It’s easy to make a teacup bird feeder and they make a charming addition to any backyard. Attract our feathered friends in a delightful way!
These DIY projects are not only fun and creative but also budget-friendly.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make three different teacup bird feeders without the need for drilling. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DIY enthusiast, these projects are perfect for birdwatching enthusiasts of all ages, even kids!
Why Make A Teacup Bird Feeder?
Learning how to make teacup bird feeders has several advantages.
First and foremost, they add a touch of vintage charm to your outdoor space, making it more inviting for both you and your avian visitors.
These feeders are also a fantastic way to recycle and repurpose old teacups and saucers you might have lying around, or you can easily find them at estate sales, garage sales, or rummage sales for a bargain.
Plus, they require no drilling or complicated tools, making them accessible to DIY beginners.
Where to Find Inexpensive Teacups & How Much to Pay
To get started with your DIY teacup bird feeder project, look for affordable teacups and saucers.
You can find them at thrift stores, estate sales, garage sales, or online marketplaces. Prices can vary, but you don’t need to break the bank. Aim to pay anywhere from $1 to $5 for each teacup and saucer set.
I found the 3 sets below at my local St. Vincent’s DePaul. Each set was under $3!



This budget-friendly approach allows you to create a beautiful bird feeder while saving money.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Teacup and Saucer
When selecting your teacup and saucer, consider the following factors:
Size: Ensure that the teacup has enough space for birdseed while leaving room for birds to perch comfortably.
Material: Ceramic teacups are the most popular choice due to their durability and charm.
Design: Choose a teacup and saucer set that matches your aesthetic preferences and complements your outdoor space.
What Types of Birds to Expect from The Cup & Saucer Feeders

Teacup bird feeders attract a variety of small birds, including finches, sparrows, chickadees, and titmice. These charming feeders are perfect for birdwatchers who enjoy observing colorful and lively feathered visitors.
Now, let’s dive into the fun part: making your teacup bird feeders!
How to Make The “Original” Teacup Bird Feeder
Elevate your garden’s charm and attract feathered friends with the Original Teacup Bird Feeder. This DIY teacup bird feeder offers both decorative elegance and practicality.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to create this delightful teacup bird feeder without drilling, making it an easy and stylish addition to your outdoor space.
Materials

- Teacup and saucer set
- Strong outdoor adhesive glue (like E6000) or Hot Glue
- Twine or wire for hanging
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Directions
- Clean and dry the teacup and saucer thoroughly.
- Apply a generous amount of outdoor adhesive glue to the base of the teacup.

3. Press the teacup firmly onto the saucer straight up, ensuring a secure bond.

4. Allow the glue to dry completely.
5. Attach a length of twine, an S hook, or wire to the handle of the teacup for hanging.

6. Fill the teacup with birdseed, and your first teacup bird feeder is ready to hang!

How to Make The “Cradled” Teacup Bird Feeder

If you’re yearning to add a touch of delicate charm and decorative elegance to your backyard while inviting feathered friends for a delightful meal, the “Cradled” Bird Feeder is the perfect DIY project for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through creating the DIY teacup bird feeder, a beautiful and functional addition to your garden that requires no drilling or complicated tools.
Materials

- Teacup and saucer set
- Strong outdoor adhesive glue (like E6000) or Hot Glue
- Twine or wire for hanging
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Directions
- Glue the teacup to the saucer
- Cut three strands of twine or wire together

3. Tie three strands of twine, or wire together

4. Lay the twine or wire on a flat surface and place the saucer and tea cup on top of the tie where all three twins unite.

5. Take the untied strands of twine or wire and bring it up over the teacup and saucer.


6. Attach the untied strands to wherever you wish to hang the birdfeeder.

7. Fill the teacup with birdfeed.

How to Make The “Pour it Outโ Teacup Bird Feeder

Last but not least, my favorite teacup bird feeder design – the “Pour it Out”.
This design not only provides a stylish dining experience for birds but also elevates the aesthetic of your outdoor space. Let’s craft a bird feeder that’s inviting, creative, and visually pleasing, ensuring your garden becomes a haven for both you and your avian visitors.
This design also welcomes larger birds such as northern cardinals.
Materials

- Teacup and saucer set
- Strong outdoor adhesive glue (like E6000) or Hot Glue
- Twine or wire for hanging
- Birdseed
- Scissors
Step-by-Step Directions
- Clean and dry the teacup and saucer thoroughly.
- Apply a bead of waterproof silicone adhesive to the side of the teacup.

3. Press the teacup onto the saucer at an angle as if it were pouring tea onto the saucer.

4. Ensure that the adhesive has a watertight seal
5. Let it dry completely.
6. Thread a ribbon, wire, or chain through the teacup handle for hanging.

7. Fill the saucer with birdseed, and your third teacup bird feeder is ready to be displayed.

Note, if you are catering to medium or larger birds, we recommend placing your teacup and saucer on a flat surface, or tree trunk, or adhering it to a pole so that it is more stable and can handle more weight.
Safety considerations
- Be careful not to use too much glue, as this could make the teacup or saucer brittle.
- Make sure the string or wire is not too long, as this could pose a hazard to the birds.
- Place the feeder out of reach of children and pets.
FAQs
How to Keep the Seed in the Teacup Bird Feeder Dry?
Unfortunately, you can’t prevent the seed from getting wet in rainy weather. It’s a good idea to empty the teacup after rain and replace the seed to keep it fresh for the birds.
Could You Put the Bird Feed on the Saucer Around the Cup?
Yes, you can scatter some birdseed on the saucer to attract ground-feeding birds like sparrows and doves.
How to Prevent Other Wildlife from Knocking Over the Teacup Feeder?
To deter larger wildlife like squirrels, consider placing the teacup bird feeder on a pole or hanging it from a height that’s difficult for them to reach.
Here are some additional tips for all teacup birdfeeders:
- Use a strong glue that will withstand the elements.
- Make sure the string or wire is strong enough to support the weight of the teacup/saucer and birdseed.
- Place the feeder in a location where the birds will have easy access to it.
- Keep the feeder clean and filled with fresh birdseed.
With these simple steps, you can make a beautiful and functional teacup bird feeder that will attract birds to your backyard for years to come.
Conclusion
Creating teacup bird feeders is an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to enhance your birdwatching experience. With these simple, no-drill designs, you can give your backyard birds a stylish and inviting place to dine.
So, gather your teacups and saucers, and let your creativity take flight as you craft these charming bird feeders that will bring joy to both you and your feathered friends. Happy birdwatching!