By Audrey HayesUpdated November 2026
Looking for free birdhouse feeder plans you can actually build? Most people searching this phrase want a short list of usable designs rather than a wall of links, along with enough detail to judge which plan fits their skill level, their tools and the birds they hope to attract. The three picks below were selected on the basis of published specifications, the reputation of the authors or publishers, and recurring owner feedback about clarity of instructions, completeness of cut lists and the practicality of the finished build. Nothing here is based on our own build testing, so treat the notes as a guide to what each resource offers.
Our top picks at a glance
- 1
TOP CHOICEBest overallBirdhouses & Feeders You Can MakeView on Amazon - 2
Best for beginners on a budgetProject Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not IncludedView on Amazon - 3
Best for a weather-resistant feederDIY Cedar Bird Feeder: Beginner Friendly Woodworking ProjectView on Amazon
Our Top Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best for | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make | Builders who want a broad set of nesting and feeding projects | Complete plans and instructions covering both houses and feeders |
| Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders | Beginners who want many simple, low-complexity builds | 27 separate designs in one printed plan packet |
| DIY Cedar Bird Feeder | Builders focused on a single, durable feeder project | Cedar construction for natural rot resistance |
Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make
Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make: Complete Plans and Instructions for Bird-Friendly Nesting and Feeding Sites
Best for: Builders who want a complete reference covering both nesting boxes and feeding stations in one book.
This book suits woodworkers who already own basic hand tools or a small saw and want to work through a range of projects over a season. Because it covers both houses and feeders, it is useful for someone planning a whole backyard bird setup rather than a single item.
Key specs:
- Format: printed book with written plans and instructions
- Scope: nesting sites and feeding sites for backyard birds
- Build style: designed for home workshops using common lumber
Pros:
- Covers both birdhouses and feeders in one place
- Instructions are presented as complete plans rather than sketches alone
- Useful reference that stays on the shelf for future projects
Cons:
- Plans are printed, so you will need to transcribe or scale measurements yourself
- Designs assume some comfort with reading full-page construction drawings
Bottom line: Pick this if you want one book that covers the whole range of backyard bird projects and you are comfortable working from printed plans.
Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not Included
Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders – Material Not Included
Best for: Beginners who want a large number of simple builds from a single plan packet.
This paper plan set is aimed at people who prefer short, focused projects. The sheer number of designs makes it easy to try a few different feeder styles before settling on one to build repeatedly.
Key specs:
- Format: paper plan set covering 27 birdhouse and feeder designs
- Materials: sold without lumber, hardware or finish
- Scope: mix of nesting boxes and feeding structures
Pros:
- Large variety of designs for the price of a single plan
- Good for practicing basic cuts on simpler projects
- Easy to compare several styles side by side
Cons:
- Paper plans can tear or fade in a shop environment unless stored carefully
- Not every design will have the same level of detail, so check the cut list before buying lumber
Bottom line: A good fit for beginners who want variety and are willing to fill in a few details themselves.
DIY Cedar Bird Feeder: Beginner Friendly Woodworking Project
DIY Cedar Bird Feeder: Beginner Friendly Woodworking Project | Easy DIY Plans For Backyard Bird Lovers
Best for: Builders who want a single, weather-resistant feeder with straightforward steps.
This plan centers on one feeder built from cedar. It suits someone who wants to complete a project in a weekend and place it in the yard without adding a finish layer every season.
Key specs:
- Primary material: cedar, a wood commonly chosen for outdoor durability
- Project type: single bird feeder with beginner-oriented steps
- Skill level: listed as beginner friendly
Pros:
- Cedar is widely used outdoors because it resists decay better than many softwoods
- Single-project focus keeps the build short and clear
- Suitable for a first outdoor woodworking project
Cons:
- Offers one design, so builders wanting variety will need another plan
- Cedar costs more per board foot than pine, which affects material planning
Bottom line: Best for someone who wants one durable feeder to build and hang, rather than a collection of designs.
Buying Guide
Design Type: Feeder Versus Nesting Box
Decide first whether you want a feeder, a nest box or both. Feeders hold seed, suet or fruit and are open to visits by many species. Nest boxes have a small entry hole and an enclosed interior, and they are sized for specific cavity-nesting birds. A plan that mixes both can be useful, but make sure the dimensions match the bird you want to host.
Good picks for this: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Cut List Completeness
A plan is only as useful as its cut list. Look for a list that gives the number of pieces, exact lengths, widths and thicknesses, and whether pieces are ripped or crosscut. Plans that give only overall dimensions force you to work out the parts yourself, which adds time and error.
Good picks for this: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make, DIY Cedar Bird Feeder
Lumber Choice and Durability
Outdoor birdhouses and feeders are exposed to rain, sun and temperature swings. Cedar and cypress resist rot without chemical treatment. Pine is inexpensive and easy to work but needs a finish or a yearly check. Avoid pressure-treated lumber for any bird structure, since the chemicals used in treatment can be harmful to birds.
Good picks for this: DIY Cedar Bird Feeder, Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make
Skill Level and Tools Required
Simple feeders can be built with a hand saw, drill and square. Some designs call for a table saw for precise rip cuts or a router for edge detail. Read the tool list before you buy plans. If you do not have a table saw, look for designs that use butt joints and screws rather than dadoes or rabbets.
Good picks for this: Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders, DIY Cedar Bird Feeder
Entry Hole Size and Target Species
For nest boxes, the entry hole diameter controls which birds can use the house. Bluebirds, wrens and chickadees use different hole sizes, and a too-large hole can allow larger birds or predators in. If your plan is for a specific species, confirm the hole size against a reliable species reference before cutting. Our guides on specific species can help you match dimensions. For example, Eastern Bluebird Birdhouse Plans: Free Dimensions and Build Steps and Wren Birdhouse Plans Free: Build a Cedar House in One Weekend list dimensions for two common cavity nesters.
Good picks for this: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
Ventilation, Drainage and Cleaning Access
Nest boxes need drainage holes in the floor and ventilation near the top to limit moisture and heat. Feeders need a way to drain rain and a cleanable tray or hopper. Look for plans that include a removable panel or a hinged side so you can clean out old nesting material each season.
Good picks for this: Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make, DIY Cedar Bird Feeder
Mounting and Placement
Plans should specify how the finished piece is mounted. Feeders often hang from a wire or sit on a post, while nest boxes are typically mounted on a pole or fence. Check whether the plan includes mounting hardware details or leaves that to you. Placement affects predator access and how often birds visit, so plan the mounting method before you start building.
Good picks for this: DIY Cedar Bird Feeder, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders
FAQ
Are free birdhouse feeder plans as good as paid plans?
Free plans can be just as usable, but quality varies widely. Look for complete cut lists, clear dimensions and a stated bird species or feeding purpose. The three options above are published, paid resources, which is worth keeping in mind if you are searching specifically for no-cost downloads.
What wood should I use for a birdhouse feeder?
Cedar and cypress resist rot without chemical treatment and are common choices for outdoor bird structures. Untreated pine works for short-term projects or if you apply a bird-safe finish. Do not use pressure-treated wood, and avoid painted or stained surfaces where birds could peck at the finish.
How big should a birdhouse feeder be?
Size depends on the bird and the food. Feeders are often sized to hold a few cups of seed and to keep the food dry. Nest boxes need floor dimensions and an entry hole sized for the target species. Confirm the numbers in the plan against a reliable species reference before cutting.
Do birdhouses need a finish?
Many builders leave the interior unfinished so birds can grip the surface, and they leave the exterior unfinished or use a simple exterior-grade stain. Avoid paints with heavy solvents or lead-based pigments. The safest option is an unfinished or lightly oiled exterior.
Which tools do I need to build a birdhouse feeder?
At minimum you need a saw, a drill with bits, a square, measuring tape, a clamp and exterior-grade wood screws or galvanized nails. A table saw or router is helpful for some designs but not required for simple builds.
Where should I hang a birdhouse feeder?
Place feeders where you can see them from a window and where birds can reach cover quickly. Keep nest boxes away from heavy foot traffic and out of direct afternoon sun. Mount them on posts or structures that predators cannot easily climb, and consider a baffle if squirrels or cats are a problem.
Conclusion
If you want one reference covering both houses and feeders, Birdhouses & Feeders You Can Make is the most complete starting point. For a wide variety of simple builds in a single plan packet, Project Paper Plan to Build 27 Birdhouses and Feeders gives beginners many options. If your goal is one weather-resistant feeder built from cedar, DIY Cedar Bird Feeder is the most focused choice. Match the plan to the bird you want to host, your tool list and how much time you have this weekend.
Sources
- Federal guidance on nest box design, placement and the species that use them (fws.gov)
- Species accounts and nest box dimensions for common backyard cavity-nesting birds (cornell.edu)
- Information on wood preservatives and safe material choices around wildlife (epa.gov)
Related reading
- Screech Owl Birdhouse Plans: Free Cut List and Build Steps
- Octagon Birdhouse Plans Free: Build One in a Weekend
- Martin Birdhouse Plans Free: Build a Purple Martin House This Weekend
- Large Birdhouse Plans Free: 4 Builds for Owls, Kestrels and Wood Ducks
About Audrey Hayes
Audrey Hayes is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our woodworking guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
