It was a crisp morning, and I was enjoying my cup of coffee on the porch, watching the birds flutter around the yard. As a passionate animal lover, I always made sure to provide food and water for the various feathered visitors that graced my backyard. However, I noticed that the crows were often left out, scavenging for scraps on the ground.
This observation sparked a desire to create a special place just for the crows, a feeder that would attract them and provide a reliable source of nourishment. After doing some research and gathering the necessary materials, I set out to build a crow feeder that would not only feed the crows but also add a touch of charm to my outdoor space.
Attracting crows to your backyard can be an entertaining hobby. These clever birds are highly intelligent and make amusing visitors. However, attracting crows requires providing them with a consistent food source. One of the best ways to do this is by building your own DIY crow feeder.
Constructing a quality crow feeder allows you to easily feed these social corvids while enjoying watching their antics up close This comprehensive guide provides everything you need as a beginner to successfully build your own custom crow feeder,
Why Make Your Own Crow Feeder?
There are several advantages to building a homemade crow feeder rather than buying a pre-made one:
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Customization: By making it yourself, you can create a feeder perfectly suited to your space, the number of crows you want to attract, and your budget. Purchased feeders only come in limited sizes and styles.
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Cost savings: Pre-made crow feeders can be expensive, often $50 or more. Building your own allows you to control costs.
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High-quality materials: You get to choose durable, weather-resistant woods and hardware designed specifically to withstand daily use by crows.
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Easy cleaning/refilling: A DIY feeder lets you incorporate handy design features for quick access to clean and add fresh food.
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Fun weekend project: Constructing your own crow feeder is an enjoyable, rewarding way to spend a Saturday. You’ll feel more invested in a feeder you built yourself.
Key Crow Feeder Design Considerations
When planning your homemade crow feeder, keep these important factors in mind:
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Feeder size: Crows are large, social birds who often feed in groups. Make your feeder at least 15-inches long to allow multiple crows to perch and eat together.
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Feed type: Crows are omnivores and will eat both seeds and larger foods like peanuts, dog food, eggs, meat, etc. Choose a feeding design suited for your preferred crow foods. Platform feeders work great for a mix.
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Weather protection: Look for ways to shield food from rain and snow, like using a covered hopper or trough design. Ensure drainage holes to prevent flooding.
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Durable materials: Use weather-resistant woods like cedar or plastic lumber. Hardware should be stainless steel or galvanized to prevent rusting.
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Easy cleaning/refilling: Incorporate removable trays, sliding doors, or lift-off roofs to simplify access for cleaning and refilling with fresh food.
10 Steps to Build Your Crow Feeder
Follow these 10 key steps to construct a high-quality, custom crow feeder perfect for your yard:
Step 1: Select a Design
Consider the number of crows, type of food, and weather conditions in your area. Popular options are hopper, platform, or trough feeders. Platform feeders work well for larger foods. Hoppers dispense mixed seeds/nuts and protect contents from weather. Troughs allow easy access.
Step 2: Gather Materials
You’ll need weather-resistant lumber, screws/nails, metal hardware, and tools like a saw, drill, hammer, and screwdriver. Stainless steel mesh adds durability. Opt for cedar, plastic lumber, stainless steel, zinc-plated, or galvanized metal.
Step 3: Cut Pieces to Size
Refer to your feeder plans and carefully cut all wooden pieces to the proper dimensions. Mark measurements precisely and cut with a miter or circular saw.
Step 4: Drill Support Holes
Drill pilot holes for connecting screws/nails to join pieces. Check plans and drill holes before assembly to prevent splitting wood. Wear goggles for safety.
Step 5: Assemble Main Structure
Screw or nail together the primary pieces as shown in your plans. Avoid overly tight joints which could limit natural wood movement.
Step 6: Add Outer Siding
If your design calls for it, attach outer wood siding using screws or nails. Ensure edges align evenly, leaving small gaps between boards.
Step 7: Install Roof
Build or attach the roof section following your plans. An overhang helps protect food from precipitation. Use waterproofing if desired.
Step 8: Add Feeder Tray/Trough
Screw in supportive brackets. Install a wire mesh, plastic, or wooden tray/trough to hold food. Ensure it fits snugly.
Step 9: Attach Perches
Pre-drill and screw weather-resistant wood perches along the feeder for crows to stand on while eating.
Step 10: Weatherproof & Finish
Sand any rough edges. Apply weatherproof sealant/stain and let fully dry before installing and filling with food.
Where to Position Your Crow Feeder
Once built, proper placement ensures crows can easily find and feel relaxed using your DIY feeder:
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Near trees/power lines for natural perching
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Within view of sheltered spots for quick escape
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Away from bushes where cats may hide
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Not directly against your home to prevent damage
Try mounting on a pole with a predator guard to keep food secure. Place in a quiet spot protected from strong winds and heavy rain.
What to Put in Your Crow Feeder
Crows are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods:
- Nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
- Seeds (sunflower, millet, cracked corn)
- Grains like wheat or oats
- Fruits such as berries, apples, citrus
- Table scraps like pasta, cheese, eggs
- Meats including suet, dog/cat food, chicken
Avoid spoiled or moldy food. Offer a consistent daily feeding schedule for best results.
Maintaining Your Crow Feeder
To keep your homemade crow feeder clean and functional:
- Check food and water levels daily, refilling as needed
- Regularly rake/sweep fallen debris from under perches
- Wash feeder routinely with mild soap and water
- Monitor for damage; repair loose parts or frayed mesh
- Apply fresh waterproof stain annually
- Store indoors or cover during extreme weather
With proper placement, filling, and care, your custom DIY crow feeder will provide an engaging feeding experience, attracting clever, comical crows to your yard for years of enjoyment. Let your creativity fly – build the perfect feeder for your backyard flock today!
Overview of the topic
Building a crow feeder is a rewarding and simple DIY project that can benefit both the crows and the environment. By providing a dedicated feeding station for these intelligent birds, you can help support their populations and enjoy their presence in your backyard. In this article, we will guide you through the process of building a crow feeder from start to finish, ensuring that your feathered friends have a reliable source of food.
Possible causes or facts
Crows are highly intelligent birds known for their problem-solving abilities and social interactions. They form tight-knit family groups and often work together to find food and protect their territory. By building a crow feeder, you can attract these fascinating birds to your yard and observe their clever behaviors up close.
Making a Crow Feeder [from start to finish]
FAQ
What kind of feeders do crows like?
Cardinals love eating from hopper feeders and finches can’t resist thistle feeders; however, crows are usually too big to dine at standard bird feeders. Instead, feed crows directly on the ground, or place their food in roomy platform feeders or an old bird bath.
What is the best food to feed crows?
Crows are omnivores and will eat a wide variety of foods, but some of their favorites include unsalted peanuts, dry dog or cat food, hard-boiled eggs, and nuts like walnuts and cashews. Fruits and berries, as well as meat scraps, are also good options.
How to start a crow feeder?
How to make a crow feeding tray? Make sure you have a safe place to set up your bird feeder. Set up a regular bird feeder and fill it with your favorite seed. Scatter some peanuts unsalted in the shell, walnuts, cashews around the base of your feeder. Try to make crow sounds when you feed or play crow sounds.
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