Bring That Old Thrift Store Bird Feeder Back to Life

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Thrift stores are full of hidden gems, and sometimes, like in the case of a rusty bird feeder, you might find a bit of a diamond in the rough. Even with an imperfect or aged exterior, a beautiful bird feeder is one of the coolest things you can find. A new metal bird feeder usually costs around $20, but at a thrift store, you might score an incredibly beautiful or even vintage feeder for way less. While you might need to put in some work restoring it, you’re also helping the environment by buying secondhand and saving a gorgeous bird feeder from going to waste. To get your feeder looking like new, you’ll need to clean it, remove any rust, and either paint or seal it before using.

Of course, when you’re working with an old bird feeder, you’ll need to be realistic about what you can fix. Repairing broken or heavily corroded metal parts can be tricky if you’re not an experienced DIYer, and you don’t want to end up with anything unsafe for the birds. But a little rust is totally manageable for most folks, thanks to some simple cleaning methods.

To restore your feeder, you’ll need vinegar, water, an abrasive sponge or brush, an abrasive cleaner, and bleach. Some people have good luck with products like Naval Jelly for removing rust, but you might need a specialized rust remover for tougher cases. And don’t forget to finish up with a coat of paint or clear sealant to protect your freshened-up feeder.

First thing’s first – take your bird feeder apart and give it a good wash. The general recommendation is to clean feeders weekly using a 1 part bleach to 9 parts water solution, then rinsing thoroughly. But for your initial cleaning, you might want to use soap or soak it in a vinegar and water mix. Make sure to scrub every nook and cranny to get that thing sparkling clean. The scrubbing might even take care of some or all of the rust.

If there’s still rust after the initial cleaning, it’s time to bust out the heavy-duty stuff. Use your stiff brush or abrasive sponge with a rust-removing cleaner to banish any lingering oxidation. Once the rust is gone, you can decide if you want to give the feeder a fresh coat of paint. Painting can help attract certain types of birds, so it’s a good option if you’re trying to cater to a specific species.

Painting is also one of the best ways to prevent future rust, but even if you skip the paint, you should seal the feeder with a clear, non-toxic sealant to keep it protected. Just make sure everything is completely dry before priming, painting, and sealing, and let it all cure fully before adding food and setting it up for the birds.