The secret for attracting bluebirds? Offer mealworms! This DIY mealworm feeder made from recycled tuna cans is perfect for the task.
DIY Mealworm Feeder for Attracting Bluebirds
Updated on Feb. 11, 2025
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Welcome Bluebirds With a DIY Mealworm Feeder
Attracting bluebirds is easy when you offer mealworms. There’s no need to buy an expensive feeder, though. This DIY mealworm feeder made from tuna cans costs less than a few dollars to make. You just need a few supplies and tools. Then hang it in a tree, and wait for those beautiful bluebirds to arrive.
Materials
- 2 recycled cans (tuna or cat food)
- 16- and 18-gauge wire
- Beads
- Paint
- Needle-nose pliers
- Drill
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1
Clean out your cans and let dry. Drill three holes in the shape of a triangle on both the bottom and rim of each can. Be sure the holes on the top and bottom line up so your feeder isn’t crooked.
Step 2
Paint or decorate your cans any way you like. I used acrylic paint in many layers, allowing the paint to dry. Then I accented with a gold color metallic pen. You can also use spray paint or permanent markers to create your own unique design.
When completely dry, spray the painted cans with a little bit of matte finishing spray.
Step 3
Cut the wire that will hold the two cans together. Cut six pieces, 9 inches long, of 18-gauge wire. Insert the wire into the rim of each can and twist a few times, leaving approximately 3 inches for decorative curling and 6 inches for hanging. Leave unattached for now.
Step 4
Create the hanger portion of the feeder by cuting about 12 inches of 16-gauge wire. Make a small loop at one end, and then fold the wire over to make a hook. At the other end, create an eyehook. Depending on where you will be hanging your mealworm feeder, adjust the length as needed.
Step 5
For the decorative element under the hanger, cut a 12-inch piece of 16-gauge wire to loop and curl. Fold the wire in half, and make a loop at both ends in a figure-eight formation. Cut the remaining ends to the same length and curl. Attach this piece to the hanger by creating an eyehook at each end of a bead and attach the two pieces together.
Step 6
Attach the cans together. Start with the bottom can. Place a bead on each stem, insert the excess wires into the top can and make a small loop at the end of each one. Do the same with the top can, attaching the excess wires to the hanger.
Step 7
You can add swirls, beads and any other decorative elements to the bottom of the second can. Using 4-inch pieces of wire, insert them through the bottom of the can and decorate as desired.
Finally, it’s time to hang the feeder and add the mealworms. In no time at all, you’ll be attracting bluebirds from all over the neighborhood!
Sources for Mealworms
- Find them online; you can have mealworms shipped directly to your house. Some places even offer a live delivery guarantee.
- Go to a local bait shop. You’ll probably pay a bit more but in a pinch, bait shops usually have them.
- Check out your local pet store. Again, you’ll pay more but it’s a convenient way to get worms quickly.
- Buy them dried. You can buy dried mealworms just about anywhere you shop for birdseed. Best of all, they’ll last for months.
- Raise your own. Save some money by raising your own endless supply of mealworms. Look for a mealworm farm online to get started.
Next, learn how to make a DIY bluebird house.
