DIY A Birdhouse By Repurposing Your Empty Juice Cartons

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Birdwatching is a rewarding way to connect with nature and observe wildlife up close. And as someone who appreciates the outdoors, it makes sense for birders to want to repurpose a household staple to protect the earth rather than buy something brand new. A great example is turning an empty half-gallon juice or milk carton — which can't always be recycled curbside due to its plastic and paper hybrid construction — into a simple DIY birdhouse. If you have children at home, this craft also offers an opportunity for them to help out with a fun, hands-on activity that will support local birds.

You can hang your DIY birdhouse as-is, but what's the fun in that? Try painting it and decorating it with embellishments like leaves, stickers, buttons, or even twigs that you can glue to the carton's roof to give it the appearance of having a charming thatched roof. Although a juice-carton birdhouse won't last as long as a traditional wooden one, that's part of its charm. After the season, you won't have to clean the birdhouse in your yard — you can just recycle or toss it when it's dirty. 

If you're worried it won't last through an entire nesting season, you could use it as a bird feeder instead. When it starts to deteriorate or when the birds consume all the seed, swap it out for a new one. An additional winning quality about this activity: Aside from cutting an opening for the birds and attaching some twine for hanging, you can decorate it however you like to complement your outdoor space. Let your imagination take flight and make something uniquely whimsical.

To begin, remove the vessel's plastic cap, pour some soapy water in, shake it well, then drain it; let it dry completely before replacing the cap. Get some sharp scissors, string, glue, and any decorative items that capture your eye. You won't need to poke a hole to add a perch — it's best to avoid this popular birdhouse addition because predator birds like jays and crows could use it to reach the eggs or young birds inside. 

To create an entrance for the birds you want to attract, cut a hole about 1 to 2 inches from the bottom — a round, arched, or rectangular one would work. Just make sure it's about 1 ½ inches wide to comfortably accommodate small songbirds. Don't let the kids do this part or the next two steps for safety. Poke a hole near the top of the container on two opposite sides, thread your twine through, and knot it securely to create a loop for hanging. Also make a small hole or two in its floor for drainage. 

Now it's time to decorate! If you like, you could paint the exterior with nontoxic acrylic paint and add baubles, such as buttons or mini pinecones, or decoupage images from magazines or old books and seal them with Mod Podge. Consider using natural themes like birds, birdhouses, or flowers. When finished, hang your miniature house in a safe spot, like on a tall shepherd's hook, or fill it with birdseed before placing it outside. Soon, it may become the centerpiece of your yard, attracting beautiful songbirds and filling your yard with delightful birdsong.