Repurposed Plastic Bottle Bird Nest

Even birds deserve a little bit of luxury, and what could be more luxurious than a plastic bottle bird nest? This unique product is perfect for those who love to craft and also love to help out our feathered friends. The bird nest is made out of a plastic bottle, and it is crafted in such a way that it looks just like a birdhouse with a real bird’s nest. It is even complete with a hole in the side for the birds to enter and exit. This is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see the birds using it.

Plastic Bottle Bird Nest

By crafting a bird’s nest in a plastic bottle, you can give the birds a house and create a lovely nesting space. Not only is this fun and easy to do, but it’s also a great way to help out our feathered friends.  I love the idea of using this as a project to make with kid’s on a school break, or just to get them interested in seeing the birds that are around your area. 

The best part is that you can use recycled materials to make your bird nest. All you need is a few plastic bottles, twine, paint, and a few other materials.  If you think you want to make something a bit more traditional, you might want to check out our lists of DIY bird feeders and our list of DIY birdbaths.  These both have tons of ideas to get you started on providing for your own bird. 

What Should I Hang This on a Tree With?

I am using twine to wrap around the cap and for the hanging loop.  You can wrap or tie it around the neck of the bottle and hang like that, but I prefer making a hole in the lid and stringing the twine through it so it has a bit more stable straight look. 

You can use a fishing line, ribbon, twine, rope, or even yarn to hang your bird nest.  I do recommend using items that will hold up to the weight of a small bird, should your flying friends decide to make use of the nest in your yard. 

What Can I Put Inside a Birds Nest?

To make the bird nest you can use whatever you have on hand. For this nest, I filled the base with some plain raffia I had on hand.  If using raffia, make sure it is the natural type and not died in different colors. Below are some other options you can use to safely fill the bird’s nest.

• Cut up strips of newspaper or scrap craft paper. 
• Leaves, moss, and twigs from your lawn and yard near where it will hang. 
• More unusual but good items include adding dryer lint or hair clippings.  
• Old strips of cloth or cotton balls are also popular in bird nests. 

Whatever you choose to put inside the nest, if placed outside, make sure that the material is safe for birds.  Avoid dyed items or anything that could injure the birds. You can also fill the base with just a bit of birdseed or even water so it becomes more of a bird feeder. 

Can This Be Used as a Bird Feeder?

Using this bottle bird nest as a bird feeder is a fun idea. The birds will love it. You might want to add a stick or dowel rod coming out right under the hole to give the birds a place to perch that is easier for some birds than landing on the edge.  With the rod already through the middle, it should give them ample space to perch and enjoy the seeds you put out for them. 

How Do I Keep the Birds Safe?

You want to make sure that you put the bird’s nest high enough that predators can’t reach it and also so that it is out of the way of any foot traffic.  It’s also smart to make sure that the hole is large enough for the bird to get inside, but not so large for predator birds or even squirrels to get into.  Of course, make sure you maintain the bird’s nest by cleaning it out and putting fresh items inside on occasion.

Supplies Needed

How to Make a Plastic Bottle Bird Perch

Clean out your plastic bottles and make sure they are dry.  I also make sure to remove any labels and/or glue from the outside before painting.  Once clean, cut the top 1/3 of the bottle off on the lid end.  This usually lands at the base of the top where it begins to curve upward to the neck. 

Next, you can add a little bit of a unique look by cutting around the base of this piece to create a scalloped edge. 

Now, cut off the middle of the bottle, leaving just the base and about 3″ in height.  

Next, you will cut a “door” or opening on the side of the base of the bottle.  I used an approximate measurement that will vary depending upon the size of your bottle.  Cut around 2″ from the bottom and 2″ wide.  This gives an opening for the bird to climb through. 

Spray paint the bottom white and the top portion red and set them aside to dry. 

Now, cut a hole n the top of the lid with a soldering iron or knife. 

Cut and tie a long piece of twine into a loop, and slide through the hole in the lid, so the knot is on the inside of the bottle. 

Once the paint is dry, add some little white and yellow flowers onto the red top half at random intervals. Then set this aside to dry. 

Now, it’s time to assemble.  Fill the bottom of the bird’s nest (white) with some raffia or hay.  

Use a hole punch to create a hole on each bottom edge of both the top and bottom pieces.  Cut these so they line up. 

Now, wrap the base of the neck of the bottle and lid with twine and glue into place. 

Then, place the red top over the white bottom, lining up the holes you already made. Slide the dowel through the holes so they are connected.  This gives your bird a perch inside but also space on either side to perch. 

Add a fake bird to the top with glue. 

Cut the rope to go around the base of the opening to the bird’s nest and glue it into place. 

Then add other embellishments around the bottom half if desired. I used a little ladybug decal on mine. 

More Easy Craft Ideas

For more fun craft ideas to add to your garden or outdoor spaces, check out my list below.  These are some of my favorites and are perfect for you to bookmark, print out tutorials for, or just pin to a craft board on Pinterest. 

Finished Project Gallery

Add any extra embellishments you want to give your nest personality. 

This can also be used as a bird feeder by just adding seed in the base instead of hay or raffia.