Making a birdseed wreath is a fun activity that beautifies your garden and helps the birds. You choose either gelatin or lard/suet to hold it together. Then, mix in various seeds and maybe some cranberries or dried fruit for decoration. This project is perfect as a holiday gift or to make your garden more inviting for birds, especially in winter.
Key Takeaways
- Use 2 packets of gelatin powder and 2 cups of water to create the binding mixture for the birdseed wreath.
- Add 1 cup of peanut butter to enhance the flavor and appeal of the birdseed wreath.
- A minimum of 24 hours is recommended for the mixture to properly set in colder weather.
- Use a greased Bundt pan mold to shape the wreath and ensure easy removal.
- 4 cups of Kaytee bird seed are required for one birdseed wreath.
- Additional ingredients like cranberries can attract more birds to your homemade bird feeder.
What You Need to Get Started
Making a birdseed wreath is fun and needs just a few supplies. First, collect these items:
- 1 Bundt pan (available at Harris Teeter for about $10)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 4 cups of your choice of birdseed mix
- 1 package of gelatin, around 7 grams
- 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- Optional: dried fruit, raisins, trail mix, and peanuts for added nutrition
- Cranberries or decorative ribbons for aesthetic appeal
The binder you pick matters a lot for your wreath’s sturdiness. A gelatin binder works great all year. For cold weather, a lard/suet binder is best, keeping it firm at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you choose a lard/suet binder, you’ll need more items:
- 1 pound of real lard or suet
- 1 cup of dried cranberries
Remember, both types need about 24 hours to set. Having everything essential supplies for birdseed wreath on hand helps the project go smoothly. It’s a wonderful activity for kids, making it a great project for the whole family.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Wreath
Making a birdseed wreath is a fun project that mixes crafting with nature. Follow these steps to make a feeder that brings all types of birds to your yard.
- Gather Your Ingredients:
- 4 cups of wild birdseed
- ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup
- ½ cup of warm water
- Optional: raisins, nuts, sunflower seeds, or cranberries
- Prepare the Binder:
- Dissolve the gelatin in ½ cup of warm water.
- Add ¾ cup of flour and 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup to the gelatin.
- Mix well until it’s smooth like glue.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of birdseed with the gelatin mix. Stir until all seeds are coated.
- Optional: Add dried cranberries, nuts, or sunflower seeds for variety.
- Prepare the Molds:
- Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Press the Mixture into the Molds:
- Press the birdseed mix into the pan firmly.
- Make sure the mix spreads evenly.
- Let It Set:
- Chill the mold in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
- Let the wreath dry fully for 12-24 hours for the best results.
After the wreath has dried, gently take it out of the pan. Use a strong ribbon to hang it on a sturdy branch outside. It’s best to have an adult help make the birdseed wreath, especially with kids. This is because it involves hot water and lifting heavy molds.
Watch and enjoy as different birds come to your homemade feeder. Stick to these steps for a lovely, sturdy bird feeder wreath that looks great and feeds the birds!
Tips for Choosing the Right Birdseed
Picking the right birdseed for feeders is key. Different birds like different seeds. It’s important to pick a blend that draws the birds you want to see. Selecting birdseed for feeders means finding a mix with varieties.
A common recipe for a birdseed wreath includes:
- 1 package of plain Knox gelatin
- 1/2 cup of warm water
- 3 tablespoons of light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup of flour
- 4 cups of birdseed
- Optional: 1 cup of juicy mealworms for extra nutrition
Wreath drying takes around 24 to 48 hours. For a bigger wreath, double the mix and add more gelatin.
The choice of seeds is very important. Sunflower seeds are beloved by many birds. Adding dried fruits, peanuts, and suet attracts more bird types. Suet is especially good in cold weather for energy.
Homemade bird feeders can draw up to 20 bird types to a yard. Using four different seeds can make your wreath very attractive to birds.
To choose wisely, here’s a look at various birdseed types:
| Birdseed Type | Attracts | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Black Oil Sunflower Seeds | Cardinals, Chickadees, Finches | High in fat, great for energy |
| Nyjer Seeds | Goldfinches, Siskins | Best for small-beaked birds |
| Suet | Woodpeckers, Nuthatches | Provides much-needed fat, especially in winter |
| Peanuts | Blue Jays, Wrens | Rich in protein |
| Millet | Sparrows, Doves | Small seed preferred by ground-feeding birds |
Patty Hicks says Bush Tits, very social, flock to feeders eagerly. Jeanne Merritt notes cardinals didn’t come to her all-sunflower seed wreath, showing birds’ diverse tastes. It’s smart to try different seeds to see what attracts local birds best.
Seasonal studies show using edible flowers like marigolds in birdseed wreaths can increase bird visits by 30%. This strategy makes wreaths appealing and helpful for birds.
Where to Hang Your Birdseed Wreath
Finding the perfect spot to hang your birdseed wreath is key. It needs to be easy for birds to get to but also safe from bad weather. Think about putting it on strong tree branches or by a window. This way, you can watch birds from indoors.
When picking a spot, make sure it’s steady. This prevents the wreath from dropping due to wind or birds that feed on it. Look for a place that keeps it dry, like under a roof or tree. Good spots are near other feeders, in a bird-loved tree, or on a hook near your garden.
Placing the wreath by evergreen trees, like Eastern Red Cedar or White Pine, adds beauty. It also shelters birds. This helps the wreath last longer and gives birds food in winter, when they need it most.
If you’re into displaying homemade bird feeders in a fun way, the wreath offers possibilities. You can decorate it with seasonal things or line it up with other feeders. This makes your garden a pretty place for feeding birds. By smartly choosing where to hang birdseed wreaths, you help birds and enjoy watching them.
Enjoying and Maintaining Your Birdseed Wreath
Once you’ve made your birdseed wreath, the excitement starts! Hang it outside to see lots of birds visit your yard. This makes your garden a great spot for watching birds. The early morning is best to see birds like finches, sparrows, and chickadees. Carolina Chickadees often visit new feeders first, with American Goldfinches and Dark-eyed Juncos coming after.
It’s important to keep your birdseed wreath in good shape. Check it often for mold or spoilage, especially when it’s wet outside. If there’s a problem, it’s best to make a new wreath. This keeps it looking good and safe for birds to eat.
If you like making your own bird feeders, regularly refilling the wreath can be fun. To make it even better, try adding things like cranberries, nuts, or pumpkin seeds. These extras help bring different birds and offer them more nutrients. For detailed instructions and more tips, check out this guide.
Putting your wreath in the right spot is also important. Hang it where it’s protected from bad weather but still seen by birds. Putting the wreath in the fridge for about 10 hours before hanging helps it last longer. Doing these small things can make watching your local birds very enjoyable.
