Mini bird feeder

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Follow Mark Rayner's directions to create a simple hanging bird feeder from a few pieces of plywood and a terracotta pot and saucer.

You will need: 40mm galvanised nails, 9cm terracotta pot, 13cm terracotta saucer, 3 pieces of 19mm treated plywood measuring 90mm x 380mm, 1 x 25mm treated plywood measuring 90mm x 380mm, clean cloth, tape measure or ruler, pencil, saw, sandpaper, set square, hammer drill with drill bit, exterior PVA glue, stainless-steel eye, hook, paintbrush, exterior construction glue and length of galvanised chain, two Resene Waterborne Woodsman testpots of Resene Totem Pole.

Here’s another idea: The wooden frame could also be constructed from offcuts of decking planks and painted with any Resene testpot colour – but do ensure any bare wood is first primed with a coat of Resene Quick Dry.

Step 1 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 1
Measure and mark the pieces of plywood to the required dimensions listed. Use the back of the saw or set square to rule cutting lines at 90 degrees.

Step 2 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 2
Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper and wipe off any sanding dust with a clean cloth.

Step 3 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 3
Assemble the plywood into a rectangular frame, as shown, flat each corner with PVA glue and 40mm nails. Use a set square to ensure corners are at 90° angles. Allow glue to dry.

Step 4 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 4
Apply two coats of Resene Totem Pole to the plywood frame, allowing two hours for each coat to dry.

Step 5 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 5
Screw the eye hook into the centre of the 25mm-piece of plywood, drilling a pilot hole first.

Step 6 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 6
Using construction glue, fix the terracotta pot and saucer to the base of the frame, as shown. Use a tape measure or ruler to ensure it’s in the centre. Allow glue to dry.

Step 7 how to make a hanging bird feeder

Step 7
Attach the length of chain to the screw eye and hang the bird feeder in position.

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