the big holes. Feed a 1/8-inch-diameter wooden dowel through both of the holes. The dowel must stick out at least 2 inches past each side of the gourd to ensure birds have plenty of standing room. Secure the dowel to the gourd with wood glue and let it air dry for four hours.
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4
Clean out the inside of the gourd with a bottle brush. Dump out the seeds and any other matter through the hole in the side of the gourd.
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5
Drill four evenly spaced, 1/4-inch holes on the bottom of the gourd. The holes provide necessary drainage and air circulation.
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6
Drill two 1/4-inch holes directly across from each other in the top of the gourd. Feed a 3-foot-long string through the two holes. Tie the string in a knot so the knot is against the top of the gourd.
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7
Pour bird seed in the large hole in the side of the gourd. Do not fill the gourd higher than the large hole as the seeds will likely fall out.
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8
Hang the gourd from a tree branch. Simply tie the string around a low branch to secure the gourd in place.
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Tips & Warnings
Dried gourds can sometimes be found at craft stores. Check your local stores if you want to eliminate the need to dry your own gourd.
References
- Photo Credit dry bottle gourd image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
