How to Turn Your Leftover Sukkot Pumpkins into Hanging Bird Feeders
Every year, our family looks forward to building and decorating our sukkah in the backyard for Sukkot. It’s a wonderful time filled with family, community, crafts, the beauty of nature and the wonder of God and His Word.
We love to decorate our Sukkah with nature’s materials like gourds, colorful leaves, pumpkins, bamboo, oranges pierced with cloves for an abundance of lovely scents, flowers, and of course — our children’s handmade decorations no matter what materials they are made out of.
In about a week when Sukkot ends, the oranges mold and the flowers die, and we’re left with a bunch of pumpkins for the next several weeks.
This year, instead of tossing our pumpkins into the trash, we embraced the Jewish value of Bal Tashchit—the principle of not wasting or destroying unnecessarily—and gave our pumpkins a second life. We turned them into hanging bird feeders to nourish our feathered friends as the seasons change. It was a fun, eco-friendly project that also taught our kids the importance of caring for God’s creation — whether plant or animal.
Here’s how you can do it too:
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Hanging Bird Feeders from Pumpkins
1. Gather Your Supplies
Leftover pumpkins (small to medium sizes work best)
A sturdy knife or scooping tool
String, twine, or rope
Birdseed
A small stick or dowel (optional, for perching)
2. Clean Out the Pumpkin
Start by cutting the pumpkin in half horizontally or slicing off the top third, depending on the shape you prefer. Scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. Save the seeds for planting next year or roast them as a snack—nothing goes to waste!
3. Create Hanging Holes
Using a knife or screwdriver, carefully poke 3-4 evenly spaced holes near the rim of the pumpkin. Thread your string, twine, or rope through the holes, tying secure knots to create a hanging loop.
4. Add Birdseed
Fill the hollowed-out pumpkin with birdseed. If you like, place a small stick or dowel through two opposite holes to act as a perch for birds.
5. Hang Your Feeder
Find a sturdy branch or hook in your yard and hang your pumpkin feeder. We use this bird feeding post. Make sure it’s at a safe height, away from predators.
Teaching Children the Value of Bal Tashchit
This project isn’t just about feeding birds; it’s an opportunity to live out the principle of Bal Tashchit. By repurposing your leftover pumpkins, you’re teaching your family—and especially your children—how to respect God’s creation by reducing waste and giving back to the environment. It’s a tangible reminder of how small acts of care and creativity can honor the world God has entrusted to us.
A Lesson in Renewal
As we celebrate Sukkot and its themes of God’s miraculous provision and gratitude, turning pumpkins into bird feeders reflects the cycle of renewal found in nature and in our faith. It’s a simple way to connect with the world around us, even after the holiday season has passed.
So this year, don’t toss those pumpkins—transform them into something beautiful and purposeful. Your feathered friends will thank you, and your family will have a meaningful project to carry the spirit of Sukkot into the weeks ahead!
I’d love to see your pumpkin bird feeders! Connect with me on Instagram and DM me your pics!
