Feed the birds and have fun making these beautiful cookie cutter bird feeders. This super simple bird seed bird feeder recipe is a great activity for kids of all ages. Gather up everything you need to make a homemade bird feeder.
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I’ve had a bag of birdseed sitting on the kitchen counter for a few weeks now. We had fun making and filling our little pumpkin bird feeders, but I have been wanting to make a cookie cutter bird feeder for a while now.
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner I thought what better time to share some love with our over-wintering birds. In reality, this backyard bird feeder is perfect for anytime of the year. Our recipe is super simple to make and the kids were amazed when it all came together…they had their doubts.
How to Make a Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder
2 envelopes of gelatine
2 cups water
3 cups birdseed
heart shaped cookie cutters
string
parchment paper lined baking sheet
toothpicks
Place the heart shaped cookie cutters onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet – set aside.
Next, dissolve the gelatine in a pot of simmering water. Stir until the powder gelatine is completely dissolved.
Now, pour the gelatine water into a large bowl with the birdseed.
Stir the gelatine and seed together until the birdseed is completely coated and wet. You may need to add a little more birdseed, depending on how absorbent your birdseed blend is.
Hot Tip: Make sure you use a birdseed blend that is appropriate for outdoor birds that live in your area. We used a mix that is appropriate for small birds.
Now, use a spoon to scoop the birdseed into the cookie cutters. As you add the birdseed, be sure to press the birdseed firmly into the cookie cutter, compacting the birdseed so there won’t be any air spaces. 
Use the toothpick to poke a hole in the birdseed cookie – this hole is where the string will go and how you will hang your bird feeder.
Now, it’s time for a little bit of patience. You need to leave the birdseed cookies to dry for a few hours, then turn them over and let them dry for a few more hours. Preferably overnight.
Once they have completely dried and hardened, gently slide the birdseed cookie out of the cookie cutter and feed the string through the hole. It’s okay if a few seeds fall off. I used a large cross stitch needle to feed the string through…feel free to simply poke the string through.
Now it’s time to hang the cookie cutter birdseed bird feeder outside in a tree or bush in your yard.
It is also nice to take the birdseed cookies to your local park or school yard and hang them for other birds to enjoy. Be sure to go back in a few days and collect the string. Although, the birds might want to add the string to their nests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bird Feeders
Where should I hang my bird feeder?
Most bird feeders, including these ones, should be hung high enough that the birds feel safe when they are eating. The birds also need enough space around the bird feeder to be able to fly up to the feeder. These feeders work best when hung in a tree where birds can perch and eat the bird seed.
Where can I buy bird seed?
Bird seed can be purchased at most garden centres, hardware stores, online and in most bulk food stores.
Are bird feeders messy?
Well, yes and no. This style of bird feeder isn’t messy, because the birds will eat the entire thing. However, some seeds may end up on the ground below where the feeder is hanging. Large bird feeders often result in lots of seeds being spilled on the ground below. If you use birdseed that contains seeds in the shell (like sunflower seeds) then the birds will break off the seeds and leave the shells behind. If you want to cut down on the mess, don’t use a bird seed that has shells.
What time of year should I hang a bird feeder?
It is best to hang bird feeders outside when food is scarce for birds – the fall and winter. However, when it comes to making a bird feeder with your kids and educating your kids about birds I truly believe anytime of the year works best. Getting kids excited about nature is great anytime.
Do you have a question about bird feeders? Send me an email [email protected] or drop a comment below. I’d be happy to answer your questions.
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