British Garden Bird Feeder

thingiverse

This is an ongoing project, a personal research endeavor focused on designing a bird feeder for the UK market. The objective is to create a low-cost bird feeder using 3D printing techniques. By incorporating more curves and fewer rectangles into the design, filament usage and print time can be minimized, resulting in significant cost savings. Contributors will always be credited for their input. The UK's frequent rain showers provide an added advantage, as the feeder remains less exposed to harsh weather conditions compared to other designs. An innovative gutter system has been incorporated to collect and utilize rainwater, further enhancing the design's efficiency. A deliberate choice was made to use black PLA filament, which is known to be highly attractive to robins. The entrance hole measures 38 mm or 1.5 inches in diameter, allowing for easy access by birds of various sizes. Drain holes have been strategically placed to facilitate effortless cleaning under a tap. After conducting initial testing on my washing line and garden table, I've observed that the seeds may have been depleted due to bird activity. However, without a webcam to monitor the situation, it remains uncertain whether the birds genuinely appreciate this feeder design. I welcome feedback from anyone who chooses to replicate this design, as their input will be invaluable in refining its effectiveness. Notably, PLA filament costs approximately £3, making this project an attractive option for those seeking affordable bird feeder solutions. Update: As the current season is marked by frequent windy conditions, the feeder tends to topple over. To address this issue, I plan to incorporate copper coins as a weight-enhancing solution, ensuring stability and preventing unwanted movement. Furthermore, I've successfully integrated this design into my metal tree, providing a secure and elevated feeding station for birds. Inspiration for this project was drawn subconsciously from the aesthetic appeal of English Garden Follies. For more information on these enchanting structures, please visit http://tinyurl.com/y88c4qr2. This bird feeder design is part of an ongoing series of research projects focused on developing effective bird feeders. Other related files are available, showcasing various designs tailored to meet the specific needs of small birds. Prior to installing nesting boxes for robins and blue tits, I need to refine these feeders by incorporating larger perches suitable for smaller avian visitors. Update 18 Feb 2018: I'd like to extend my gratitude to those who have downloaded this design over 140 times. All feedback is greatly appreciated, as it will play a crucial role in refining and perfecting the feeder's performance. I've observed robins frequenting the feeder for seeds, which is a positive sign. However, my primary concern remains the presence of squirrels, which manage to access the feeder and raid the seeds with alarming frequency. To mitigate this issue, I plan to remount the feeder on a wire that will keep it out of reach of these pesky critters. While I do provide ground food for squirrels as part of my bird-friendly approach, their persistent attempts to access the feeder necessitate further design enhancements.