Looking for a fun and easy winter craft to do with your kids? Building a DIY popsicle stick bird feeder is the perfect hands-on activity! Not only does it allow kids to get creative, but it also teaches them about the importance of feeding birds during the colder months, and with Pennington’s high-quality bird seed, you can attract a variety of birds while keeping them healthy and nourished.
Here’s how we made ours—and how you can, too!
Materials Needed:
- Popsicle sticks (about 50-75 sticks, depending on the size you want)
- Non-toxic glue or Hot Glue (Adults Only)
- String or twine
- Scissors
- Pennington Feeding Frenzy Bird Seed (or your favorite Pennington variety)
- Markers, Paint and paintbrushes (optional, for decorating)
How To Build Popsicle Stick Bird Feeder
Step 1: Build the Base
Start by laying 6-8 popsicle sticks side by side to form the base of the feeder. Secure them together by gluing two sticks across the top and bottom horizontally. Let it dry completely.
Step 2: Create the Walls
Begin stacking popsicle sticks around the edges of the base to form a box shape. Glue each layer as you go, alternating the placement of the sticks for a crisscross pattern. This will create the sides of the feeder and leave space for the birds to perch.
Step 3: Decorate
Using markers and/or paint decorate your bird feeder and make it unique and inviting
Step 4: Attach the String
Cut four (4) pieces of string or twine and tie it securely to each end of the bird feeder, then take all four sides and tie to an additional stick to help anchor and hang your feeder. Make sure it’s sturdy enough to support the weight of the feeder when it’s filled with bird seed.
Step 5: Fill It Up
Once the glue is completely dry, fill your feeder with Pennington Feeding Frenzy Bird Seed.
Step 6: Hang It Outside
Find a tree branch or hook where you can hang your feeder. Choose a spot that’s visible from a window, so you and your kids can enjoy bird watching from inside!
Why Pennington Bird Seed?
Pennington bird seed is specially formulated to attract a wide variety of birds, ensuring your feeder will always have feathered visitors. Their high-quality ingredients, like sunflower seeds and suet nuggets, provide essential nutrients for birds, especially during the winter months when food is scarce.
Fun & Educational Activity
This project isn’t just fun—it’s a great way to teach kids about wildlife and the importance of caring for animals. We used this as a homeschooling activity, and my girls absolutely loved it. Watching them put their own artistic touches on the feeders with bold colors and drawings was such a joy! My 9-year-old took charge of creating intricate patterns, while my 3-year-old surprised me by catching on quickly after I showed her how to stack and glue the first few rows. It was heartwarming to see their creativity and independence shine through.
This simple craft turned out to be a wonderful bonding experience and a meaningful way to connect with nature. Plus, the excitement on their faces when we spotted our first bird visitor was priceless! I hope your family enjoys this activity as much as we did.
