Turn Your Pumpkin into a Birdfeeder

There is no need to throw out your pumpkin once Halloween is over! Turn it into a bird feeder. As long as it is not rotten, you can either make the feeder to hang from a tree or sit on a patio floor. Pumpkins that were not carved are best for this particular project.

For hanging feeders, use a small to medium sized pumpkin. Cut your pumpkin in half. Make sure the seeds have been completely scrapped out. Spray the inside with a simple solution to keep pumpkin fresh. The solution is two tablespoons of vinegar and one teaspoon of lemon juice in one quart of water. Put solution into a spray bottle and spray a generous amount on the interior of the pumpkin half. Let the inside dry before filling with bird feed.

Next you will need a small hanging basket. The basket should be a bit smaller than the pumpkin. The hanging basket simply serves as a base that suspends the pumpkin bird feeder. Place the pumpkin into the hanging basket and hang from your favorite tree, or a hook attached to the ceiling of an open air porch. Fill the pumpkin with the bird seed of your choice.

Sticks can be used as bird perches for hanging feeders. Securely insert sturdy sticks into the side of the pumpkin. This provides a perfect little perch for birds to stand on as they feed.

Larger pumpkins should not be suspended because the weight of a large pumpkin, combined with bird seed could equal twenty pounds or more. For large pumpkins, making a bird feeder requires a very small amount of work. Once you have treated the pumpkin’s interior, simply fill with bird seed and place in a flat location. Steps or open air patio floors are prime locations to place large feeders.

Birds also appreciate bird baths after they have eaten. To observe the birds bathing, place a shallow bird bath near the feeder. You can use the other half of your pumpkin for this. Simply hollow out and the second half as stated in the previous instructions. Find a clear, shallow container that fits into the base and fill it with water. Your feathered friends will enjoy visiting your home each day!