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HomeSafeHome: Need non toxic glue for homemade bird feeders.  |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
   
205 Posts

Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 06:39:39 AM
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Does anyone know of a safe edible glue that would work for assembling homemade bird feeders? We are looking to make our own edible bird feeders for a fun winter project and the glue has us stuck!
Thanks a bunch! Deb
farmgirl sister #1199
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
" home is where we all craft the life of our dreams." |
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Karrieann
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1900 Posts

Karrieann
Northeast
Georgia
USA
1900 Posts |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
   
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 11:31:21 AM
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Hi Deb,
Karrieann may be right in directing you to Elmers wood glue. Just be careful to choose an outdoor wood glue instead of an indoor one. It will make a huge difference in terms of the longevity of your project. Will you also be using nails and/or screws to fasten your bird houses? That might be good to consider anyway, but something to do for sure if you decide to go with an indoor glue, as that type of glue (whatever the brand) will likely break down in a season or two.
I build a lot of outdoor pieces and wooden boats. When using a wood glue in an outdoor project such as a bench or chair, I use Titebond III. It may (or may not be) more toxic than indoor wood glue--I don't know. Gorilla glue is another popular glue among woodworkers but I don't know much about it. Both of these glues may be worth researching.
Karen |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
   
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
   
205 Posts

Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 11:39:37 AM
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Thank you Karen, Actually what I need is a glue that will be safe for birds to eat if they were to accidentally eat it.I will be using pre-made wooden birdhouses to attach bird seeds, seed pods, corn cobs and the like for birds to eat during winter outdoors. I've used Gorilla glue in some of my furniture repairs for cast off re-do's and it's a good strong glue but it foams up as it dries so you only need a little of it! Deb
farmgirl sister #1199
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
" home is where we all craft the life of our dreams." |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
   
205 Posts

Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 11:40:37 AM
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You too Karrieann! :)
farmgirl sister #1199
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
" home is where we all craft the life of our dreams." |
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Lady Woodworker
True Blue Farmgirl
   
259 Posts
Karen
Chamberlain
Maine
USA
259 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 11:47:47 AM
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Yes, Deb,
I gathered that. It is not only very considerate of you--it is also very important. It is pretty unlikely that the birds will eat it unless you leave a lot of squeeze-out, which it sounds like you will not do (because I see that you pay close attention to detail).
Have you thought of using no chemical fastenings at all and only nails or screws? That would solve your dilemma once and for all...
You inspire me. I'm going to study up on this more and maybe build a feeder for my own yard. Best,
Karen
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
   
205 Posts

Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2010 : 12:22:55 PM
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Karen, I hadn't thought of a no glue fastening...but will give that idea more thought... and if I was very careful not to glob the glue on that would ease my mind a bit too.. What's the sense of creating a natural bird feeder if the glue isn't healthy for the birds? LOL! Keep us posted if you try one of your own! Thanks again! Deb
farmgirl sister #1199
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
" home is where we all craft the life of our dreams." |
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CalamityAnnie
Farmgirl in Training
 
14 Posts
Carrie
Byron
NY
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2010 : 10:12:51 AM
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Is the birdhouse already put together and you are just trying to "glue" edible stuff to the outside of it?? I know you can make edible glue out of CMC or TYLOSE powder for putting together cakes but I don't really know how "strong" the bond would be. Just a thought :)
Carrie ~ New Farmgirl #2435 Maybe I'd be happy to let it all go and dedicate my life to making jelly molds, Learn to cook, learn to sew..I'm a happy homemaker" ~ Melanie Doane |
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dandelionhouse
True Blue Farmgirl
   
205 Posts

Debbie
Plymouth
Mass
USA
205 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2010 : 11:04:11 AM
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We plan to use wooden birdhouses that are already constructed and just " glue" edible things to the outside of it... What is CMC?
Thanks for the tips!
farmgirl sister #1199
Deb~ www.deborahjeansdandelionhouse.com
" home is where we all craft the life of our dreams." |
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star-schipp
True Blue Farmgirl
    
942 Posts

Starletta
Middletown
Indiana
USA
942 Posts |
Posted - Dec 08 2010 : 11:14:28 AM
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What about peanut butter?
We can do no great things; only small things with great love - Mother Teresa
Star - farmgirl sister #1927
Master Food Preserver |
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Rosemary
True Blue Farmgirl
    
1825 Posts
Virginia
USA
1825 Posts |
Posted - Dec 20 2010 : 4:49:43 PM
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Debbie, thanks for helping our our feathered friends. My husband and I have built all kinds of birdhouses and feeders without using glue at all. In fact, it would never have occurred to me that we might need it. Screws, nails, pegs, knotting rope after feeding it through holes, etc. do the trick just fine. |
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Josmt
Farmgirl at Heart

5 Posts
Marylisa
Alexandria
Va
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Jan 21 2011 : 11:55:40 PM
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I second the peanut butter. I did this using pine cones as my base and I used shortening to attach the seeds. Also, what about a flour/water combo? Like papier mâché glue?
Forgive any silly questions, I am a city girl soon-to-be a country gal. |
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HomeSafeHome: Need non toxic glue for homemade bird feeders.  |
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