How to Make Pinecone Bird Feeders with Peanut Butter

Welcome to the complete guide on how to make pinecone bird feeders with peanut butter!

Making pine cone bird feeders is fun with the kids in the fall and winter. In this post, I will share three easy steps to make pinecone bird feeders using peanut butter!

Kids love making these pinecone birdfeeders!

But watch out! These DIY pinecone birdfeeders are messy! Which makes them even more fun, right?!

Ready?! Let’s get crafting!

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How to Make Pinecone Bird Feeders with Peanut Butter

Can Birds Eat Peanut Butter?

Yes! Birds can eat peanut butter!

It’s a good source of healthy fats for them, especially in the wintertime when they need to make their calories count. learn more >>

What Kind of Birds Like Peanut Butter?

Most birds will happily eat peanut butter!

The most popular birds that will eat peanut butter include:

• Chickadees
• Wrens
• Nuthatches
• Tits
• Titmice
• Creepers
• Woodpeckers

Larger nut-loving birds may also try peanut butter, including thrashers, grackles, starlings, blackbirds, and jays.

Supplies for Pinecone Peanut Butter Bird Feeders

1. Pinecones

The best way to get yourself pinecones to make your bird feeders is to go out for a nature walk with the kid and bring a few bags of medium and large pine cones for your project.

Prep your pine cones by removing dirt and pulling out any pine needles that my be stuck in the pine cone.

If you don’t live in an area with pine cones, don’t worry!

Pine cones are readily available online and at most arts and crafts stores.

2. Peanut Butter (or alternatives below)

I buy the biggest and cheapest peanut butter I can get my hands on! You can use natural peanut butter, but it’s not necessary.

3. Wild Birdseed

I buy wild birdseed online, at any home improvement center, or at Walmart.

3. Twine or String

You’ll need jute twine to tie to the top of the pinecone as a hanger. I use twine for many different crafts and projects year-round. I buy this natural jute twine online.

You can also use dental floss, fishing line, yarn, embroder string …whatever you’ve got on hand works!

4. Misc. Supplies for Homemade Bird Feeders: (easily found online, at Walmart, or at the Dollar store)

• Craft scissors
• popsicle sticks, plastic butter knives
• Cookie sheet or Foil
• Paper plates or small bowls and paper towels
• Baby wipes
• Butcher Paper, Brown paper, or Newsprint to cover the work surface

How to Make Pinecone Bird Feeders Without Peanut Butter

Wondering how to make pinecone bird feeders without peanut butter? No worries!

If there is an allergy to peanut butter in your home or you do not have peanut butter, you can substitute peanut butter with the following:

Almond Butter: A creamy alternative that’s rich in nutrients. Ensure it’s unsalted and without added sugars.

Cashew Butter: Another nut butter that’s smooth and can easily stick to pine cones. Again, opt for unsalted versions.

Lard: This animal fat is a traditional choice for bird feeders. It provides essential fats that birds need, especially during colder months.

Suet: A solidified fat, often mixed with seeds and grains, suet is a favorite among many birds, especially woodpeckers, nuthatches, and starlings.

Sunflower Butter: Made from crushed sunflower seeds, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative and is often loved by a variety of wild birds.

Coconut Oil: In its solid state, coconut oil can act as a binder for seeds. It’s organic and safe for birds, but it might melt in hotter temperatures.

Vegetable Shortening: A plant-based fat that’s solid at room temperature. It can be a good base for sticking seeds to the pine cone.

Honey: While it’s sticky and can bind seeds, use it sparingly as it’s very sweet. It’s best mixed with another base like lard or suet.

Gelatin: When mixed with water and birdseed, it can create a sticky mixture that adheres well to pine cones.

Corn Syrup: Like honey, it’s sticky but very sweet. It’s best used in combination with another binding agent.

How to Make DIY Pinecone Bird Feeders with Peanut Butter

Ok. Now that you’ve gathered your supplies, I was hoping you could set up your workspace (I suggest covering the kitchen counter or table with butcher paper or newsprint to make clean up easy.

1. Make a Hanger for Your Pinecone Bird Feed

Cut out a piece of twine or string about 12 inches long and tie it to the top of your pinecone.

Make a slip knot around the top of the pinecone and then double knot it.

You can leave the two loose and ready to tie onto a tree later, or you can tie the ends of the twine together, making a loop to hang the pinecone.

Ensure you attach the twine to the pinecone before adding the peanut butter and birdseed.

2. Spread Peanut Butter on Your Pinecone

Ok! Ready to get messy!? It’s so much fun! 🙂

Put the Pinecone on a paper plate, paper towel, or over a cookie sheet.

Using a butter knife or a popsicle stick, spread peanut butter all over the pinecone, making sure to get it in the nooks and crannies.

Be sure to apply peanut butter with a heavy hand. The more peanut butter the better! 🙂

Once you’ve got your pinecone covered in peanut butter, it’s birdseed time!

3. Roll the Pinecone in Bird Seed

I like to put the bird seed in a shallow dish, bowl or on a paper plate and gently roll the peanut butter-covered pine cone gently in the seed.

You can also sprinkle the seed on the pine cone to completely cover the pine cone.

When your Pine cone bird feeder is finished, gently shake off the access set them aside on the to set.

4. Hang Your Pinecone Bird Feeder Outside

The best place to hang your pinecone bird feeders is outside in your backyard or somewhere where you will see the birdies enjoying their yummy treat.

Use the twine or string hanger to attach the pinecone bird feeder securely to a tree branch where you have seen birds hanging around.

Wait and watch! The birds will come in no time to enjoy your homemade pinecone bird feeder.

FAQ’s: How to Make Pinecone Bird Feeders with Peanut Butter

How can I make a pine cone bird feeder without peanut butter?

You can use alternatives like lard, suet, or other nut butters like almond or cashew butter. Just spread it over the pine cone and roll in birdseed.

Is peanut butter safe for feathered friends?

Yes, peanut butter is safe for birds as long as it’s unsalted and doesn’t contain added sugars or harmful additives.

Can I add other items to my bird feeders?

Absolutely! You can add small bits of fruit pieces like apple or raisins, or even dried mealworms. Just ensure they’re fresh and not moldy.

What kinds of birds like pinecone bird feeders?

Pine cone bird feeders attract a variety of birds including sparrows, finches, chickadees, and even woodpeckers.

How often should I refill or replace my pine cone bird feeder?

Ideally, once the food is consumed or if it becomes too soggy from rain or dew.

Can I use any type of string or twine to hang my bird feeder?

It’s best to use a sturdy string or twine that can withstand weather conditions and the weight of birds. Avoid using materials that might fray or snap easily. You can use colored yarn, embroidery string, fishing line…whatever you’ve got available.

Where’s the best place to hang my pinecone bird feeder?

Birds prefer quiet spots, so near trees or shrubs is ideal. This allows them to quickly escape from predators.

I like to hang the pine cone feeders somewhere that the kids can see from the house. They love watching the birds eat from their homemade bird feeders!

Can I use commercial birdseed mixes for my pinecone bird feeder?

Yes, commercial birdseed mixes are perfect. They often contain a mix of seeds that cater to a variety of birds.

Conclusion: DIY Bird Feeder – How to Make Pinecone Bird Feeders with Peanut Butter

Making pinecone bird feeders is a simple, fun, and rewarding activity that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re looking for a nature-inspired craft, a hands-on homeschool project, or just a fun way to spend time outdoors, this DIY bird feeder is a classic you’ll want to revisit year after year.

Not only does it spark creativity and encourage kids to connect with nature, but it also helps the birds in your neighborhood, especially during colder months when food is harder to find.

And trust me, our feathered friends will thank you with plenty of visits!

Happy crafting and happy birdwatching!

XO, Christine