RSPCA Friends of West Hatch Newsletter Autumn 2020 | Issue 17 | Page 20

FEED THE BIRDS !

Birds need a helping hand all year round , not just in the winter , they also need help through the spring and summer while they raise their young .
Here are some fun ways to make bird feeders using recycled items from around your home .
Bottle feeder
Make two small holes near the lid and thread string or ribbon to allow the feeder to be hung up .
Cut a hole on both sides of the bottle , half way down big enough to allow access to the seed . Make a hole below the opening to thread a stick through to allow birds to perch while they feed .
Egg carton feeder
Using one half of an egg carton , make a small hole in each corner and thread with string or ribbon to allow the feeder to be hung up .
Tin can / glass jar feeder
Place a stick on the side of the can / jar . Tie a piece of string or ribbon around the horizontal can / jar including the stick . This allows it to be hung up and the stick offers an area for birds to perch .
You can fill each feeder with bird seed , sunflower hearts or peanut granules . Please do not use whole peanuts as adult birds may attempt to feed to their young causing choking .
Toilet roll feeder
Cover the toilet roll in peanut butter ( being aware of allergies ) and then roll the peanut butter covered roll in bird seed . Thread a piece of ribbon or string through the roll and hang up .
The feeders can be decorated with non toxic paint if you want to brighten them up a bit or they can be left as they are . Now enjoy watching the birds !
Please ensure fresh drinking water is always available .