Turn an Old Broom into a Winter Bird Feeding Station

When winters are severe, tits, robins and sparrows are quite literally competing for every last seed. Many people immediately think of pricey feeding stations from the garden centre. Yet the ideal solution is often already gathering dust in the shed, garage or cellar: an old broom that is no longer used. With only a few simple adjustments, it can become a safe perch, feeder and shelter all in one.

Why winter is so difficult for garden birds

Once temperatures fall below freezing, birds use huge amounts of energy simply to maintain their body heat. They need to feed for almost the entire day if they are to survive icy nights. At the same time, many natural sources of food become unavailable:

• Snow covers seeds, leftover plants and insects on the ground.
• Frozen soil puts worms and larvae out of reach.
• Shrubs are stripped bare, while berry supplies quickly run low.
• Strong winds draw heat from birds and make every search for food harder.

Falling temperatures therefore mean a greater need for energy, less food and a higher risk of starvation or freezing. This is where an unremarkable household item can make a difference.

“An old broom can serve as a feeding spot, resting place and shelter for birds at the same time – without costing an extra penny.”

From cleaning tool to lifesaver: a broom as a bird station

A broom has everything small wild birds need in winter: a dense cluster of bristles or stems, a firm handle and plenty of ways to use it in the garden. To a bird, it resembles a small shrub raised on a stem – but one that is safer and easier to access.

Its bristles provide somewhere to perch, little gaps for hiding and sufficient surface area to secure food. The handle lifts this miniature oasis off the ground. This makes it harder for cats and many other predators to reach the birds, while keeping food out of wet, icy snow.

How to turn an old broom into winter help for birds

You will usually need only items already lying around at home to repurpose it. The important thing is that the broom is clean and dry, preferably made from natural bristles or sturdy plastic with no sharp edges.

Step 1: Choosing the right place in the garden

Position or hang the broom somewhere birds will feel protected:

• close to shrubs or a hedge, so they can quickly reach cover when danger appears
• at least 1.5 metres above the ground, to keep cats at a distance
• away from the patio door, so birds do not feel disturbed
• visible from a window if you would like to watch the activity

You can lean the broom upright against a wall, push it into the ground or hang it upside down from a tree. The key requirement is that it is secure and does not sway in the wind.

Step 2: Attaching food to the broom

To ensure your feathered visitors genuinely benefit, equip the broom with suitable food. Good choices include:

• fat balls or energy balls without plastic nets
• unsalted sunflower seeds
• porridge oats mixed with a little vegetable fat
• pieces of apple or sulphur-free raisins
• specialist winter bird food from shops

String, wire or simple cord can be used to fasten portions of food to the bristles. The spaces within the broom head are also ideal for wedging in seeds or small pieces of fat. Birds then have to peck, pull and work for their food, much as they would in nature, but with a far better reward.

Food type	Suitable bird species	Note
Sunflower seeds	Tits, finches, sparrows	Keep them as natural as possible and unsalted
Apples	Blackbirds, thrushes, robins	Cut into segments and skewer or tie in place
Porridge oats with fat	Tits, nuthatches, sparrows	Do not scatter directly on the ground
Raisins (sulphur-free)	Robins, blackbirds	Offer sparingly and provide fresh ones each day

Step 3: Turning the broom into a small hiding place

Food is not the only consideration: shelter matters too. Small cavities form between the bristles, giving birds somewhere to escape gusts of wind, at least briefly. Anyone who is more practical can take the idea a little further:

• place a small wooden board on top of the handle as a roof against rain and snow
• attach a miniature birdhouse to the handle
• weave in thin twigs to make the broom look bushier

The result is a kind of artificial shrub, particularly useful when the winter garden looks bare and exposed.

Why a broom can work better than a conventional feeding station

Many bird tables are positioned too low or left too exposed. They attract not only birds, but also rats, mice and roaming cats. A broom offers several advantages:

• Food is suspended or wedged up high, making it difficult for rodents to reach.
• Birds have a clear all-round view and can spot danger early.
• Its many bristles create several perches, reducing squabbles over food.
• The broom can be moved quickly if a location proves unsuitable.

“The old broom becomes a mobile winter station – wherever birds need it most.”

This straightforward solution is especially valuable in densely built-up neighbourhoods with few hedges or natural corners. It adds structure to an otherwise bare garden and gives animals a reliable place to replenish their energy each day.

When a broom brings neighbours and families together

Anyone who installs this improvised feeding station in the garden will soon notice that it becomes a talking point. Children eagerly watch to see which species arrive, count tits and secretly give robins names. Older people enjoy the movement in an otherwise quiet winter garden.

Communal outdoor areas and courtyards can also work well for blocks of flats. A broom placed against the building or in a courtyard tree can encourage several households to get involved: one person supplies food, another puts up fresh apple pieces, and someone else removes old leftovers.

Other points to remember when feeding birds

Useful as a broom may be, a few basic rules provide additional protection for the animals:

• Check the food every day and remove mould and leftovers.
• Use only food clearly stated to be suitable for birds.
• Do not offer salty foods or large quantities of bread.
• Clean the area beneath the broom regularly to help prevent disease.

If you have a garden, you can strengthen the effect by encouraging greater variety all year round: native shrubs, wild corners with seed heads and piles of leaves for insects. The broom then becomes an extra winter measure that eases the shortage from November to March.

More ideas for giving garden items a second chance

The old broom is only a starting point. Plenty of objects that might otherwise end up at the tip can be repurposed usefully:

• broken rakes as climbing supports for beans or peas
• damaged wooden handles as stakes for tomatoes or perennials
• old metal buckets as water containers in summer

Thinking this way not only saves money, but also creates more structure, hiding places and nesting opportunities for wildlife. It is also a playful way for children to learn that helping animals and treating belongings carefully go hand in hand.

For many people, the idea may initially seem almost too simple. But that is exactly its strength: no specialist knowledge, no costly materials, just an old broom, some food and the willingness to make everyday life a little easier for small winter visitors.