Building a bird feeder can be a great project for moms, dads and kids. Its fairly simple to build a bird feeder that can be hung in the back yard and bring years of enjoyment for the whole family. You can either start from scratch with material you have around the house, or you can purchase a kit that has everything you need to make a very attractive and functional feeder.

You can make a very simple bird feeder out on an egg carton by cutting off the lid and filling the egg pockets with birdseed. To hang the carton, simply poke holes in the four corners of the carton and run string through each hole. Then, gather the string together and tie a knot. You can hang the feeder from any tree branch.

Soda bottles also make great bird feeders. Wash a two-liter soda bottle and make two holes at the bottom of the bottle. Thread a piece of wire through the holes and twist the wire ends together. Place dowels near the bottom of the feeder, and make an opening for birds to remove seed or cereal.

Kids also love to make cardboard tube bird feeders. All you need is a tube from a paper towel roll and a piece of yarn. Tread the yarn through the tube, then lay the tube on a piece of paper towel or plastic and coat it with honey. Take birdseed or cereal and sprinkle it all over the sticky tube. Tie the yarn into a knot and hang your completed project from any tree branch in your back yard.

If you want to get a little fancier, a bird feeder kit has prefabricated pieces with easy to follow instructions. They come in a variety of designs including a simple platform feeder to beautifully designed miniature versions of Victorian or colonial style homes. You can find bird feeder kits in any craft and hobby shop, gift shops and a number of online stores.