How to Make a Squirrel Feeder? (2026)

DIY Squirrel Feeders

how to make a squirrel feeder is simple: build a basic platform feeder with a hinged roof, cut the base and sides, attach the roof on a hinge, and mount it on a pole or hang it where squirrels visit.

Common feeder styles include a platform with a roof for easy servicing, a picnic-table style for multiple squirrels and great viewing, and a hanging pine-cone or cone style for quick kids’ crafts. Choose a platform with roof for longevity, the picnic-table style for social feeding, and the pine-cone option when you want a fast, cheap project.

Difficulty ranges from easy for a pine-cone craft (15–30 minutes) to moderate for a wooden platform feeder (1–2 hours) and more involved for a picnic-table build (2–4 hours). Costs vary roughly from under $5 for the craft, $20–50 for a basic wooden feeder, and $40–100 for the picnic table, and remember to feed responsibly and avoid overfeeding wildlife.

Materials

Wood: use cedar or exterior-grade 3/4″ plywood for durability, or 1×6 cedar boards for a rustic look; sample cut list for the platform feeder is base 12″ x 12″, back 12″ x 8″, two side lips 12″ x 2″, and roof 14″ x 14″. These sizes give a 1″ overhang on the roof and a seed lip to keep food on the platform.

Hardware: one small exterior hinge (4″ works), twelve #8 x 1½” galvanized or stainless screws, one ¼” eye bolt for hanging (or two for stability), a small latch or hook, and optional cup washers for drainage holes. Use stainless or galvanized to resist rust and extend the feeder life.

Optional items include metal flashing to protect edges from chewing, a pole bracket and baffle to deter predators, exterior wood glue, and a water-based exterior sealer or paint. Tools required are a circular saw or jigsaw, drill/driver, tape measure, clamps, sandpaper, a screwdriver, and safety gear; for a kids’ option use a pine cone, peanut butter, seed, and twine for a quick craft. For additional plan ideas see wood feeder plans.

Instructions

Step 1 — Cut the pieces: mark and cut the base at 12″ x 12″, back at 12″ x 8″, side lips at 12″ x 2″, and roof at 14″ x 14″. The roof overhang protects seed from rain and the 14″ roof gives a 1″ overhang; remember to drill a few small drainage holes in the base so wet seed can escape.

Step 2 — Assemble the base and sides: position the back against the base, clamp, pre-drill screw holes to avoid splitting, glue if desired, then drive screws through the base into the back and sides. Countersink screws slightly and sand joins smooth to prevent sharp edges that could harm squirrels or catch food packaging.

Step 3 — Attach the hinged roof and access: screw the hinge to the rear of the roof and the back panel so the roof lifts toward you for cleaning, then add a small latch or hook at the front to keep it closed. Leave a seed lip by attaching the 2″ side pieces on the front and drill cup-washer-protected drainage holes if you expect heavy rain.

Step 4 — Mount and finish: hang with an eye bolt through the center of the roof or mount on a treated post with a bracket, placing the feeder 4–6 feet high for pole-mounted and 4–8 feet when hanging. Sand all exposed edges, seal end grain with exterior water-based stain or sealer safe for wildlife, and use stainless hardware to prevent rust.

Step 5 — Safety and troubleshooting: always wear eye protection and clamp pieces before cutting or drilling, pre-drill all screw holes, and seal cut ends to avoid water damage. If the feeder tips, add a heavier base or center support; if squirrels chew edges, fit metal flashing strips; remove moldy seed immediately.

Include a labeled materials/cut-list and at least 4–6 step photos or one clear diagram to help viewers follow your build; for visual examples and photo-heavy instructions check the step-by-step photos.

How to Build a Picnic Table Squirrel Feeder

The picnic-table squirrel feeder is a low, wide table with two bench seats and a raised lip, making it perfect for several squirrels to feed at once and for easy viewing from a window or patio. If you want to know how to make a squirrel feeder that hosts multiple animals, this design is one of the best for watching squirrel interactions.

Materials and quick cut list: one 16″ x 18″ tabletop, two bench tops 16″ x 4″, four legs 8″ x 2″, two support rails 14″ x 2″, and a small 18″ x 6″ roof if you opt for rain protection. Use cedar or exterior plywood and the same hardware as the platform feeder but add extra screws for bench supports.

Steps in brief: cut the tabletop and bench pieces, assemble the supports and legs, attach benches to the rails, and screw the tabletop in place with a raised 1″ lip around the edge to keep seed in. Add an optional small roof or awning above the table to keep seed dry and provide shade for visitors.

Mounting options include freestanding on a post, bolting to a deck rail, or suspending low from a branch; if attaching to glass or a windowed area consider window feeder tips for secure mounting. Expect 2–4 hours to build and $40–100 in parts, and if benches sag add a center support under the tabletop.

Pine Cone Bird Feeder

The pine cone feeder is a quick craft-style alternative: tie a length of twine through the stem, spread peanut butter or suet on the scales, roll it in mixed seed, and hang from a branch. This project takes 15–30 minutes and is perfect for kids and classrooms.

Notes: use sunflower seed or suet for peanut allergies and avoid chocolate and salted snacks, as they harm wildlife; hang the cone 4–8 feet high and replace if it gets wet or moldy. Clean nearby feeders monthly with a mild bleach solution (1:9 bleach to water), rinse well and dry, and expect birds, squirrels, and chipmunks to sample your pine-cone treats.