Platform Bird Feeder
Draft · not yet checked by a carpenterAn open tray feeder that hangs from a branch. Cedar, a ¼″ drainage gap and open corners keep the seed dry.
- Skill
- Beginner
- Build time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Lumber
- 1 1x6 and 1 1x2
- Joinery
- Exterior screws
- Finished size
- 14″ L × 11¼″ W × 3¾″ H
What you need
A 1x6 is actually ¾″ × 5½″ and a 1x2 is ¾″ × 1½″. Every measurement in this plan uses the real size.
Shopping list
- 1Cedar 1x6, 6 ftCedar.
- 1Cedar 1x2, 6 ftCedar.
- ~201¼″ exterior screwsCoated or stainless.
- 4Eye screws
- 1Chain and an S-hookFour lengths of about 12″.
Tools
- SawMiter saw, circular saw or hand saw.
- Drill/driverWith a ⅛″ bit for pilot holes.
- Tape measure, pencil
Cut list
Eight pieces from two boards. Label each piece with its letter in pencil as you cut it.
| Part | Qty | Size, inches | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFloor boards | 2 | ¾ × 5½ × 14 | 1x6 |
| BLong rims | 2 | ¾ × 1½ × 14 | 1x2 |
| CShort rims | 2 | ¾ × 1½ × 7¾ | 1x2 |
| DCleats | 2 | ¾ × 1½ × 11¼ | 1x2 |
Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.
Build it
Four steps. The 3D view follows along as you scroll. The parts you're working on are yellow, and the screws and eye screws for that step are red.
- 01
Cut the pieces
Cut every piece from cedar:
- A Floor boards, two at 14″
- B Long rims, two at 14″
- C Short rims, two at 7¾″
- D Cleats, two at 11¼″
- 02
Build the floor
Lay the two floor boards (A) face down with a ¼″ gap between them for drainage. Lay the cleats (D) across them, 1″ in from each end, and drive one 1¼″ exterior screw through each board into each cleat.
- 03
Add the rims
Turn the floor over. Stand the long rims (B) on edge along the front and back edges and the short rims (C) along the ends, centered so there's a 1″ gap at every corner. Those gaps let rain and husks wash out.
Drive 1¼″ exterior screws up through the floor into the rims: three into each long rim and two into each short one.
- 04
Hang it
Twist an eye screw into the top edge of each long rim, 1½″ in from the ends, and hang the feeder from a branch or bracket with four lengths of chain joined at an S-hook. Leave cedar unfinished: birds don't need the chemicals.
TipHang it 5 to 6 ft up, within 3 ft of a window or more than 10 ft away, so birds don't fly into the glass. Brush out old seed every week or two.
Build at your own risk. Check every measurement against your own lumber before you cut, test-fit before you glue, and wear eye and ear protection. Full disclaimer.
