This Reader Made A DIY Bird Feeder Using Everyday Items (February is National Bird Month!)

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diy glass bird feeder with white ribbon

Happy National Bird Month! 🐦

If you love spending time embracing the great outdoors, there’s nothing more tranquil than birdwatching. This week’s Happy Friday reader, Linda, feels the same way and actually made her own DIY bird feeder using items she found around her house. It’s also National Bird Month, so there isn’t a better time to try this DIY!

A bird feeder is a great way to attract more birds to come around your home, and making your own is a frugal way to avoid spending too much money. Plus, it’ll be super rewarding and relaxing when you watch these lovely birds chirping, melting your worries away!

*Note – Be sure to check with your State’s guidelines on bird feeders as some variations can be illegal and result in fines.

ribbon, glass jar and wooden sticks

When we started spending more time at home at the beginning of the pandemic, we came to appreciate the local birds who would visit our feeders.

I had been wanting an oriole feeder, but stores were closed, and I really didn’t want to spend the money on ordering one. I figured there had to be a way to make one with supplies I had at home.

hand holding glass jar with ribbon

I had been saving our Oui yogurt jars, which have proved to be the perfect container to use for such a feeder. With a little ribbon and some wood skewers, we created several cute little feeders.

They are super simple to make, and you can use jelly alone or add an orange slice on the skewer.

diy bird feeder with jelly and orange slice

These have been a big hit with our local orioles. Wrap one up with a jar of jelly, and add an orange for a unique little teacher gift or Mother’s Day present.

Oui Maple Yogurt

If oriole feeders aren’t your thing, did you know that you can buy reusable lids for these jars? You can order them right from the Oui yogurt website.

Thank you, Linda, for sharing this awesome DIY bird feeder idea with us! It’s nice to hear people like yourself find silver linings even in the most difficult time. 🙌

February is a great time to show some extra appreciation to the birds of your community, so, if you give this a try, be sure to let us know in the comments!

HAPPY FRIDAY! 🎉

Do you have a funny, “Hip”, or unique tip to share?! 🎙 Fill out our Happy Friday form! Every Friday, we post one submission by a Hip2Save reader (view past submissions) that gives us a glimpse into their frugal lifestyle or simply makes us smile.

If yours is published on Hip2Save, we’ll email you a $10 Amazon eGift card! 🛍


If you have a hummingbird feeder, check out this homemade hummingbird food recipe!


About the writer:

Jessica holds a Business Degree and 10 years of writing experience from various deal sites including Hip2Save. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn


Join The Discussion

Comments 17

  1. Kellie

    Such a great idea! I also save my empty Oui jars so I’ll definitely be making several of these. Thanks for sharing!

    • Marilyn

      Might look for a shallower jar. I used a garlic jar.

  2. Dee

    I love this idea. I have Oui jars saved to put those little battery operated candles into for decorating a buffet table. Definitely know what to do with any extras now.

  3. Diana

    What! I love these jars!! I definitely need lids!!! My husband threw some away too cuz they didnt have lids😭😭😭

    • Marilyn Kahler

      Amazon sells them!

      • Pat

        Wholly moly, the price on Amazon is 4 times the price on Yoplait’s site. I don’t know how much shipping is at Yoplait, but I’m sure it’s still less than the $18 for 4 lids on Amazon.

  4. Lo

    I knew I was getting old. I too have begun to enjoy birdwatching 🤣🤣🤣

  5. Birdfeeder

    These are too deep to use for oriole feeders. The orioles may seem to like them, but smaller birds can get mired in the jelly and ìt can congeal in their feathers, proving fatal. There are documented cases.

  6. CCStahl

    They may look cute but not practical. Before making one of these please read up on dimensions of feeders for each type of bird and safety hazards. Plus how do keep all the insects out?

  7. Faye

    I use these jars as well, but the ribbon isnt practical for outdoor use. instesd, I use artists wire,wrapped securely around the rim. its perfect for jelly.

  8. Jean B

    As I close in on 60, I am now “seasoned” enough to take notice of God’s gifts on display everyday. I, too, want to sit a spell and view nature around me-slowing down the frantic pace I’ve kept for decades. Thanks for sharing your idea!

    • Beth

      I appreciate your comment about taking notice of God’s gifts. He is such an amazing God and His creation leaves me in awe of Him. After an unexpected loss a couple months ago we’ve really slowed down and taken more time to enjoy life.

  9. ATM

    Love this idea, thank you!

  10. A

    It’s a nice idea, however make sure it’s legal in your state. It’s ILLEGAL in mine and the $150 fine wasn’t worth it.

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks a bunch for the warning and the heads up on that, A! I have added a note to the post.

  11. Pink9847

    Jelly isn’t something you want birds getting on their wings. Same goes for people who grease up their bird feeders so squirrels don’t crawl up them.

    Just don’t.

  12. Pat

    Just when I got rid of most of my Oui jars, would love reusing them with the lids for storing food.

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