How to Reuse Leftover Pumpkins as Natural Bird Feeders
Perfect for Migrating Birds, Backyard Wildlife & Your Garden
Fall is one of my favorite seasons on the homestead—cooler air, crisp mornings, and of course… pumpkins everywhere. Once Halloween and Thanksgiving pass, many families toss their pumpkins without a second thought. But if you’re anything like our crew, you know that a leftover pumpkin is not trash—it’s an opportunity for creativity, sustainability, and a little backyard magic.
This week, my 3-year-old and I turned our leftover pumpkins into natural pumpkin bird feeders, and it ended up being one of the sweetest moments of the season. We even filmed the whole process to share on YouTube next week, because this is exactly the kind of simple, joyful activity I love encouraging other families to try.
Not only does this project help reduce waste, but it supports migrating birds, enriches your garden soil, and offers a hands-on nature activity that little ones absolutely adore.
Here’s everything you need to know to create your own DIY pumpkin bird feeder this fall.
Why Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder?
If you’ve never made a natural bird feeder before, prepare for something beautiful. Using pumpkins as feeders is more than a craft—it’s a tiny ecosystem moment. Here’s why this project is worth your time:
1. It Supports Migrating Birds
Autumn and early winter are critical for birds migrating through North Carolina and the Southeast. As temperatures drop, natural food sources become scarce. By offering nutrient-rich seeds in a feeder, you help birds build the energy they need to travel long distances.
2. It’s Completely Biodegradable
Unlike plastic or metal feeders, pumpkin feeders return to the earth naturally. When the pumpkin breaks down, you can compost it or simply let it decompose into the soil, adding organic matter back into your garden beds.
3. It’s a Fun, Hands-On Nature Activity for Kids
Toddlers and preschoolers love sensory-rich projects. Scooping out pumpkin seeds, tying yarn, adding birdseed—it’s all tactile, engaging, and easy to do together. My 3-year-old was SO proud to see our finished feeder hanging in the tree (and even more excited when the first chickadee found it!).
4. It Benefits Your Garden
Birds don’t just bring joy—they bring pest control. Attracting feathered friends improves your garden’s health year-round, especially as overwintering insects start to settle in.
What You Need (Most of It You Already Have!)
The best part of this pumpkin bird feeder DIY is that everything is simple, accessible, and often already in your home.
Leftover pumpkin (we used half of a medium pumpkin)
Knife (for an adult to cut the pumpkin safely)
Spoon or scoop for removing seeds
Bowl to collect seeds for roasting
Wooden dowel rods
Yarn, jute twine, or natural string for hanging
Birdseed mix
Tree branch to hang your feeder from
How to Make a DIY Pumpkin Bird Feeder (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Prepare Your Pumpkin
Choose a pumpkin that’s still firm and not moldy. Cut it in half horizontally, creating a bowl-like shape. You want the bottom portion deep enough to hold birdseed without spilling.
2. Scoop Out the Inside
Let your kids help scoop—yes, it gets messy, but that’s the best part! Save the seeds in a bowl, clean them, and roast them later for a no-waste treat.
3. Insert Wooden Dowel Rods
Use a skewer or screwdriver to poke holes through each side of the pumpkin creating an “X” or cross. Slide wooden dowel rods through so they create little crossbars through the pumpkin. This supports the pumpkin when hung in the tree.
4. Attach the Hanging Strings
Cut four equal lengths of yarn or jute. Use a small knife to poke a hole near the top edge of the pumpkin, then tie each string securely to the dowel rods. Bring all four strings together and knot them at the top to create a hanger.
5. Fill with Birdseed
Pour in your favorite seed blend. Black oil sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn are great for local birds.
6. Hang It in a Safe Spot
Choose a tree branch high enough to avoid cats or other predators. Make sure it’s sturdy and visible so you and your kids can watch birds enjoy their treat.
Why Birds Love Pumpkin Feeders
Pumpkins are naturally appealing to birds:
They provide a stable, shallow bowl shape
The edges give birds a natural place to grip
Some species may even peck at the pumpkin flesh for moisture and nutrients
Plus, pumpkin feeders blend beautifully into the landscape—no need for bright plastic or store-bought materials.
Pumpkin Feeders and Garden Ecology
When the pumpkin begins to break down (usually after about a week or two), you can simply compost it or bury it in a garden bed. Earthworms, soil microbes, and fungi will break it down and turn it into organic matter that boosts soil structure and fertility.
Birds also contribute to garden health by:
Eating overwintering pests
Spreading seeds
Providing natural aeration as they scratch and forage
Everything works in a cycle—and this little feeder plays a surprisingly meaningful part.
A Beautiful Activity to Share With Your Kids
One of my favorite parts of homesteading is weaving small, meaningful rituals into our everyday life. This simple project gave my daughter and me a moment to slow down, talk about the birds migrating overhead, and learn about how our actions can help care for the world around us.
Crafts like this help kids develop:
Fine motor skills
Sensory exploration
Environmental awareness
Empathy for wildlife
A sense of responsibility and pride
And honestly? It’s just plain joyful.
(If you want to see our version step-by-step, keep an eye out for the YouTube video dropping this week!)
Final Thoughts: A Simple, Eco-Friendly Way to Reuse Leftover Pumpkins
Reusing leftover pumpkins as natural bird feeders is one of those perfect fall activities—eco-friendly, budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and beneficial to the garden and local wildlife. If you’re looking for a fun, meaningful project to do with your kids this season, this is it.
Hang one up, watch the birds swoop in, and enjoy a moment of nature-filled magic right in your backyard.