Scrap Yarn for Bird Nests
There are many things you can do with your scrap yarn, but if you’re like me, you feel guilty for throwing it out (even if it is just a really small scrap). Here is an idea that I’ve heard lots of people talk about!
Some people put out bird feeders for the birds, but why not put out materials for the birds to build their nests with too? You can create a “bird nest kit”. To do so, use a small netted bag (like the plastic ones you get oranges or onions in), and place your scraps of yarn inside. You can also use other containers that have large enough holes for the birds to peck through. Hang it on a tree so that the birds can take materials as they need it.
Here are some pictures of bird nest kits:
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The first 2 pictures are from funinthemaking.net. The last picture is from a seller on Etsy.com: “Maddy & Me”
As you can see, you can get very creative in creating a bird nest kit with your scrap yarn!
I was also wondering if these bird nest kits would be safe for birds and the environment. What do you think and have you tried it?
Love it! I don’t know why I haven’t already thought of (or heard of) this!
I’m crazy about birds and keep a feeder station year-round. We do put out crumbled up egg shells (baked in the oven for sterilization) in a pan. Egg-laying females are often calcium deprived and really benefit from the extra boost! But the yarn bits are such a good idea for nest building!
I would be so thrilled to find a bird nest in the yard with little “trash” yarn bits incorporated throughout.
I also keep all the tiny ends that are left over from sewing in the ends or didn’t have enough to finish another row of the project. But, instead of putting them out for the birds…I keep them in a ziploc baggy and give them to my Project Linus director. There is a side project that goes with Project Linus that uses these leftovers for stuffing for dog beds for no kill shelters. I’m not sure what that movement is called but, just wanted to throw another idea for the scraps out there.
Thanks Jessica, I didn’t know that Project Linus collected scraps of yarn too! I’ll have to look into that
wow! all of the above ideas are really good. Thank you all !
What a great idea! Thanks Rachel.
Hello Rachel,
Sorry, but I read somewhere this is dangerous as the fur can cause the birds to choke!!!
I can’t remember where I read this though! In theory it is a good idea but not if it’s harmful to them!
Thanks
Misha
i like to take my scraps out place it on the limbs of the trees
kids like to help its almost like decorating a christmas tree
its also fun to watch the strings dissappear makes really pretty trees
your ideas r cute too
sorry i cant spell..
HI Rachel,
I had seen this idea a few years ago and put some scrap yarn pieces in my backyard. The birds did take it, but what happened is one of the birds must have caught the nail of his foot on a very thin piece of thread and got stuck and died up in our Martin house. At the time, I didn’t know why he died – he was just hanging outside of the Martin house dead, but the same thing happened to one my pet finches that were in a cage in my house – he caught his foot on the very thin thread of the yarn and was hanging there upside down. This happened twice and luckily I was able to untangle him and he didn’t die. It also happened to another bird outside a few months later, and I had to disentangle him by using a rake to pull his foot away from the nesting material and the thread – he squawked like he was dying, but he did get away and flew off, so I’m glad I was able to rescue him.
I don’t mean to offend anyone or be a downer, but I would like to alert everyone that this may not be such a great idea if you care about the welfare of birds.
I do this, every time i brush out my collie! The birds keep warm all winter, (nebraska) winter too!
forgot to add up there, the birds love the doggie hair, as it thick and warm for thier nests…
I keep all my scrape peices for stuffing my pillows or pot holders. Oh and you can also us the lent out of your dryer to stuffing things with.
Daria,
Thank you so much for addressing this. It is heartbreaking about what happened to your birds and birds in your area due to your intentions to help them. As soon as I heard about yarn given out to birds, I got so nervous. 1) Birds or any other naimals, ingesting, eating, choking on it.
And getting tangled up, and dangling over to their death is so frightening. I hope this helps spread the word! Thanks again!