Anyone with a garden encouraged to hang milk cartons around patios in April

Gardeners are being asked to save any old milk cartons or plastic bottles they were planning to throw away, as they can be used to help birds in spring. It may sound strange, but April can often be the hardest month for birds to survive, as it is warm enough for them to begin nesting, but plants are only just beginning to grow again.

This often means they struggle to find enough insects, seeds, or berries to feed chicks, so parent birds end up leaving their nests for long periods, leaving them vulnerable to predators. Taking the time to feed birds in early spring is one of the kindest ways gardeners can help their local wildlife, and you do not have to spend money on a new birdfeeder to do so. Robbie, an experienced gardener and co-founder of Gardening Easy, has shared that making your own birdfeeder takes “less than 10 minutes to put together” when you use a milk carton.

She said: “This bird feeder is rainproof and fun for anyone to make, and also hard for squirrels, rats and mice to get to this feeder, and the birds love it.”

Most households throw or recycle milk cartons every week, but they are ideal for storing bird food because they are completely waterproof.

It greatly helps birds, as they have an easy source of food close to their nests, so they can stay near their chicks instead of foraging far away.

Bird feeders encourage birds to nest nearby, so you are more likely to see beloved British birds like robins or even owls around your garden.

Having lots of birds around not only looks beautiful, but they will start feeding on the insects around your plants once the weather gets warmer, and they will act as a natural pest control.

How to make a milk carton birdfeeder

You will need:

• An empty milk carton or a large plastic bottle
• Tomato stake (or some type of strong stick)
• Twine (or some type of strong string)
• Zip ties or tape
• Wooden skewers (optional)
  

Method:

To begin, rinse the milk carton or bottle thoroughly under warm water to remove any remaining liquid, and make sure it is completely dry before you begin crafting.

Use a pair of scissors to cut large holes on each side of the bottle, which will serve as opening windows for the birds. However, make sure there is enough room at the top and bottom of the bottle.

To make a feeder that will go in the ground: Poke a hole below one of the large openings to slide your stick through it. Secure it to the feeder with zip ties or tape to keep it in place.

To make a feeder that can be hung from a tree: Punch two holes near the top of the milk carton. Then thread twine or a similar string through the holes and tie them securely.

Fill the birdfeeder with seeds or any leftover foods that are appropriate for birds to eat, and it is ready to go outside.

Then, you just have to place it outdoors. For ground feeders, place them into a plant pot or flowerpot so the stake is secure.

For hanging feeders, hang them somewhere visible in your garden, but keep them away from fences, sheds, or other nearby surfaces that cats could climb. Patios tend to be a great location for birdfeeders as they are far away from predators and make it much easier to refill.

You can also add perches to your birdfeeders, as birds are more likely to return for food if they have somewhere to sit and rest. To make a perch for the birdfeeder, drill small holes across the opposite sides of the bottle, insert some small sticks, and they should fit snugly in the feeder.

Wooden skewers are excellent for perches, but you can also use chopsticks, bamboo sticks, or even sturdy twigs.