How to Make an Automatic Birdseed Feeder from a Plastic Coke Bottle (DIY Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Make an Automatic Birdseed Feeder from a Plastic Coke Bottle (DIY Step-by-Step Guide)

Creating a bird feeder from a used plastic Coke bottle is an easy, eco-friendly project you can do in under 30 minutes. Not only is it a great way to reuse household waste, but it also helps your local birds get the nutrition they need. This DIY bird feeder is automatic—gravity feeds the birdseed as it’s eaten—so it’s low maintenance and fun for kids and adults alike.

What You’ll Need

Before getting started, gather the following materials:

• 1 empty plastic Coke bottle (500ml or 1L size works best)
• 2 wooden spoons or pencils
• Birdseed (sunflower seeds, millet, or mixed birdseed)
• Craft knife or box cutter
• Drill (optional but easier than cutting holes manually)
• String, twine, or wire (for hanging)
• Funnel (to fill the bottle)
• Marker

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Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Clean the Bottle

Start by removing the label from your Coke bottle. Rinse it thoroughly with warm water to eliminate any leftover soda residue. Let it dry completely to prevent mold.

Step 2: Mark the Holes

Using a marker, draw two small “X” shapes near the bottom third of the bottle, one on each side. These will be the holes where you insert the wooden spoons or pencils.

Place the second pair of “X”s slightly above the first set and rotated 90 degrees, so the spoons form a crisscross pattern for multiple birds.

Step 3: Cut the Holes

Use a craft knife or drill to make holes through the marks. Ensure each hole is big enough to fit the spoon handle but not too loose—this helps support the weight of birds.

Cut a slightly larger hole (around 1 cm wide) just above where the spoon bowl will sit. This allows birdseed to fall onto the spoon as birds eat—creating a simple gravity feed system.

Step 4: Insert the Wooden Spoons

Slide the wooden spoon handles through the holes. The spoon bowl should stick out on one side and catch the falling seed. The opposite end stabilizes the spoon inside the bottle.

Make sure the spoons are secure and level—birds need a flat place to perch while feeding.

Step 5: Fill with Birdseed

Unscrew the cap and use a funnel to fill the bottle with birdseed. Shake it lightly so seed settles around the spoons and is ready to dispense.

Then, screw the cap back on tightly.

Step 6: Add a Hanging Loop

Use a nail or drill to poke a hole through the bottle cap and thread a loop of string or wire through it. Tie a knot on the inside to prevent slipping.

Alternatively, wrap wire or string around the bottle neck and form a hanging loop that won’t slip off.

Step 7: Hang Your Feeder

Choose a shaded spot to hang your bird feeder—ideally from a tree branch, hook, or shepherd’s pole. Avoid windy or exposed areas, and hang it at least 5 feet off the ground to keep it safe from predators like cats.

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Tips for Success

• Use transparent bottles to monitor seed levels easily.
• Clean weekly to prevent mold and bacteria build-up.
• Refill with fresh seed as needed, especially in colder months when birds depend more on feeders.
• Keep spoons level to ensure seed doesn’t spill out too quickly.

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Educational Ideas

This project is perfect for teaching kids about:

• Recycling and sustainability
• Bird behavior and feeding habits
• Responsibility through ongoing feeder maintenance
• Local wildlife awareness and identification

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Optional Upgrades

• Paint the bottle (with non-toxic paint) to decorate it, but leave a window strip to see seed levels.
• Use small rubber grommets where the spoons enter to create a tighter seal.
• Attach a small roof (like a plastic plate or lid) above the feeder to protect it from rain.

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Why This Feeder Works

This feeder design uses gravity to continuously feed birdseed into the spoon bowl. As birds eat, more seed drops down, making it a self-regulating system. It’s simple, low-waste, and works beautifully for small backyard birds like sparrows, finches, and chickadees.

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Final Thoughts

Building a bird feeder from a Coke bottle is a fun, rewarding project that combines crafting, recycling, and nature. With just a few household items, you can provide a helpful resource for your feathered friends and enjoy birdwatching right from your window.