How to Make Edible Birdseed Houses

Hungry birds will love this edible bird house.

Making an edible bird house is as fun as it is rewarding. Kids and adults will enjoy getting a little messy and creative as they assemble the house. After it's completed, it provides hours of entertainment. Bird lovers can watch as their feathered friends put the homemade bed and breakfast to good use. This craft is relatively easy and inexpensive to make. Let's learn how to construct your very own edible bird house in a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden bird house (found at many craft stores)
• Assorted nuts and seeds
• Wild bird food
• Water
• Measuring cup
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Saucepan
• Bowl
• Newspaper
• Popsicle stick
• Paper plate or bowl

Instructions

1. Make your edible glue. Mix together 3/4 cup water, corn syrup and white vinegar in your saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a boil. Mix together the corn starch and another 3/4 cup water in your bowl, then add it slowly to your saucepan. Allow the mixture to resume boiling, then let it boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and allow the glue concoction to cool completely. Put it back in your bowl and allow it to sit overnight.

2. Prepare your workspace. Place your wooden bird house on several sheets of newspaper. Pour some birdseed into your paper plate or bowl. This should be a generous amount, as it will need to cover the outer walls of your house.

3. Apply your birdseed to the house. Using your Popsicle stick, spread your glue mixture onto the wooden house. You may want to do this one section at a time to prevent the glue from drying too soon. Now sprinkle your birdseed over the glue, allowing it to fully coat the walls and roof. Repeat this process until the house is covered completely.

4. Add the finishing touches. Use your glue to attach some sunflower seeds or nuts around the opening of the birdhouse, or anywhere else you want to add a little something extra. Allow the house to sit overnight to dry completely.

5. Enjoy! Hang your bird house outside and watch as birds come by to nibble at the walls and maybe even nest inside. Once they've picked the house clean, you can mix another batch of the glue and re-coat the house with seed.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to use items other than seeds and nuts to decorate your house, try dried berries or corn. You could also add bits of yarn or string, as these would be items a bird could use to build a nest inside your house.

• Don't take the house down to redecorate it if your feathered friends have made a home inside. Wait until they have moved on.

References

• Family Education: Homemade Glue Recipes

Resources

• Birds and Blooms: Backyard Projects