MAKE A KETCHUP BOTTLE BIRD FEEDER
About this project:
Chances are you’ll have a bottle of tomato ketchup in the cupboard or fridge. Many of the bottles are now the plastic squeezy type. Rather than simply popping the empty bottle in the recycling bin next time you finish a bottle why not have a go at ‘upcycling’ it into a great hanging bird feeder.
What you need:
(x1) Tomato ketchup squeezy bottle, (x1) small plastic plant drip tray, 700mm length of string
Tools Required:
Drill, Craft Blade, Scissors, Blue Tac or sealant
Step 1 – Collect your materials
I’ve found that the 700g Heinz squeezy tomato ketchup bottle works really well for this project but there are similar bottles available. Make sure the bottle is washed out thoroughly to remove and ketchup residue.
Step 2 – Drill a hole in the seed tray
Attach a 38mm dia. drill bit to your drill and drill a hole in the centre of the plastic plant pot drip tray.
Using a 4mm dia. drill bit drill three or for additional holes around the base of the seed tray for drainage.
Step 3 – Create four seed ports
Using a sharp craft knife create four holes evenly spaced around the top of the bottle. I’ve found that a triangle shaped cut out works really well.
Step 4 – Check the seed tray fits onto the bottle
Fit the seed tray over the top of the bottle and screw the bottle lid back on to make sure it all fits together. Remove the cap and tray again ready for the next stage.
Step 5 – Drill two hanging holes
Using a 4mm dia. drill bit drill two holes in the base of the bottle in preparation for adding the hanging string.
Step 6 – Add the hanging string
Cut a piece of string and push each end through each hole you have just drilled. Make sure the string is long enough so both ends hang out of the bottle opening by at least 10cm.
Step 7 – Tie the ends of the hanging string together and seal string holes
Tie the ends of the hanging string together in a tight knot and then pull the knot inside the bottle to create the hanging loop.
You could also add a little silicone sealant, blue tac or glue from a hot glue gun in and around the holes to help make them a little more watertight.
Step 8 – Fill your new feeder
Fill your feeder with your garden birds favourite bird food. Use the top of a fizzy drinks bottle as a funnel to help make filling your feeder a doddle.
Step 9 – Attach the seed tray
Attach the seed tray and secure in place using the bottle cap.
Step 10 – Hang your new feeder
All thats left to do is to hang your new feeder in the garden and wait for the birds to arrive!
