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DIY nesting material dispenser

Writer's picture: Vicki ManningVicki Manning
3 min read

I love it when we begin to see more birds in the garden again, it really feels like Spring is on it's way and we're moving out of the dark days of winter.


In around February time, some birds will start looking for nesting materials ready to build their nests for all the Spring chicks to be born.


We always like to feed the birds; fat balls seem to be the favourite in our garden, so we keep them going all year long.


But this year I thought it might be a nice idea to also provide some nesting materials for all our winged visitors.


We did a little research into what to provide and a safe way to provide them and then made our DIY nesting material dispenser.


Birds nest dispenser with twigs and cotton in a metal cage. Background shows a green fence under a clear blue sky. Text: Birds Nest Dispenser Activity for Kids.

DIY nesting material dispenser


To make your own birds nest dispenser, you will need a wire bird feeder and a selection of natural nesting materials.


We had a spare bird feeder that is designed for sunflower seeds, so used that. It is designed with criss cross metal that leaves gaps large enough for materials to be pulled out - you could also use a peanut feeder as they are a similar design.


You can either go on a hunt for materials when you make your dispenser, or you can spend some time collecting things - either way, what you choose to give to your birds must be clean and dry, with no synthetic materials or dye.


Some ideas on what you can provide for nesting:


  • Plain wool

  • Dried grass

  • Dried leaves

  • Small thin sticks

  • Twine, in 2" lengths

  • Pine needles

  • Feathers

  • Straw

  • Moss


Bird nesting materials and empty bird feeder on a table
We used sheeps wool, sticks, dried leaves and dried grass for our nesting dispenser

Invite your child to fill the dispenser with materials. We chose to alternative ours, putting it in layers. You might needs to give them a hand pushing twigs etc down so that you don't leave any large gaps.


Child's hand placing a bird feeder full of nesting materials in a tree

One your dispenser is totally full, hang it up nice and high, ideally in a tree, but it can also be hung from a hook on a fence or shed (for example) - just make sure your birds won't be vulnerable to attacks from cats, as this will put them off.


Child's hand placing a bird feeder full of nesting materials in a tree

We used a hook to attach our feeder to a fruit tree in the garden (I think this is from a kitchen hook set by IKEA). This is where we normally hang our feeders, so I'm hoping that when they visit for food they will notice the nesting materials as well.


If you don't have a garden, you can always take these activities to a friend's garden or a local park.


Bird feeder with straw and fluff inside, hanging against a wooden fence. Blue sky in the background, casting shadows on the fence.

Enjoy watching your feathered friends helping themselves to all your nesting goodies!


It may take a little while for your local birds to find it; in the UK some birds start nesting in February, but the busiest months are from March until July.


Blackbird holding twigs in its beak, perched on a branch with green leaves.

Whilst you're enjoying the birds in your garden, you can sit with your little one and do this garden bird scavenger hunt together.


For more fun bird ideas check out my post on creative bird activities.


Do you enjoy watching birds together? What's your favourite bird? Let me know in the comments!


 
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