Winter is here and nature is slowly resting. Especially now, we can give something back – for example, to our native birds who rely on our help during the cold season.
My colleague Lea immediately implemented a great DIY project: homemade bird food that already attracts numerous birds on our office balcony. It is not only a wonderful way to do something for nature but also a great gift idea. With a little time and the right ingredients, you can make beautiful bird food hangers that are not only practical but also look really pretty.
Sounds like a perfect winter project? Then let's get started right away!
You need:
Accessories:
- A pot
- Silicone mold (e.g., our Herz-Eiswürfelform)
- A spoon
- A scale
- String for hanging
- Shish kebab skewers or small sticks
Ingredients:
- 800g seed mix: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, seeds, or grains – a colorful mix is especially popular with birds! You can also use a ready-made mix from the supermarket.
- 500g fat: Solid vegetable fat like coconut fat
And here’s how:
1. Melt the fat: Put the fat in a pot and heat it gently until it is completely melted. Be careful not to overheat – it should just become liquid.
2. Add seeds: Add the seed mix to the melted fat and stir everything thoroughly so that the seeds are well coated with the fat.
3. Fill into molds: Carefully fill the mixture into your silicone mold.
4. Prepare for hanging: To be able to thread a string later, press small skewers into the mixture. These can be easily removed after drying and leave a practical hole.
5. Let dry: Let the molds cure completely in a cool place. Depending on size, this takes about 10 to 60 minutes.
6. Final step: Carefully remove the bird feed tags from the molds, pull out the skewers, and thread a string through the resulting hole. Now your tags are ready for the garden!
Tips for the perfect bird feeding spot
- Hang in a protected place: Choose a spot protected from rain and snow. This keeps the feed dry and edible.
- Maintain cleanliness: Clean the feeding spot regularly to prevent diseases in the birds.
- Not accessible to other animals: Make sure that cats and other animals cannot disturb the birds.
Why homemade bird feed is so special
With this DIY project, you not only do something good for nature but also create a great gift idea for family and friends. Decorate the tags with small bows or pack them in our practical storage jars – and you have a personal and sustainable gift that is sure to be well received.
Feel free to share your bird feed creations with us! Post a picture on Instagram and tag us with @eulenschnitt – we are excited to see your results.
Have fun crafting and watching the happy birds!
Your Lisa from Eulenschnitt ♥︎
