Making your own bird food

Bird Bells

Want to make your own bird bells?  Here's how to do it.

You will need these items:

-Preferred seed (I used black oil seed for some nyjer thistle for others).

-10 cm (4") terra cotta pots make a good size.

-measuring cup

-egg whites (1 egg white per cup of seed)

-plastic wrap

-a large bowl

-a whisk

-a table spoon

-stiff wire such as a coat hanger.

Method:

1) Heat oven to 65°C or 150°F

2) Cut wire to measure ~ 46cm or 18".  Make a flat closed loop at one end.  This will sit at the bottom of the bell once inverted.

3) Line the pots with the plastic wrap (this will not melt in the oven if the temperature is as recommended above).

4) In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. This breaks up the egg white so it will coat evenly.

5) Add the seeds to the egg white and mix to coat well.

6) Spoon the seed into the plastic lined terra cotta pots, pressing occasionally to ensure seeds are evenly packed.

7) Insert the wire so that the stem goes through the hole in the pot and the loop sits flat on top of the seed.  The wire loop may be covered with extra seed if you like.

8) Put the seed pots in the oven for 1 hour. You may have to adjust the racks and wire to make it all fit.

9) Remove the pots from the oven and invert onto a plate or board, and remove the pot. Allow to cool.

10) Remove the plastic wrap when ready to hang.  The wrap helps to keep the seeds together while storing.  Make a hook at the end of the wire and hang the bell where the birds will see it.  Enjoy!

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