How to make a Peter & Paul Pine Cone Feeder

Want to entice more birds into your garden? This quick fun project is a great way to get the whole family involved and learn about wildlife right in your own garden! We will show you how to make a quick and simple bird feeder using everyday materials that will keep your feathered friends fed and happy.

A pine cone bird feeder is an easy, inexpensive project perfect even for a young garden bird watcher to make, and a great way to add an instant feeding station to your garden. These feeders can even be customized, and many different types of birds will eagerly visit for the treat.

Equipment

Choosing the Pine Cone

While any size or shape of pine cone can be turned into an easy feeder, a larger, broader cone will hold more food for the birds and will be easier for them to cling to, swaying less as they feed. Ideally, the cone should be fairly open, but if the cones you have available are closed, you can place them in a warm oven (150-200 degrees Fahrenheit) for several minutes to allow them to dry out a bit and open more fully, but watch them carefully so they do not scorch. If you do warm the cones, allow them to cool completely before turning them into bird feeders.

Pine cones can be collected below pine trees in the autumn; cones that have fallen naturally are the best choice because they will be more open and familiar to birds. Do not use scented pine cones or any decorative cones that have been painted or glittered; as the chemicals can be harmful to birds.

Equipment

Additional Materials

In addition to the pine cone, you will need several other everyday materials:

String or Twine: A piece 20-25cm long is best, but it can be longer if necessary for hanging. Wool yarn is another good option and can add a burst of colour to the feeding area, but avoid fishing line as it can be dangerous to birds.

Peter&Paul Peanut Butter: One jar should give you enough for several pine cone feeders.

Peter&Paul Wild Bird Seed Mix:Peter & Paul Seed Mixes are perfect for these feeders, either Peter & Paul Four Seasons and Peter & Paul Vivid Colour are great options but choose the seed mix that will best appeal to your garden birds.

Only basic tools are needed to make this feeder – a butter knife or spreader and a shallow dish.

Making the Feeder

With only a few simple steps, you can turn a basic pine cone into a delicious bird feeder.

Step 1

Shake or brush the pine cone lightly to remove any dirt or debris. Trim off any loose scales that may break as the feeder is assembled.</p<

Step 2

Step 2

Tie the string or twine around the feeder, placing it 2-3 rows of scales below the wider end of the cone with the scales overlapping the string to hold it securely in place. The top of the string can be left open in order to tie it to a branch for hanging, or if it is long enough, the loop can be tied first.

Step 3

Step 3

Use the knife or spreader to coat the cone with a layer of peanut butter, as thick or thin as desired. Press some peanut butter between rows of scales, filling in larger gaps. If the Peter & Paul Peanut Butter is too thick to spread well, it can be warmed up slightly to make it softer but be sure to use a microwave safe container to heat it. Avoid overheating that will make the peanut butter too runny to adhere to the cone well.

Step 3 Pine Cone

Step 4

Once the cone is completely coated with peanut butter, roll it in your chosen Peter & Paul Seed Mix in the shallow dish, pressing lightly to keep the seed adhered to the cone. Work the seed in between the rows of scales. Add larger seeds, nut pieces or fruit pieces if desired, pressing them firmly into the peanut butter so they are secure – the birds will have no trouble removing them!

Step 4

If you want to make multiple pine cone bird feeders at once but don’t want to hang them out simultaneously, they can easily be frozen for several weeks. The feeders do not need to be thawed before hanging and freezing them first can help them stay firm in warmer temperatures.

Step 4

Feeder Placement

This is a simple feeder that can be hung almost anywhere, but it will do best in a cool, shaded area or else it may grow soft or melt, and in high temperatures. Hang the pine cone bird feeder from a branch or hook, in trees or bushes for birds to find it easily or even string several together for a longer feeder to feed more birds. Because of its high-fat content, this is a perfect feeder to offer winter birds, and it is great for decorating Christmas trees for birds with natural, edible ornaments.

Before you know it, your new feeder will be a hotspot for Finches, Tits, Robins, Nuthatches, Thrushes, Woodpeckers and other birds, and because it is so easy to make, as soon as they’ve eaten all the treats off one cone, hang another for their hungry appetites!

To view the complete Peter & Paul range click here.