Turn an old baking pan into an easy feeder with this muffin tin bird feeder project. A great way to upcycle an unusable pan, these feeders are surprisingly versatile and can be charming additions to any rustic feeding station.

Choosing the Muffin Tin

An old muffin tin or cupcake pan may not be suitable for baking treats once it is warped or rusted, but that is the ideal type of pan to create a bird feeder.


Any size pan can be used, but the best sizes are either 6- or 12-muffin tins in standard cup sizes. Mini muffin tins can also be used, but may be slightly less versatile for offering a wide range of foods, and silicone or other flexible pans should be avoided – they will bend under the weight of the food and cause extensive spills.

Avoid muffin pans with damaged coatings that may flake away; birds may accidentally consume those coatings and the chemicals could be toxic. Pans with dents, scratches or other imperfections are still usable, however, and can often be found very inexpensively at thrift stores.

In addition to the pan, other materials needed for this project include heavy twine or a basic chain, a drill with both large and small bits, sandpaper and any desired decorative accents such as bells or dangling crystals.

Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Before turning a cupcake pan or muffin tin into a bird feeder, it should be thoroughly cleaned. Once it is dry, use the drill and a very small bit to pierce 2-3 holes in the bottom of each cup to provide suitable drainage – though you may choose to skip this step if the feeder will be used for softer foods that may melt, such as jelly or suet.

Next, use a larger drill bit to add holes at each corner of the pan. The holes should be large enough that the twine or small chain can be inserted through them for hanging, and should be positioned far enough from the edge of the pan so they will not break loose. After all the drilling is complete, gently smooth the rough edges of the holes with the sandpaper so there is no risk of cuts or other injuries when handling the feeder or if birds should brush against the holes.

Attach the chain or twine to the feeder by running it through the holes and creating loops that can be used for hanging. You may create one loop at each corner, or can run a longer length of twine or chain between two holes on the same side. The loops should be even and long enough that they can be gathered together above the feeder for level hanging. If the twine or chain will not fit through the holes and drilling wider holes is not possible, use old key rings through the holes to attach the loops.

If desired, hang crystals, bells or other decorations from the pan's corners – sparkling objects or spots of color will help attract birds to the feeder. The best accent, however, is delicious food, and each cup of the pan can be filled with a different treat. Choose different types of birdseed, nuts, dried mealworms, fruit chunks, jelly or suet crumbles to add to the feeder, and a great variety of birds will investigate the different offerings.

Hanging the Feeder

This feeder is easy to hang from a hook or branch, and it is heavy enough that it will not swing significantly in mild or moderate breezes. If you prefer not to hang the feeder, it can be used as an easy, refillable tray and set directly on the ground or on a table, stump or other relatively level surface – in that case, the chain loops are not needed and the feeder can be used as soon as holes have been added for drainage. A baffle or other cover can be useful to help keep the feeder dry, or it can be placed under cover on a deck, porch or patio.

Cleaning a Muffin Tin Bird Feeder

All bird feeders must be cleaned regularly to help prevent spreading bacteria and diseases, as well as to minimize odors that can attract predators or pests. Clean the muffin tin by first removing any hulls or other debris, then wiping down each cup as well as the rim of the feeder where birds perch. Use a damp sponge with a weak bleach solution to sterilize the feeder, and also wipe down the twine or chains that birds come into contact with. For more thorough cleaning, detach the hanging loops and clean the muffin tin with hot, soapy water, or put it in the dishwasher if it is safe to do so.

Want to try an even easier recycled bird feeder with a similar style? Make an egg carton bird feeder!

Photo – Muffin Tin and Birdseed © Emma Craig