Homemade PVC Bird Feeder
Updated: Apr. 24, 2020
Create this whimsical PVC Bird Feeder for hummingbirds with materials you can find at your local hardware and craft stores.
Materials:
- Three 9-in. lengths of ¾-in. PVC piping, each with threading at one end only
- 6 PVC caps (3 slip, 3 threaded)
- Plumber’s seal tape (if necessary)
- PVC adhesive
- Fine steel wool
- Drill and small bit
- Spray paint
- ½-in. masking or painter’s tape
- 14-gauge copper wire
- Glass beads
- Fabric or plastic for flower (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions:
Step 1
Using steel wool, lightly sand the pipe pieces and caps, including the insides of the slip caps.
Step 2
Attach slip caps to the non-threaded end of the pipes with PVC adhesive. Allow to dry.
Step 3
Drill a small hole in each piece of piping about 3 in. from the capped end.
Step 4
Paint the PVC pipe. Prime it first or use a spray paint with primer. Spray on a base color and allow to dry. Create stripes by taping off a candy-cane pattern or other design and spraying with a second color. Create a zigzag stripe (as shown) by applying tape in the opposite direction of the first stripe and spraying with a third color. Allow each paint layer to dry completely before removing the tape.
Step 5
Once paint is dry, wash pipes with mild soap and warm water to remove any paint odor or residue.
Step 6
Cut a 22-in. length of wire and fold it in half, leaving an eye hook at the top. Twist the wire 5 times, add a glass bead and twist 5 more times. Wrap the
2 strands of wire around center of 1 pipe, twist 5 times, add a glass bead and twist 5 more times. Repeat for remaining pipes.
Step 7
Finishing: To hang the pipe pieces together, trim 1 wire at the end of the last twist, leaving a 1-in. tail on the other wire. Bend tail into a “C” to link the feeders; flatten the “C” slightly with a hammer so the copper will hold its shape. To hang pieces individually, make a decorative swirl with both wire ends (as shown at center and far right) and flatten with a hammer.
Step 8
Line everything up and tighten the wire around the tube. Tighten the twists until the tube is level and the hole faces up.
Step 9
If desired, make a flower out of fabric or plastic. Put a hole in the center and glue to the outside of the feeding port.
Step 10
Test feeder with water: Fill at the threaded end and close with a threaded cap. If it leaks, wrap the pipe threads with seal tape.
Step 11
Fill feeder with nectar or sugar water, placing your finger over the feeding hole to prevent spilling. Seal with the threaded cap and hang with the feeding hole facing up.
