Are you thinking of creating your own DIY Bird Feeder Pole?
Let me first congratulate you on being a dedicated backyard birder! It’s incredible that you’re using your time and creativity for such a great project. =)
I’ve compiled a list of the best DIY Bird Feeder Poles with videos, photos, and plans. I’m positive you can find a design that’s perfect for you!
The 8 Best DIY Bird Feeder Poles:
- RELATED: 7 Things to Consider When Buying a Bird Feeder Pole!
#1. Simple Wooden DIY Squirrel-Proof Feeder Pole
You will need:
- A pressure-treated 4×4 inch post cut to your preferred height
- An 8-foot pressure-treated 2×4 inch board, cut in half widthwise
- Eye screws -> Purchase Here
- Aluminum flashing
- Nails
Basic Instructions:
- Screw the 2×4 inch boards to the top of the 4×4 inch post in a cross shape
- Screw an eye screw into the end of each 2×4 inch board to hang your feeders
- Put the post into the ground, either by digging a hole (at least 2 feet) or using a post holder
- Attach aluminum flashing to the pole using wood nails
This design incorporates one of the most critical elements of any bird feeding setup: it’s squirrel-proof!
- RELATED:The 9 BEST Bird Feeder Poles! (ALL price ranges)
Check out the below informative video, which is a full tour of their DIY Bird Feeder Pole. The video is fun and easy to follow, and the design would be simple to replicate and customize.
#2. Steel Pipe DIY Feeding Station
You will need:
- 1-inch Conduit piping – 2 lengths. (whatever your preferred height and width)
- Pressure-treated 4×4-inch block, about 8 inches long
- Concrete
- Wood Screws -> Purchase Here
Basic Instructions:
- Drill holes into the wood block:
- Drill all the way through the block about 2 inches from the top for your cross-post.
- On the opposite end, drill into the wood block about 3 inches for the pole.
- Fit your conduit sections into the holes and screw wood screws through the block to keep them in place
- Bury your post at least 2 feet into the ground and fill the hole with concrete to keep the post secure
This unique bird feeder stand is sleek and simple! It would look great in any yard. Once the initial design is assembled, hang bird feeders directly from the cross-posts, or use hooks.
The video gives a detailed look at how to drill the wood block to assemble the stand quickly and easily. Using concrete to anchor the pole into the ground ensures excellent stability!
#3. Wood Platform DIY Bird Feeding Pole
You will need:
- 1- 2-inch wooden pole in your preferred length
- 2- 1/2-inch wooden dowels in your preferred length
- Cup hooks -> Purchase Here
- Square or rectangular scrap plywood, about 2 feet square
- UV protectant spray paint -> Purchase Here
Basic Instructions:
- Saw the bottom of your pole to create a sharp edge
- Drill a 1/2-inch hole through your wooden pole about 3 inches from the top
- Drill a second 1/2-inch hole perpendicular to the first, about 6 inches from the top
- Fix the flat board to the top of your pole using three wood screws
- Hammer a long nail into one end of each of the dowels (these will be used for feeding fruit)
- Work the dowels into the pole until they’re centered
- Screw a cup hook into the ends of the dowels without nails (these are to hang your feeders)
- Pound the completed feeder at least 1 foot into the ground with a mallet
The design for this DIY Bird Feeding Pole incorporates a platform and cross-posts. You can use the platform as a birdbath, a tray feeder, or a place to offer other treats!
This feeder station is better for small feeders since the pole and cross-posts are thin. I would recommend using feeders that weigh less than 5 lbs. At the end of the video is a neat DIY feeder project, the peanut butter log.
#4. DIY Bird Feeder Pole That’s Under $5!
You will need:
- 1- 10-foot length of electrical conduit
- A large s-hook -> Purchase Here
- A drill with metal and wood bits
Basic Instructions:
- Have your local hardware store bend the end of your conduit at a 90-degree angle about 2 feet from the top of the pole
- Drill a hole through the bent end of the pole about an inch from the end – this is where you’ll hang your hook
- Drill a hole in your deck railing wide enough to thread the pole into
- Pound the pole at least a foot into the ground
If your priority is cost savings, this is the project for you.
The supplies cost less than $5, and it’s quick and easy to complete! This design is threaded through a deck railing, and the bent end of the conduit hangs out over the yard.
#5. Decorative Post DIY Bird Feeder Pole
You will need:
8 foot 4″ X 4″ pressure treated post
Circular saw
Router with coving bit
Post holder -> Purchase Here
Sandpaper
Small sledgehammer
Cutting ax
Cordless drill and bits
- Post cap
Basic Instructions:
- Cut the post to length using a circular saw
- Rout a soft edge along all four edges of the post
- Sand the post smooth with 120 grit sandpaper
- Bury the post at least 2 feet into the ground, or use a post holder
- Check to make sure that the post is plumb by using a long level
- Secure the holders using the screws that come with the hanger, or you may use galvanized screws
- Set your cap post into place and secure it with a screw
This decorative DIY bird feeder pole would be a welcome addition to any backyard. A 4×4″ post is topped with a decorative cap, and hooks are drilled into the sides to hang your feeders. The full instructions are available here!
One thing I would add to this design is a squirrel baffle. This baffle is an easy solution that would work well with a 4×4″ post:
#6. Raccoon-Resistant Bird Feeder Pole
You will need:
- A 3-inch wide piece of electrical PVC conduit (as long as you want your pole to be.)
- Five 36-inch iron stakes (found in the rebar section.)
- Drill
- Sledgehammer/mallet
- Manly muscles.
- Spray paint (if desired)
Basic Instructions:
- Cut the PVC pipe to your desired height
- Drill 2 holes on each side of the pipe, using a drill bit that is the same size as the stake
- Repeat, drilling two more holes for the second stake
- Use the edge of the PVC pipe to mark on the ground where the pole will be (and the pole circumference)
- Use the mallet/sledgehammer and drive 3 of the stakes halfway into the ground in a triangular pattern just inside the mark you made with the PVC pipe
- Slip the PVC pipe over the stakes & hammer the PVC into the ground
- Add the last two stakes to the holes at the top of the PVC pole
- Paint if desired
Because of this pole’s smooth, wide design, the creator hasn’t had any issues with her resident raccoons being able to climb up to steal food. But, ofcourse, ifyou have raccoons, you know how tenacious they can be!
The multi-level cross-posts offer lots of space for feeders. Make sure you bury the PVC pipe deep enough to keep the pole sturdy while feeders are hanging from it.
#7. High-Rise Bird Feeder Pole
You will need:
- A top-mount hopper style bird feeder with mounting kit
- An adjustable painter’s pole -> Purchase Here
Basic Instructions:
- Cement the base end of the painter’s pole into the ground so that it’s steady enough to hold the bird feeder
- Attach the hopper-style feeder to the top end of the painter’s pole with your mounting kit
- Fill the feeder and hoist into the air!
This ingenious design combines the visibility of a super high feeder with the convenience of one closer to the ground. The magic tool that allows this flexibility is an extendable painter’s pole!
The bird feeder attaches to the painter’s pole, and the pole goes into the ground with an auger-style post. Then, whenit’s time to fill the feeder, you lower the pole until the feeder is within reach. I love this design because of how simple it is!
#8. Scott’s DIY Pole – BWHQ’s Custom Feeding Station!
Scott’s bird feeding pole at Bird Watching HQ is a fantastic DIY Setup!
He went all-out with his customizations, including a roof, platform feeder, and plenty of space for hanging feeders.
To make his design squirrel proof, he uses a combination of two strategies. First, his post is wrapped with a stovepipe, making it harder for squirrels to grip the pole. He also has a baffle installed.
Check out Scott and his dad building his custom bird feeder pole: (Video sped up!)
- To see this DIY Setup, check out this LIVE Bird Feeder Camera!
Do you have a DIY Bird Feeder Pole?
Tell us about it in the comments!
FAQs
Does aluminum foil keep squirrels away from bird feeders? ›
I don't know whether it's the shiny surface or the crinkly sound it makes when touched that keeps them off, but it turns out aluminum foil is a great squirrel repellent.
How do you make a bird feeder pole squirrel proof? ›Suspend your feeders on a wire strung from one pole to another, at least 5 feet from the ground. To prevent squirrels from doing a tight-rope walking trick, string plastic liter-size soda bottles onto the wire on both sides of the feeders. The plastic bottles roll the squirrels right off as they approach.
What is the best wood for a bird feeder? ›Cedar wood is the best type of wood to use for a bird feeder. For this project, you'll be able to get all the materials, including cedar wood, vinyl-covered wire, a soda bottle, and copper top, from the home center and grocery store.
How tall should a bird feeder pole be? ›Pole-mounted feeders should be about five feet off the ground and protected by a cone-shaped baffle (at least 17 inches diameter) or similar obstacle below the feeder. Locate pole-mounted feeders at least 10 feet from the nearest shrub, tree, or other tall structure.
What can I use to make my bird feeder pole slippery? ›Many people use products such as Vaseline, WB-40, axle grease or another greasy or oily products, with the idea that this provides a slippery barrier that the squirrel can't get past. At least initially, the animal slides down the pole while trying.
What kind of bird seed will squirrels not eat? ›Seed: While squirrels will readily sample most types of birdseed, they are less attracted to nyjer and safflower seed, both of which have a slightly bitter taste. By using these seeds exclusively, you close the squirrel snack bar without eliminating feeding the birds.
Can you grease a bird feeder pole to keep squirrels off? ›A once-popular method to thwart squirrels is to grease your feeder poles. Though effective in the short term, this is one solution we recommend against. If birds get into the grease, it can seriously impair their feathers' waterproofing and insulation.
What smells keep squirrels away from bird feeders? ›Spice it up: Pepper is a natural squirrel deterrent. Apply a pepper-based repellent product, such as Critter Ridder® spray, directly to your feeders to keep them away from your offerings. Squirrels hate the taste and smell, but birds don't notice it.
What is the best material to hang a bird feeder? ›The cord to hold a feeder could be jute twine, rope, chain, or similar material, but should not be elastic or springy, which could create excessive movement when birds use the feeder.
How do you waterproof a wooden bird feeder? ›Apply multi-surface waterproofer with a spray to concrete birdbaths, terracotta pots, wooden bird houses and feeders, and paper maps. Let the treated surface dry for 48 hours and know they're sealed when the water beads on the surface.
Are plastic or metal bird feeders better? ›
Metal feeders will withstand the biting of squirrels and the pecking of woodpeckers a bit better than plastic feeders, but plastic feeders can be very inexpensive, making them a popular choice for many bird watchers.
What material do squirrels hate? ›Scents like white pepper, black pepper, and garlic are naturally unpleasant to a squirrel. The same goes for sweet smells such as peppermint. Try spraying your plants and flowers with water and then sprinkling on pepper or peppermint oil to deter squirrels.
What bird scares away squirrels? ›The Dalen Scarecrow Horned Owl works to keep squirrels at bay because the lifelike bird is a predator that squirrels work to avoid.
Will mothballs keep squirrels away from bird feeders? ›Although they are not chemical-free, mothballs have been proven to work as a powerful squirrel repellant. They don't hurt the squirrels, they just deter them from entering certain areas by using a strong smell that they hate.
Do birds Know Who feeds them? ›With that said, birds remember human kindness and learn to associate you with it, and they don't forget reliable food and water sources. So, if you are regularly filling your feeders and baths, the birds will use them and learn that you are the one providing them with the food when they see you doing so.
What direction should a bird feeder face? ›This means, as much as practical, birdhouses should face a northeasterly direction. The height where you place bird boxes should be at least five feet off the ground.
What is the 5 7 9 rule for squirrels? ›Remember the 5-7-9 rule. The mighty squirrel can jump… ever notice that? In order to make them physically less accessible, feeders must be placed 5 feet off the ground, 7 feet from a bush or fence and must be 9 feet from an overhanging limb.
Does Vaseline work on bird feeder pole? ›Birds can also ingest the Vaseline, making them sick. The Center for Wildlife said the woodpecker is in guarded condition in a post on its Facebook page. Center officials said people should avoid using any lubricant to coat a bird feeder.
Do birds like wd40? ›No bird, pigeons included, tolerates the smell of WD-40.
Does Irish Spring soap keep squirrels away? ›Yes, Irish Spring soap can help to keep squirrels away. The scent of the soap is unpleasant for the animals and will prevent them from entering your home or yard. You can use either a liquid soap solution or shave bars of Irish Spring and sprinkle it around areas that squirrels are known to frequent.
What plants do squirrels hate the most? ›
Alliums in the form of flowers, or garlic, scallions and onions produce a strong odor that squirrels may avoid. Daffodils, bright flowers that come in a variety of colors, are said to deter animals like squirrels, rabbits and deer because of their unpalatable taste and fragrant odor.
Do coffee grounds keep squirrels away? ›Squirrels are fun to watch in the yard, but they can really wreak havoc in the garden. That's why many people are in search of a way to keep squirrels out of the garden. Coffee grounds are a simple solution to this problem because squirrels are naturally repelled by their scent.
What does Vaseline do to squirrels? ›We DO NOT recommend adding grease, oil or petroleum jelly to a pole or hanger to make it too slippery for squirrels and raccoons to climb. It can coat the animals' fur as well as birds' feathers. This can cause illness and vulnerability to predators.
Is Crisco safe for birds? ›DO NOT USE Crisco or other hydrogenated oil (vegetable shortening) products. Hydrogenated oils are neither good for us nor the birds.
Will a slinky keep squirrels away? ›Hungry squirrels are no match for a Slinky. It's a simple, cost-efficient way to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders.
What seasoning keeps squirrels away? ›Guess what can? Sprinkle some cayenne pepper or a similar spice onto your birdseed before you put it out. Birds will eat the seed just fine, but squirrels will smell the heat and stay well clear. You'll have to re-apply the spice frequently, however, or it'll wash off or blow away.
How do farmers keep squirrels away? ›A Farmers' Almanac trick says to grate Irish Spring soap and sprinkle it around your garden plants. Squirrels and deer steer clear as they don't like the scent.
What do birds like but squirrels hate? ›Squirrels love birdseed (as well as nuts, sunflower seeds, fruit, and corn), but they don't favor everything that birds eat. So stock your bird feeder with such fare as safflower seed, nyjer seed, and white proso millet, which squirrels don't care for and they'll likely head elsewhere for their next meal.
Where should you not put a bird feeder? ›Bird feeders are best hung in a place where your visiting birds feel safe from predators. Most important: Avoid open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang feeders too close to any place where squirrels can jump on them, or too low they are within a cat's reach.
What should you not put in a bird cage? ›First off, never use any harsh chemicals, such as bleach or ammonia, to clean your bird cage. These can be toxic to birds and should be avoided at all costs. Also avoid using any scented products, such as fabric softener, as these can be hazardous to your bird's health.
What colors do birds like for a birdhouse? ›
Birds like to live in birdhouses that are camouflaged-colored: grey, green, brown. While attractive to humans, colorful birdhouses can cause lethal harm to birds inhabiting them. Avoid painting the inside of a birdhouse or around the lip of the entrance hole.
Should you leave bird feeders out in the rain? ›Feeders that are on poles or stands should be placed under an awning, covered porch, or patio. Keep in mind that birds may have trouble finding your feeders if they're all the way under a shelter. Just be sure that the bulk of the feeder is in a spot where it will remain dry despite the rain.
What kind of adhesive do you use for bird feeders? ›- 3/4 cup of flour.
- 1/2 cup of hot water.
- 1 packet of unflavored gelatin.
- 3 tbsp. of corn syrup.
Common little songbirds
Why choose a suet feeder? Because birds everywhere are attracted to suet and it's so fun to watch birds (like these mockingbirds) at your feeder. Suet feeders attract a variety of birds, and and they are not always the same birds you see at your bird seed feeder.
Visibility: Birds need to see a feeder before they will readily visit it. Placing feeders in a sunny, open area makes them more visible to passing birds. This placement also gives feeding birds a good field of view to stay on the lookout for predators and other threats.
What is the best way to hang a bird feeder? ›Bird feeders are best hung in a place where your visiting birds feel safe from predators. Most important: Avoid open and noisy areas and hang your bird feeders at eye level or a little above. Do not hang feeders too close to any place where squirrels can jump on them, or too low they are within a cat's reach.
What do you wrap PVC for birds? ›I've used SyrVet and Vetrap. Vetrap tends to have brighter colors but both will do the job well. Just pull it tight and wrap it around the PVC like an ace bandage. It will stick to itself.
Is PVC pipe safe for birds? ›Rigid PVC is chemically inert (unreactive) and, due to this fact, it is approved to carry our drinking water supplies. Due to its hardness, rigid PVC is virtually impossible for a bird to break it so the likelihood of ingestion is minimal.
Should bird feeders be in the sun or shade? ›Placing feeders in a sunny, open area makes them more visible to passing birds. This placement also gives feeding birds a good field of view to stay on the lookout for predators and other threats.
Where is the best place to position a bird feeder? ›In the open and safe - with a good all round view so that the birds can see they are safe from predators while they feed. The table should be safely away from cat ambush sites. These include fences and trees from which cats can leap and dense bushes in which they can hide.
How do you keep a bird feeder upright? ›
- A pole stabilizer will help keep your outdoor feeding station post standing straight and upright, preventing it from tipping over, stopping and avoiding unnecessary spilling of seeds.
Can bird feeders be hung too high? ›There is no limit to the height that you can hang a bird feeder but you need to keep in mind the types of birds that frequent your yard or what kinds of birds you would like to feed. Different species of birds are comfortable feeding at different heights.
Do bird feeders attract mice? ›The draw to bird feeders is, of course, the seed. Mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks will rummage through seed that has fallen or been thrown aside by birds feeding at your feeder. A seed tray attached to the bottom of your feeder will catch this seed.
What is the best seed for birds? ›The most bird-catching seed is sunflower. Seasoned bird feeders will also include niger and pumpkin seeds. Other good birdseed choices include black oil sunflower, and red millet. Nuts are also a great choice for birds, but the better the quality, the more seeds will be needed.