Teaching kids the importance of taking care of birds and the environment can be a delightful experience. One activity that kids will adore is creating an apple bird feeder! This simple DIY project transforms a common household fruit into a charming bird feeder that not only provides nourishment but also a source of amusement.
Top Tip
Choose fresh, firm apples for your bird feeder as they will last longer and be more attractive to the birds in your garden!
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Materials Needed
To craft an apple bird feeder, you will require:
- Two or three fresh apples
- Twine or string (about 50cm long)
- Two small sticks or canes (about 20cm long)
- A narrow tool like a skewer or thin paintbrush for making holes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Request an adult to carefully create a hole through the centre of the apple using a skewer or a narrow tool (we managed with a thin paintbrush!) This is where you will thread the string.
Step 2:
Pass the string through the centre hole and tie a knot at the bottom to secure it. Adult supervision or assistance needed when using scissors.
Step 3:
Create two additional holes on opposite sides of the apple, about halfway down. Insert sticks or canes into these holes to fashion perches. Adult assistance is necessary for this step.
Step 4:
Locate a suitable tree or bush and suspend your apple bird feeder at a height that is safe and visible for birds.
Apple Bird Feeder - Tips and Tricks
Position your feeder in a location that is easily accessible for birds, such as an open lawn or near trees.
You could embellish your apples with birdseed decorations by pressing them in firmly.
Substitute apples as they decompose or become less appealing to birds.
Final Thoughts
Constructing an apple bird feeder is an enjoyable and environmentally friendly activity that kids will treasure. It offers sustenance for birds while utilising household items. Check out our other activities for kids including how to make cress heads and seed bombs!
Caution
Poking holes through apples can be dangerous, so it’s essential that adults supervise and handle the more hazardous tasks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I hang a whole apple on my bird feeder?
Whole apples are excellent for apple bird feeders! Core or skewer them and suspend them with string.
Q. How can you create homemade bird feeders using fruit?
Besides apples, you can craft fruit feeders with halved oranges, grapes, berries, and other fruits. Skewer or tie them up to hang.
Q. Is it common for birds in the UK to eat apples?
Numerous UK birds, including robins, blackbirds, and blue tits, relish apples! Steer clear of dried out or rotting apples.
Q. Which UK bird species consume apples?
Robins, wrens, blackbirds, thrushes, blue tits, great tits, and other UK birds will gladly consume fresh apple slices or whole apples from a feeder.
Q. Will birds consume an entire apple?
Birds like robins and thrushes will happily feast on whole, halved, or cored apples. Smaller birds may peck at slices.
