Homemade Birdseed Hanger

Birdseed can be molded around a coat hanger to make a bird feeder.

Birdseed is used by bird enthusiasts to attract wild birds to their yards. If you are looking to do the same, you can either use a commercial bird feeder or make your own. A homemade birdseed hanger is molded birdseed that is then hung from a tree or post. The finished product can be pressed into any shape you desire. Birdseed hangers can be molded for your indoor birds as well. Regardless of where you intend to put your finished birdseed hanger, these homemade crafts require little effort and money to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Wire coat hangers
• Pliers
• Wire cutters
• Wild birdseed
• Large bowl
• Maple syrup
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Unwrap and straighten a wire coat hanger. Untwist the neck of the hanger, using pliers if necessary, and then use your hands to straighten the curved sections of the hanger. Cut the wire hanger at this point to your desired size using wire cutters. The size should be 4 inches longer than you wish your finished product to be. This allows for a hook to hang it from.

2. Bend your hangers into your desired shape, using your hands. You can use different objects to help you achieve your desired shape. For example, for a circle, wrap the hanger around a lemon or an apple. Bend the 4-inch excess of the hanger over to create a hook to hang it with.

3. Place 4 cups of wild birdseed into a large mixing bowl. Pour 2 tbsp. of maple syrup into the birdseed at a time. Use your hands to mix the birdseed and syrup together, adding more syrup until the birdseed sticks together in a clump. Usually, this is approximately 1 cup of syrup, although the amount may vary.

4. Use your hands to mold the syrup-covered birdseed onto your molded hangers. Press the birdseed firmly to make sure it is compact.

5. Place your birdseed hangers onto a parchment paper-covered baking sheet. Bake the hanger in a preheated oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Check the progress of the cooking every 3 minutes until it has a glossy sheen. Cooking times may vary.

6. Allow the hangers to cool. Hang them up for the birds to enjoy.

References

• Education.com: Recycled Wire Hanger Bird Feeder
• Into the Woods: Homemade Bird Bells