The DIY Cookie Cutter Bird Feeder Hack You Can Make On A Budget

Keeping a birdfeeder in your yard is a great way to connect with nature, support local wildlife, and invite beneficial birds to your garden. However, traditional birdfeeders can be a chore to refill, and you may notice birds and other animals constantly fighting over the prime spot. If your neighborhood critters are always knocking over your birdfeeder and spilling seeds onto the ground, a simple DIY cookie cutter craft could be just the thing to solve your woodland woes. 

Demonstrated by TikTok creator elliesantillan816, the birdseed "cookies" are perfect for hanging in multiple places around your yard. With no plastic, caging, or packaging, the birds will enjoy freely whittling away at the seeds until they're all gone. All you'll have to do is enjoy watching them and remember to hang another when it's gone! Plus, this natural, low-waste, and biodegradable craft is a brilliant way to keep kids busy during the weekend or on holiday break, but it can be a fun activity for adults, too! Here's how to make your own birdseed cookies that are sure to impress your feathery friends.

To make your cookie cutter bird feeders, you'll need 2 cups of mixed wild birdseed, 2 sachets of unsweetened, unflavored gelatin, wax paper, and the cookie cutter shapes of your choosing. Flowers are perfect for spring and summer, while gingerbread people and ornaments can be adorable in winter. Coat the inside of your cookie cutters with a dab of oil or cooking spray, then line them up on a sheet of wax paper. Start by warming 2/3 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat, then add in the gelatin and mix until it is thoroughly dissolved. Mix in your bird seeds and any various treats like dried fruits, nuts, or mealworms. This is a great opportunity to learn for yourself or teach kids about what birds eat based on the seasons! For example, during the spring, birds will appreciate pecking at apples, crushed eggshells, and berries so they can get a boost in nutrients before they lay eggs. In the summer, you can keep your birdseed cookies pretty basic since there are plenty of insects around to supplement their diets. But during the fall and winter, help them prepare for the harsh weather ahead by providing high-protein additions such as nuts and millet.

While it's still warm and sticky, scoop the birdseed mixture into your cookie cutter shapes, then use a straw or skewer to create a hole for hanging string later. Let the mixture set and dry for a few hours or overnight until it is firm to the touch, then gently press the seed "cookie" out of the molds. Thread twine or ribbon through the hole and tie the seed cookie close to a branch so little birdie feet won't get caught in the string. Store any leftover seed cookies for up to 6 months.