by Dixie Thomason

Created on: April 24, 2009

Making pine cone bird feeders with the kids is both fun and easy. Not only that, but it is educational as well, as it will give the kids a chance to observe and learn a bit about different sorts of birds. There are a few different methods to do this. Explained here are a few different ways to go about making pine cone bird feeders.

Method 1:

Tie a three to four foot piece of twine to the top of a pine cone. This will be used for hanging the pine cone from a tree when you are done. Then mix equal amounts of peanut butter and margarine together. Next, spread the mixture all over the pine cone. Then fill a shallow dish or pan with bird seed and roll the pine cone around in it until it is completely covered with the seed. When the pine cone is throughly covered with birdseed, put in it the freezer for an hour or so until it is good and firm. When the cone is ready to come out of the freezer, you are finished. Go outside and hang it from a tree branch and get ready to watch feathered visitors come to dine!

Method 2:

Like before, tie a three to four foot piece of twine to the top of a pine cone. Mix a half cup of shortening with a half cup of corn meal together. Then spread the mixture over the pine cone. Again, fill a shallow dish or pan with birdseed and roll the pine cone around in the seed until it is completely covered with seeds. Then tie the pine cone to a tree branch!

Note that there are two differences between method 1 and method 2. With the second method it is not necessary to freeze the pine cone before hanging it up for the birds. Also, the second method does not require peanut butter. This is good for people who have severe nut allergies and can not come in contact with peanut butter.

Method 3:

As before, tie a long piece of twine to the top of the pine cone. As in method 2, mix a half cup of shortening with a half cup of corn meal and blend well. Once again, spread the mixture over the pine cone, completely covering it. Then fill a shallow dish or pan with bits of dried fruit. Roll the pine cone around in the fruit until it is entirely covered with it. Then set the pine cone aside to let it harden for a few hours. If you prefer, you can place it in the freezer for an hour or so for it to harden faster. When the pine cone has completely hardened, the bird's feast is ready! Go out and hang it from a tree.

There you have three ways to make pine cone bird feeders. All of these methods are easy to do and easy on your budget as well. So why not go out with the kids, collect some pine cones and make up a few? The kids will love it and who knows? You just might enjoy yourself as well!

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