Pine cone bird feeders are a popular DIY bird feeding option. They provide an attractive natural look in any yard or garden. But how good are pine cones for feeding our feathered friends? There are a few pros and cons to consider.
The pros of pine cone feeders
Here are some of the benefits that pine cone feeders can offer:
They’re inexpensive and reusable
Pine cones are freely available in many areas, so collecting some cones to make a feeder costs nothing. With a simple coat of peanut butter or lard, plus birdseed or other goodies pressed into the sticky coating, you’ve got an instant bird feeder. Pine cones can be reused over and over each season too.
They’re durable
Pine cones are tough and durable. They can withstand different weather conditions outside and continue feeding birds for a long time before needing to be refilled or replaced.
Good for larger seeds
The ridges and spaces between pine cone scales are perfect for holding large seeds in place, such as peanuts, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn kernels. Smaller seeds may quickly fall out.
Attracts woodpeckers
In particular, pine cones coated in suet or lard appeal to woodpeckers. These birds love clinging to the textured cones and digging out the fat-rich coating.
Natural appearance
Pine cone feeders integrate into the garden nicely. Their natural look blends with plant beds, trees, and other landscape features.
The cons of pine cone feeders
However, there are also some drawbacks with pine cone bird feeders:
Difficult to clean
Pine cones have many nooks and crannies where old bird food can accumulate. This makes it challenging to fully clean and sanitize pine cones between uses.
Can grow mold
Mold and fungi can start growing in the damp, hard-to-reach spots inside used pine cones. This introduces health hazards for visiting birds.
May attract rodents
Fallen seeds and food debris around the feeder can attract undesirable animals like mice, rats, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Birds can get stuck
Small birds may accidentally get their feet caught between pine cone scales or scales and the branch. Only larger pine cone scales are safe.
Loose coating
The peanut butter, lard, or other coating used to make the pine cone sticky doesn’t adhere very well. It can get messy and fall off easily.
Best practices for pine cone feeders
If you want to experiment with pine cone feeders, here are some tips to get the best results:
Choose fresh, intact cones
Select cones freshly fallen from pine trees. Old, weathered cones have degraded and may grow more mold. Avoid cones with scales missing or openings between scales.
Use large cones
Medium or large pine cones around 4-6 inches long are best. Large scales and gaps won’t trap small bird feet.
Apply coating carefully
Use enough peanut butter or lard to generously cover cone scales and fill gaps, without leaving globs that can fall off. Press birdseed, dried fruit, corn kernels, etc. firmly into coating so they adhere.
Hang securely
Hang pine cone feeder from a tree branch, pole, hook, or wire. Use strong string, twine, or wire to support weight and bird activity. Place out of reach of squirrels and other predators.
Keep clean and dry
Discard and replace pine cones regularly before they get too dirty or moldy. Put feeders under roof overhangs or covers to keep dry.
Pair with other feeders
Use pine cone feeders alongside other tube feeders, hopper feeders, suet feeders, etc. This prevents birds from relying too much on a single food source.
Best foods to use
Here are some top food options for stuffing inside pine cone feeders:
| Food | Notes |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter | High in fat and protein for energy. Sticks well to hold seeds. |
| Suet | Nutrient-dense fat that attracts woodpeckers. |
| Sunflower seeds | Popular with chickadees, nuthatches, finches, cardinals, etc. |
| Peanuts | Nutritious nuts that blue jays and woodpeckers enjoy. |
| Corn kernels | Cracked corn is eagerly eaten by doves and jays. |
| Raisins | Dried fruit with concentrated energy appealing to robins and orioles. |
Conclusion
Pine cone bird feeders can be a fun and inexpensive DIY feeding option. They are best used in moderation alongside other feeder types. Focus on proper placement, maintenance, and foods to get the most benefit for backyard birds. Avoid issues like sticky cones, mold, and crowding to ensure a safe feeding experience. Overall, incorporating some pine cone feeders into your feeding setup can add diversity and natural appeal.
