DIY A Natural Bird Feeder

Use up your extra gourds to make a simple bird feeder.

Gourds

There are many different textures and sizes of gourds available. Pick one of your favorites for this easy project.

Supplies

You will need: a gourd / twine / scissors / a spoon / hacksaw / towel

Get Ready to Cut

Lay a towel down on a hard, protected surface (like a cutting board). Place the gourd on top of the towel.

Cut the Gourd

Use the towel to hold the gourd in place. With the hacksaw, slowly and carefully cut off the bottom third of the gourd.

Remove the Bottom

After you carefully saw the bottom third off the gourd, remove the bottom piece. You will see it's full of seeds and pulp.

Scoop It

With your spoon, scoop out the seeds and pulp from the gourd. Dump the seeds and pulp into your compost pile.

Cut Some Twine

Cut three lengths of twine that are 2 feet long each.

Make a Loop

Line up the cut twine. Fold the twine in half, forming a loop at one end.

Tie a Knot

Tie an overhand knot about 2 inches down from the top of the loop. This is the where you will loop the hanger onto your bird feeder or an s-hook.

Separate the Twine

Separate the twine into three sets of two strings of twine.

Tie More Knots

Tie a knot at each of the sections about 8 inches down form the top overhand knot that is below the loop.

Make the Base

About 2 inches down from the three knotted sections, bring all the strings together and tie a overhand base knot.

Get Ready to Hang

Set the cleaned out gourd, cut side down. Place the twine hanger on the bottom of the gourd. Center the base knot in the middle of the base of the gourd.

Fill It Up

Flip the gourd right side up. Hold the gourd up by the twine loop and fill it up with bird seed. Hang the bird feeder in your yard.