Four ways to create your own bird feeder instead of buying one
ENCOURAGE feathered friends into your outdoor space this winter by making your own bird feeder.
For just a few pence, you can give them a feast that’s sure to keep them feeling chirpy.
Here are some simple treats you can create on the fly . . .
BE FRUITFUL: Apples or oranges make great DIY feeders.
Remove the core from an apple, then press sunflower seeds into the skin of the top half of the fruit until they become embedded.
Next, push some sticks through the apple to provide perches for the birds.
Tie string to the sticks, feed it through the hole where the core once was and use it to hang your feeder — it’s simple and effective.
With oranges, cut the fruit in half and scoop out the flesh.
Mix bird seed with lard to form a smooth paste and spoon the mixture into the empty orange half.
Make holes in the skin, thread through sturdy string to form a loop to hang it from a tree.
ROLL WITH IT: Use an old toilet roll or kitchen roll tube for an easy feeder.
Punch two holes in the cardboard around a centimetre from the top.
Cover the tube with butter, lard or peanut butter and then roll it in bird seed until it is fully coated.
Thread twine through the holes and hang from branches where birds can easily land and peck at it.
SECRET SNACKS: Some birds like to hide away to enjoy a nibble. For them, you can crumble fat balls beneath shrubs or smear the mix into the cracks and crevices of branches.
Make the balls using scraps of oats, cheese, raisins, breadcrumbs or cake crumbs mixed with melted lard. Leave them to set in the fridge overnight.
WET THEIR APPETITE: Leave out a container of water so birds can enjoy a drink and a bath.
Use low, flat containers, such as plant saucers, and change the water regularly.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
BAG a deal on the metal detail tote from Accessorize, down from £38 to £19.
SAVE: £19
Cheap treat
SERVE up bargain brownies with the Mr Kipling Signature Collection brownie mix. It makes 16 and is £2 at Asda.
What’s new
GET a double deal on Aveeno moisturising body lotion at Tesco, down from £8.50 to £6.35 with a Clubcard, and part of a three-for-two offer on selected beauty products.
Top swap
GET party-ready in the green cowl neck satin midi dress from Friends Like These at Next, above, £45, or go glam in the cowl neck draped midi dress £26.99 from New Look.
SAVE: £18.01
Little helper
BUY four bottles of wine and save ten per cent at M&S, which has already reduced the price of 120 wines this year.
Burra Brook Shiraz is down to £6.50 from £7 (or £5.85 when buying four or more).
Shop and save
YOUR toes will stay cosy in the Brakeburn cross stitch slippers from John Lewis, down from £34.99 to £24.49.
SAVE: £10.50
Hot right now
GET the L’OR Barista Sublime coffee machine for £59.99 at lorespresso.com with 100 free capsules. The bundle is worth £150.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!