So I would keep that in mind when you are cutting things down. So, the seed at the bottom just sits there and gets old and soggy. Here's how I did it. No, I didn’t need a sunflower bird feeder (I have one). 126. I love creating useful things out of stuff I have around the house. Thistle feeders can be a clear plastic tube feeder with very small dispensing holes. So, instead of … This sounds very economical as well as easy! Also be sure not to cut through the drawstring. But for the shade areas this is a great idea I wish I had some shade to put some in I would make a bunch. First I marked where I wanted to drill holes for the rod. This is 2018, Plastic costs have skyrocketed. on Introduction. More information... People also love … Bend it into a 'U' shape. All the seeds were caked together at the bottom and I knew it was time to get (or make) a new feeder. Looks great! Make your slots under the perch instead of above. What is the finished size of your feeder? Now it's time to build. Now for the show - the finch is the only bird known to hang upside down and eat. You want to make sure you use something heavy like twine to sew up the sides and bottom so it will withstand the weather and weight better. Cut at least 10 inches from the side of the bag making sure to maintain one of the original seams. Tip Slip the bent ends into the two holes at the top of the feeder and bend them up further so they don't come out. The wire hanger will attach here. place the completed self-feeder in the pen with the hogs, and fill the pipes with commercial hog feed. And they can be fabric thistle socks. In addition, she is an educator, herbalist, naturopath, and energy healer who runs her own home-based business, Naturally Fit & Well, LLC. A single bend can direct rain water into the feeder because of the water surface tension and adhesion to the wire. Because the seed needs just a bit more room to get out, I lengthened the holes just slightly by pulling the tube sideways while the drill was running. 2 years ago BTW, the collective noun for goldfinches is a 'charm'. Then I found some cool 1/4" colored acrylic rods ($3.45). Steps: Cut off 17 inches from the bottom of the laundry bag. to download a high resolution version of the image, right-click on the thumbnail, and select "save target as." on Step 4. thistle seed is very tiny and the finch beak is very thin. Next I drilled 1/4" holes all the way through the tube at each of my marks. Then bend the ends 90 degrees. You're right. Hopefully they will take to this new feeder. on Step 8. Tie a knot to secure the thread to the needle. I am going to think of better recyclable materials if possible and update this hub. Tin Can Feeder. Saved by Karen Raasch. Sheila Brown from Southern Oklahoma on March 20, 2013: Great idea! Half an hour later and he must have told his mates because we had a charm of 8 goldfinches around the feeder. cathylynn99, thanks. Anyone know of a similar product to Tube Pak in the UK?Thanks for reading, 11 years ago DIY Bird Feeder. But I did find the mesh stretched more than a typical feeder. A few of weeks ago I modified a normal feeder for nyjer seed and put it up near my other bird feeders and watched hopefully for a feeding visit from the goldfinches which we've seen passing through. Check out the free videos at www.tapplastics.com. I started 2" from the bottom and then marked every 4". It just so happened that next door was a TAP Plastics store. The fit is tight enough so glue is not needed. Thanks for reading and thinking it's a great idea. This Day Is for the Birds. Earning the top spot is a finch feeder that serves only finches. It is a very tiny elongated seed, so it works well with the small holes. We're big fans of TAP Plastics - you're our source for most of the plastic we use on internal projects! :). Stephanie Bradberry is a freelance writer and editor. So far the goldfinches have not come in swarms to feed from my homemade sock feeder, but I have seen them checking it out. . We all have used food tin cans just sitting there in the recyclables bin. A double bend will keep the water on the outside of the feeder which will help keep the seed dry. Saved from greatstems.com. I cut the rod to 6" length, using a band saw. I haven't counted 8 since, but there are usually some around in ones and twos. Now I need to mark the holes for feeding. Stephanie Bradberry (author) from New Jersey on March 20, 2013: I am really hoping to get some better pictures this spring and summer. A hacksaw would also work. I chose purple. Cut a straight piece about 13" long. Larger seed, such as sunflower, requires larger holes, and then the seed would be prone to fall out. 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