How to Make Birdseed Balls

Birdseed balls inside mesh bags attract birds easily

Feeding loose birdseed from a feeder may become a thing of the past once you discover how easy birdseed balls are to make and how versatile the feeding methods are with them. You can tie birdseed balls to posts and fences, hang them from branches, or nestle them into artificial or real bird nests. Using this method, birdseed can be shaped into a variety of shapes such as circles, egg-shapes, hearts and stars.

Things You'll Need

• 1/3 cup unflavored gelatin
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 8 cups birdseed
• Large pot
• Baking rack

Instructions

1. Mix the gelatin and water in a large pot. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the gelatin in melted and the mixture is clear.

2. Remove the mixture from heat.

3. Stir in birdseed. Continue stirring until all seeds are evenly coated with the gelatin mixture.

4. Form birdseed mixture into balls.

5. Refrigerate the birdseed balls for two to four hours until the gelatin sets and the balls are firm.

6. Dry on a baking rack for three days or until the balls are completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Birdseed with a variety of seed sizes holds together best.

• Birdseed balls can be dried on a food dehydrator to shorten drying time.

• Store birdseed balls in a cool, dry place for up to three months.

• Birdseed may be hot after coating with gelatin. You may need to let it cool slightly before handling it with bare hands.

References

• "Birds & Bloom" magazine; The Need for Seed; Author Unknown; April-May 2010