How to Make a Milk Carton Bird Feeder Craft to Get Kids Outside and Off Screens
It’s one of those afternoons when you have a million things to do, but the kids are already asking, “What can I do?” You have dinner to prepare, laundry waiting to be folded, messages to answer, and somehow you’re also expected to come up with another fun activity to keep little hands busy. Before you know it, the kids are reaching for the tablet or asking for more TV time.
If this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Keeping children entertained without constantly relying on screens can be a challenge, especially when you’re a busy parent looking for something that is easy, inexpensive, and actually holds their attention.
That’s where this simple milk carton bird feeder craft comes in.
Instead of throwing that empty milk carton into the recycling bin, you can turn it into a fun little bird feeder with your kids using a few basic craft supplies. The best part is that the activity doesn’t end when the craft is finished. Once the feeder is ready, kids can take it outside, fill it with birdseed, and wait to see which birds come to visit.
It gives them a reason to step away from their screens, spend some time outdoors, and connect with nature while watching their handmade bird feeder become part of the garden. They can even keep a little bird-watching journal and record the different birds they see.
So, if you’re looking for an easy kids’ craft that can turn a quiet afternoon into a small outdoor adventure, grab that empty milk carton and let’s make a bird feeder the kids will be excited to use.
Teach your kids how to make 10 easy zoo animal crafts for preschoolers that spark creativity
What You’ll Need to Make a Milk Carton Bird Feeder
Before you start, gather everything you need so you and the kids can work without constantly stopping to look for supplies. The good thing about this project is that most of the materials are inexpensive and may already be sitting around your home.
Materials
- 1 empty milk carton – A small or medium-sized carton works well. Rinse it thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before using it.
- Acrylic or washable craft paint – Choose colors your child likes. You can use one color or several colors to make the bird feeder bright and cheerful.
- Paintbrushes – Have a few different sizes available so kids can paint both large and small areas.
- Pencil – This will be used to mark where the openings will go before cutting.
- Ruler – Helpful for measuring the windows so they are approximately the same size.
- Craft knife or sharp scissors – An adult should handle the cutting.
- Colored construction paper or cardstock – Optional, but useful for adding decorations such as flowers, leaves, birds, or a colorful roof.
- Glue – Use a strong craft glue or suitable school glue for attaching decorations.
- Wooden popsicle sticks or small wooden dowels – These will become the perches where birds can stand while eating.
- String, twine, or sturdy cord – You will need this to hang the bird feeder from a tree branch, hook, or another suitable outdoor location.
- Birdseed – Choose birdseed that is appropriate for the birds commonly found in your area.
- Permanent marker – Useful for drawing the window shapes and marking cutting lines.
- Newspaper, cardboard, or an old tablecloth – Place this underneath the project to protect your work surface from paint and glue.
Step 1: Clean and Prepare the Milk Carton
Start by choosing an empty milk carton that is still in good condition. Avoid using one that is crushed, torn, or has a damaged bottom because the feeder needs to be strong enough to hold birdseed.
Rinse the carton thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining milk. This step is especially important because leftover milk can cause an unpleasant smell and may attract unwanted insects. After rinsing it, leave the carton upside down to drain and allow it to dry completely.
Once the carton is dry, remove any plastic cap or loose pieces that you do not need. You can leave the top of the carton intact because it will help give your bird feeder a roof and make the structure stronger.
Place the clean carton on your work surface and decide which side you want to use as the front. This is the side where you will create the opening for the birds to reach the seed.
Step 2: Mark the Bird Feeder Windows
Now it is time to decide where the birds will enter the feeder.
Place the carton upright and use a pencil and ruler to draw a rectangle on one side. Leave enough space between the bottom of the carton and the opening so the birdseed will stay inside instead of immediately falling out.
A window measuring roughly 3 to 4 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches tall can work well for a typical small milk carton. You do not need to make the measurements perfect, but try to keep the opening large enough for small birds to comfortably reach the seed.
You can create one opening on the front or make openings on two opposite sides. If you make two openings, birds will have more than one way to reach the food, and the feeder can also be easier for children to observe.
For younger children, parents should do the measuring and marking. Older children can help decide where the windows should go and can use a ruler with supervision.
Step 3: Carefully Cut Out the Openings
This is the part where parents should take over.
Using sharp scissors or a craft knife, carefully cut along the lines you marked. Cut out the center section of each rectangle, leaving the surrounding carton intact.
Do not let children handle the craft knife or sharp scissors during this step. Even if your child is old enough to use scissors for paper crafts, the thick carton material can require more force and can make the scissors harder to control.
Once the opening has been cut, check the edges carefully. If there are any sharp or rough pieces sticking out, trim them carefully or cover the edges with a suitable piece of tape or paper so there are no sharp edges that could injure a bird.
You should now have a carton with an open window where birds will eventually be able to reach the birdseed.
Keep your kids busy these 15 easy daniel and the lions den craft ideas that help kids learn the bible story
Step 4: Make a Perch for the Birds
The next step is adding a little perch underneath the opening. This gives birds somewhere to stand while they eat.
Use a pencil to mark a small point underneath the window, preferably close to the bottom edge of the opening. Carefully make a small hole through the carton. Parents should handle this part.
Take a wooden popsicle stick, wooden dowel, or another bird-safe perch material and push it through the hole. Make sure it extends far enough on the outside for a small bird to stand comfortably.
If the stick is loose, secure it with a small amount of strong glue around the point where it enters the carton. Allow the glue to dry completely before putting the feeder outside.
You can add a second perch on the opposite side if you have created another feeding window. Make sure the perches are sturdy and do not have sharp edges.
Step 5: Paint the Milk Carton
Now comes the part kids will probably enjoy the most decorating!
Before painting, place newspaper or cardboard underneath the carton to protect your table. Give your child a paintbrush and let them choose the colors they want to use.
You could paint the carton bright yellow, blue, green, pink, or any other color your child likes. You can also create a nature-inspired design using green and brown or paint flowers, clouds, butterflies, leaves, or little birds around the outside.
Try not to put thick layers of paint around the openings because this can make the edges messy or interfere with the feeding area. It is better to apply a thin, even layer and allow it to dry before adding another coat.
If you want the bird feeder to last longer outdoors, use a paint that is suitable for outdoor projects and follow the manufacturer’s drying instructions. Make sure all paint and other finishes are completely dry before putting birdseed inside the feeder.
Step 6: Let Your Kids Decorate It
Once the main paint has dried, let the children add their own personal touches.
They can paint tiny flowers along the sides, add simple patterns, draw leaves, or create little bird shapes. You can also cut flowers, leaves, or other shapes from cardstock and glue them onto the carton.
If you have older children, this is a great opportunity to let them design the bird feeder themselves. Instead of telling them exactly what it should look like, give them the materials and let their creativity take over.
For younger children, parents can help with the more difficult parts while allowing them to choose the colors and decorations.
Avoid adding loose decorations that could easily fall into the birdseed or pieces that birds might swallow. The feeder should remain practical as well as pretty.
Step 7: Create a Simple Roof
The folded top of the milk carton can already provide some protection from light rain, but you can make the feeder look more like a tiny birdhouse by adding a simple decorative roof.
You can cover the top with a piece of cardstock or construction paper folded into a roof shape. Use glue to attach it securely to the top of the carton.
If you are using paper or cardboard, make sure it does not completely block the opening or make the feeder difficult to refill. The roof should also be firmly attached so it does not blow away easily.
Children can decorate the roof with simple patterns, paper leaves, or painted shapes. Keep the decorations lightweight and securely attached.
Step 8: Add the Birdseed
Once the paint, glue, and decorations are completely dry, your bird feeder is almost ready.
Place a small amount of birdseed inside the bottom of the carton. You do not need to fill it all the way to the top. Adding too much seed can make the feeder unnecessarily heavy and may cause seeds to spill out of the opening.
Use a birdseed mix that is suitable for the birds you are hoping to attract. If you are unsure which type to use, ask at a local pet store, garden center, or bird-supply shop about appropriate bird food for the wild birds in your area.
Before hanging the feeder, check that the seed is sitting below the bottom edge of the opening. This helps prevent it from spilling out immediately.
Step 9: Choose the Right Place to Hang It
Now take the finished feeder outside and let your child help choose where it should go.
Look for a sturdy location such as a strong tree branch or an appropriate outdoor hook. The feeder should be high enough to discourage pets and other animals from easily reaching it, while still being somewhere your child can safely observe from a distance.
Try to choose a location where the feeder is protected from very strong wind and where your child can see it from a window or outdoor sitting area. Having the feeder somewhere visible makes it much more exciting because children can watch for birds throughout the day.
Avoid placing it too close to busy walkways or areas where children might accidentally knock it down.
Step 10: Hang the Milk Carton Bird Feeder
Now comes the exciting part your little bird café is ready to open! Once the paint, glue, and decorations are completely dry, it’s time to take your homemade milk carton bird feeder outside and find it a perfect little spot.
Start by cutting a long piece of strong twine, string, or sturdy cord. Make it long enough to comfortably wrap around the top of the carton or pass through the holes you’ll make, with enough extra length to tie it securely to a tree branch or outdoor hook. You don’t want the string to be so short that you’re struggling to tie it once you’re outside.
Depending on how you made your feeder, there are a couple of simple ways to attach the hanging string. One option is to carefully make two small holes near the top of the milk carton, one on each side. Thread the string through the holes and tie it securely at the top. Another option is to wrap the string firmly around the upper part of the carton and tie it into a strong knot. If you choose this method, make sure the string sits securely and doesn’t slide down when the feeder is filled with birdseed.
Before taking it outside, let your child help with a little “strength test.” Gently pull on the string and wiggle the feeder to make sure everything stays in place. You can even pretend you’re testing it for a very important bird customer! If the carton tilts, the string slips, or the knot starts coming undone, fix it before hanging the feeder.
When you’re ready, head outside together and look for a sturdy tree branch or suitable outdoor hook. Choose a spot where your child can easily see the feeder from a safe distance, such as from a window, porch, or favorite outdoor sitting area. This will make it much more exciting when the first feathered visitor arrives.
Tie the string securely around the branch and give the feeder one final gentle tug to make sure it is stable. Try to position it so it doesn’t swing wildly in the wind. It should hang upright, with the birdseed staying inside and the little perch positioned where birds can comfortably land.
Step 11: Turn It Into a Fun Bird-Watching Activity
And now comes the hardest part for kids—waiting for the birds!
The best thing about this craft is that the fun does not have to end once the bird feeder is hanging outside.
Encourage your kids to check the feeder each day and see whether any birds have visited. Give them a notebook and help them create a simple bird-watching journal.
They can write down the date, time, type of bird they think they saw, and what the bird looked like. Younger children who cannot write yet can draw pictures of the birds instead.
You can also ask simple questions such as:
- What color was the bird?
- Was it big or small?
- Did it come alone or with other birds?
- How did it move?
- How long did it stay?
- What happened when another bird came near?
- Did the bird eat from the feeder or fly away?
This turns a simple milk carton craft into an outdoor learning activity. Instead of simply making something and moving on to the next screen, children now have a reason to go outside, observe nature, ask questions, and be patient.
You can turn the waiting into a fun game. Ask your child to check the feeder each morning and keep track of the first bird they see. What color is it? Is it big or tiny? Does it eat quickly or sit and look around first? Before long, your simple milk carton craft can become a little window into the world of birds and nature.
Who knows? Your child might even give the first visiting bird a name and start looking forward to seeing their new feathered friends every day!
A Few Important Safety Tips for Parents
Although this is a kid-friendly craft, parents should handle the parts that involve sharp tools. Children should never use a craft knife to cut the milk carton.
Make sure the carton is thoroughly washed and completely dry before using it. All paint, glue, and decorative materials should be fully dry before the feeder is placed outside.
Check the feeder regularly. Remove old or wet birdseed and clean the feeder when necessary so it remains suitable for visiting birds. If the carton becomes damaged, soggy, moldy, or unstable, replace it rather than continuing to use it.
Most importantly, make sure children wash their hands after handling the feeder, birdseed, or materials that have been outside.
Make It More Than Just a Craft
What starts as an empty milk carton can become much more than a simple afternoon craft. Your child gets to design something with their own hands, take it outside, fill it with birdseed, and then wait patiently to see whether a bird will visit.
For busy parents, that extra outdoor activity can be a welcome change from hearing, “I’m bored,” or constantly having to find another screen-based activity. And for kids, there is something exciting about knowing that the colorful feeder hanging outside was something they made themselves.
So the next time you have an empty milk carton, don’t throw it away just yet. Turn it into a little bird-feeding station, step outside with the kids, and see who comes to visit.
