Rain is a part of life. It’s something that can have an effect on the bird food you’re putting on. This is why it’s time to learn how to make a rain guard for a bird feeder.
So, what do you need?
There are a few ways to go about this. Some may prefer the idea of buying a new rain guard for their bird feeder and that’s wonderful.
The benefits include:
- Longer-Lasting
- Easier to Set Up
- Faster
It’s recommended to go with a stylish, brand-new rain guard for bird feeders because they’re easy to install. You are not going to have to fiddle around with different materials and/or go through unwanted issues that are difficult to manage.
It’s better to go with a solution that’s straight to the point and effective.
If you are taking the time to go with the best rain guard for bird feeders, make sure it’s going to last and is going to look great at the same time. It should also keep your birds safe!
This guide will take a look at how to make a rain guard for a bird feeder, what to use, and what to focus on during the process.
Table of Contents
Best Rain Guard for Bird Feeder (EDITOR’S CHOICE)
- Made of metal with beautiful brushed copper color finish
- Protects your feeder from the elements
- Protects nectar feedesr from direct sun
Last update on 2023-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Tips on How To Make a Rain Guard for a Bird Feeder
Tip #1: Use a Waterproof Material
Start with a waterproof material for the bird feeder guard.
In essence, you want to go with a material where the water isn’t going to go through the top layer. There are several materials that can do this including metal, plastic, tarp, and more.
Now, it is recommended to go with a softer material that is still durable. The idea is to ensure the birds aren’t getting injured as soon as they land anywhere near the bird feeder. It’s also recommended to make sure the material doesn’t reflect in the sunlight.
This can lead to accidents where the birds crash into the bird feeder and/or rain guard because of how the sunlight is hitting the surface.
With the waterproof material in hand such as tarp, you are going to see great results.
This is more than enough to protect the bird feeder as much as you want to. Otherwise, you are going to have a situation where the bird feeder isn’t safe at all.
As you learn how to make a rain guard for a bird feeder, it’s all about starting with a good foundation (i.e. the material being used).
Tip #2: Measure the Coverage Area
How much area is going to be covered?
You should take the time to measure the bird feeder and where the rain is going to come from. For example, it’s not enough to just cover the top of the bird feeder!
The rain is going to come from the side as well since it falls at an angle on windier days.
This means you should aim to at least go 6″ beyond the edge of the bird feeder on all sides.
This is going to provide ample coverage and make sure the birds can still get to the food.
Tip #3: Position it Above the Bird Feeder
As you learn how to make a rain guard for a bird feeder, it’s important to think about positioning.
Where is the rain guard going to go with your bird feeder?
Some people look to build a solution that goes all around the bird feeder. This isn’t necessary. Just cut out the material and make sure it’s sized properly.
You are going to want it to be positioned above the bird feeder.
To do this, you are going to attach it to the top surface. This is efficient, easy, and the way to protect the bird feeder in all weather conditions.
Tip #4: Use Strong Glue
As you figure out how to make a rain guard for a bird feeder, you will need to find a way to attach the rain guard to your bird feeder.
How do you go about doing this?
You will want to take something like crazy glue and/or carpenter glue. This is the only way to make sure the rain guard sticks into place.
Some may look to build an extension from the bird feeder to hold the rain guard. This is okay, if you are willing to put in the extra work.
However, other people can get away with a simple “glue-based” solution.
Final Thoughts
This is how to make a rain guard for a bird feeder.
Take your time, choose the right material, and ensure it is covering the entire top of the bird feeder. This is the only way you are going to keep the bird feeder safe moving forward.
A lot of people don’t do this and that is what leads to insufficient results.
If you want to keep things safe, we always recommended buying a pre-made rain guard for bird feeders. There are so many options including the one we have pointed out above. This is faster, easier, and simpler.
Otherwise, you can follow the tips listed here to make sure you create a great rain guard for your bird feeder.
Here are more articles on bird feeders – good bird feeder for hummingbirds, how to use vaseline to keep squirrels away from bird feeder, how to clean bird poop off of bird feeder, and how to remove bird dust.