DIY Wire Mesh Bird Feeder

This blog will walk you through the steps of creating a DIY wire mesh bird feeder.

OVERVIEW

• Experience Required: Low
• Tools Required: Pliers, Wire Cutters, Drill or Bodkin Needle
• Materials Required: Welded Wire Mesh , Cable Ties, Plant Pot Saucers, Threaded Rod, Washers and Nuts

STEP 1) Measure the Mesh

• First, measure a 30cm high and 40cm long piece of mesh. 

STEP 2) Cut the Mesh

• Based on your measurements, cut the mesh.

STEP 3) Make a Tube

• Make a tube out of the wire mesh by overlapping the two sides (a section about 2 holes wide).
• Use cable ties to secure the ends at 3 points. 

STEP 4) Make Holes on the Bottom Plant Saucer

• Make 2x 2 small holes in the bottom plant pot saucer with a small drill bit (one on the left and one on the right side).
• The small holes are going to be used to tie the tube to the saucer.
• Make a hole with a utility knife in the middle of the saucer that is the appropriate size for the threaded rod. 

STEP 5) Tie the Wire Mesh to the Base

• Cut 2 approximately 5-7 cm long wire pieces.
• Place the tube you made on the base and tie it down with the wire through the little holes.

STEP 6) Place the Threaded Rod

• Take the threaded rod and run it through the middle hole.
• Slide on a washer and a nut at the bottom and one nut on the inside so the plant pot saucer is held between them.
• Slide another nut on the top of the threaded rod for the top saucer to sit on.

STEP 7) Make a Hole on the Top Saucer

• Take the larger saucer and make a hole with the utility knife in the middle of it.
• The size should be appropriate for the rod to go through.

STEP 8) Fill the Feeder

• Fill the feeder with bird food before closing it off with the top saucer. 
• Make sure the food doesn’t all fall out the holes (you can use honey bird seed)

STEP 9) Finish Up with the Top Nut

• Place the top saucer on the tube and secure it with a washer and the hoop nut.

STEP 10) Making Perches

• For the perches the easiest and simplest method is to use small sticks.
• Slide the sticks through the holes.
• Make sure that they are long enough that the birds can sit on them.

FURTHER READING

• How to Straighten Rolled Wire Mesh – Follow this guide to find out how to flatten welded netting
• How to Cut Wire Netting – In this guide you will find instructions on how to cut netting with different tools
• Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend – Find out more about our charity event held to celebrate birds and wildlife