Thursday, February 17, 2022

How to Make a Bird Seed Wreath

Learn how to make bird seed wreaths.  This is a fun project for kids or adults, and bird feeding wreaths look so pretty hanging in the yard.  The wild birds will love this fun wreath, and you can use dried fruits and nuts to make it.





How to Make Bird Seed Wreaths 


The first time we came to the farm, we were in awe of the wild life.  We have several deer, lots of squirrels, a few owls, and more living here.  


We also have quite a few wild birds, mainly blue jays and cardinals.  The man who lived here previously fed the birds, so they are used to finding food and sticking around.


Our house is on the edge of the property.  There are pine trees separating our house from the fields and a row of trees in front of our house.


The birds love this little area.  They can fly from tree to tree, and there's a large tree in the middle of our yard that they like to visit.


This is where I like to feed the birds.  I have a bird feeder hanging, and each year I make wild bird seed rings to hang up.


I love watching the birds through the picture windows in the living room.  The cats also enjoy sitting on the windowsill or the back of the couch to bird watch.


For more DIY projects, check out these posts:






How Do You Make a Bird Seed Wreath?


I've seen bird feeding wreaths in garden stores.  They are so pretty, but they are pricey.  I wanted to learn how to make a bird seed wreath to save money.


It's fairly easy to make a DIY bird seed wreath.  You'll just need bird seed, dried fruits and nuts, and something to bind the bird seed together.  


I used a bundt pan from the thrift store, but you can use an angel food cake pan or any fluted pan.


Do Birds Like Bird Seed Wreaths?


My birds did!  They flew from the trees to perch on the top or bottom of the ring and peck at the bird seed.  


They ate through the wreath enough to make it fall after about two days.  Once it fell, they ate it off of the ground. 


How Do You Get Bird Seed to Stick Together?


You'll need a natural "glue" to hold the bird seed together to make wild bird seed rings.  I've found that corn syrup and gelatin work really well.


You can also use peanut butter, but this bird feeder wreath is too large for peanut butter.  It doesn't get firm enough for this to keep its shape.



Choosing Bird Seed for Bird Feeding Wreaths


You should choose a bird seed that's best for the birds that are in your yard.  In my case, I have mostly cardinals and blue jays, so I picked a bird seed that they will like.  


Generally, a bird seed with black sunflower seeds is considered the best all purpose bird seed.  However, you can pick the one that's best for your area and birds.


I recommend using a quality bird seed.  I like Wagner's bird feed, and they have several varieties to make it easy to choose the best one.


Can Birds Eat Unflavored Gelatin?


Yes, birds can each unflavored gelatin.  Cornell University uses gelatin in their DIY bird feeders. 


Unflavored gelatin doesn't have much nutritional value to offer the birds.  However, it makes a great natural glue to hold the bird seed together.  


You can use Knox unflavored gelatin in packets.  However, I buy bulk gelatin because it is much cheaper.


Additives for a DIY Bird Seed Wreath


In addition to bird seed, you can also add dried fruits and nuts.  I recommend using mostly bird seed in the mixture for your wild bird seed rings so the gelatin can hold it together.


Here are some other things you can add:



If you add dried nuts or fruits to make a birdseed wreath without cornstarch, reduce the amount of bird seed by the same amount so you maintain the same ratio of feed to gelatin.





How Do You Hang a Bird Feeder Wreath?


I tied a ribbon around the wreath and hung it from a tree.  Once the DIY bird seed wreath is gone, reserve the ribbon to make another one.


Birds like a little bit of privacy when they eat.  Hang the bird feeder wreath in an area where there are trees or shrubs for natural shelter.  


Hang the bird seed wreath about 10 feet from the shrubs and trees.  If they don't use it right away, then try moving it around to see where the birds like it.


Best Pan for Wild Bird Seed Rings


I picked up a bundt style pan to make a DIY bird seed wreath.  I found it at the thrift store for a dollar or two.


You can use any bundt pan, an angel food cake pan, or any fluted pan.


One thing to note is that pan sizes will vary.  If this birdseed wreath without cornstarch doesn't fill the pan, just press it down to make the back flat.  


If you have too much bird seed mixture, then press into a cookie cutter or simply roll into a ball to set out for the birds.


Wild Bird Seed Rings Supplies


You will need the following to learn how to make a bird seed wreath:






How Do You Make a Bird Seed Wreath?


Step #1


Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin in warm water and stir until the powder is dissolved.





Step #2


Add the corn syrup and flour.  Stir until this gets thick.





Step #3


Add the bird feed slowly, about a cup at a time.  Stir after you add each cup.





Step #4


Spray the fluted pan with cooking spray or oil.  Use a spoon to place the bird seed mixture into the pan.  Press the bird seed down firmly with the back of the spoon as you scoop it in.  Add more bird seed until the pan is full.





Step #5


Let the wild bird seed rings sit for at least 24 hours.  Then place a plate or cookie sheet over the pan.  Flip over the pan.  The bird feeder wreath should slide out.  If it gets stuck, tap the pan with a wooden spoon gently.


Then use a ribbon to hang your DIY bird seed wreath from a tree.


Now you know how to make bird seed wreaths.  Have fun!


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bird seed wreath, bird feeder wreath
Yield: 1 wreath
Author: Cari @ Homesteading in Ohio
Estimated cost: $5

How to Make a Bird Seed Wreath

prep time: 15 Mperform time: 45 Mtotal time: 60 M
How to make a DIY bird feeding wreath.

materials:

  • 4 cups bird seed
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 packet unflavored gelatin or 2.5 teaspoons of bulk gelatin
  • Cooking spray

tools:

  • Large bowl
  • Spoon
  • Ribbon
  • Fluted pan

steps:

  1. Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin in warm water and stir until the powder is dissolved.  Add the corn syrup and flour. Stir until this gets thick.
  2. Add the bird feed slowly, about a cup at a time. Stir after you add each cup.
  3. Spray the fluted pan with cooking spray or oil. Use a spoon to place the bird seed mixture into the pan. Press the bird seed down firmly with the back of the spoon as you scoop it in. Add more bird seed until the pan is full.
  4. Let the wild bird seed rings sit for at least 24 hours. Then place a plate or cookie sheet over the pan. Flip over the pan. The bird feeder wreath should slide out. If it gets stuck, tap the pan with a wooden spoon gently.
  5. Then use a ribbon to hang your DIY bird seed wreath from a tree.
Created using Craft Card Maker

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