Did you know that the average human body is 72% water? So it’s important to stay hydrated, but humans aren’t the only ones who need water to live. That’s why C.I.EAU shows you how to build a watering hole for the birds on your property.
Completion time: 40 minutes
Safety information
Adult supervision is required.
- Using a self-retracting (or “exacto”) knife requires dexterity and can be dangerous for children.
- The glue is non-toxic, but hands must be washed after use.
Hardware
- Empty water bottle or plastic glass (remember to recycle!);
- Raffia or string made from palm fiber (two different colors if possible);
- Varnish glue;
- Brush;
- Wire or chenille wire;
- Self-retracting (or “exacto”) knife;
- Decorations (artificial flowers, felt, etc.);
- Perforator, also called punch.
Production steps
1- Cut the bottle or glass about 15 cm from the bottom;
2- Brush glaze over the entire bottle, except for the bottom;
3- Use the two colors of raffia to go around the bottle, crossing the colors;
4- Add your favorite little decorations. You can slide them between two strands of raffia or glue them in place;
5- Use the hole punch to drill two holes about 1 cm from the top, taking care to align the holes to balance the trough;
6- Loop the wire through the holes;
7- Fill the trough with tap water and set it up outside for your bird friends!
Scientific explanation
Reusing items from the recycling bin is a very green habit! It’s part of the 3R rule: reduce, reuse and recycle. Recycling is the last solution we should consider.
Glue varnish works well on a variety of materials, such as the plastic from which the bottle is made. You can test several types of glue (hot glue, instant glue, etc.) to see what works best. Raffia reminds birds of the composition of their nest. So they’ll be more inclined to go to your homemade waterer!
Further information
You can make several different drinkers and see if the birds are attracted by certain details on one of your creations.
By testing the different adhesives, you can analyze their composition to see which element helps the material adhere better or not.
Put the hair and foam from your dryer outside for your bird friends to use in their nests.
FAQ
For which age group is the activity recommended?
This activity is suitable for children of all ages.
Where can you get the materials you need?
In a hobby store. We recommend that you support your small local branches.
What if the raffia doesn’t stick to the plastic?
Wait about 1 hour to make sure the varnish has dried properly, then start again with a fresh coat of varnish glue. If this still doesn’t work, you can try another type of glue.
Why don’t the birds come and drink from the trough?
Make sure it’s hung in an accessible place, and change the water regularly to encourage the birds to pass through.