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Wool Nest Starter
Created by Derek Martin
Derek Martin's steel spiral spheres hold wool scraps and other materials birds can use in their nests.
If your gift will arrive late, let them know it's on the way – and worth the wait.
Handmade
Independent Maker
Exclusive
About the Maker
created by
Derek Martin
location
Canada
With a degree in design and ceramic arts, Derek began making handmade items from his home studio outside of Barrie, Ontario. After many years working with clay Derek transitioned to welded steel which opened up a bigger market and created greater latitude to pursue works which could be used and enjoyed outdoors year-round.
Shipping & Returns
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Need to return? Free returns are accepted forever—no time limits. Within 30 days of delivery, refunds to the original payment method will be available. After 30 days, refunds will be processed to a digital gift card. See our return policy for more details.
Made from
mild steel, natural wool
Measurements
8.5" H x 5" dia.
Care
Clean with damp cloth if needed. Wool will need to be replenished over time, we recommend using natural wool to refill, as any long fibers can be harmful to birds.
Notes
Steel will rust over time and comes filled with natural wool. Do not fill with pieces longer than 6 inches.
Item ID
50604
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People love this product for its unique design and functionality, making it a perfect gift for bird lovers.
AI generated summary
- 5 stars out of 5
Exceeds expectations
- 5 stars out of 5
The item came exactly as pictured and even had some fluff already in i…
- 5 stars out of 5
Gifted to my outdoor enthusiast friend, he's obsessed. Can't wait to s…
4.51
4.51 stars out of 5
based on 129 reviews
91%
of respondents would
recommend this to a friend
recommend this to a friend
100 users rating this 5 stars
16 users rating this 4 stars
1 users rating this 3 stars
3 users rating this 2 stars
9 users rating this 1 star
- 1 star out of 5
- Bird lover
- Northeast U.S.A
I was gifted this item. If I had purchased it I would demand
This item rusted almost immediately upon putting it outside. The material inside was covered with rust. I observed multiple birds trying to pull this horrible fiber out of this rusty thing to no avail. Upon inspecting the material I found it to be synthetic and dangerous for hatchlings.
Response from merchant
We're so sorry to hear about your experience! The holder is made of steel, which will naturally patina and rust over time outdoors — however, rusting almost immediately is not expected and doesn't sound right. We'd love to look into this further for you. We also want to reassure you that the material inside is 100% natural wool— it is safe and commonly recommended for birds and their hatchlings. That said, we completely understand your concern and want you to feel confident in the product. We'll be reaching out to you directly to see how we can help. Thank you for sharing your feedback!
- 4 stars out of 5
- danimae0205
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- Loveland, CO
- Submitted as an incentivized review
Very cute but leaves metal residue on everything
This is a great item and it's built very well. However, the artist does not finish it with a clear or colored coating so the raw metal leaves dirty marks on hands, clothes, etc.
- 5 stars out of 5
- Emily
- Massachusetts
It works!
Exceeds expectations
- 1 star out of 5
- Birdwatchee
- VA
Completely rusted
I purchased this back in Dec for my mom and it's completely corroded and full of rust
Response from merchant
Thank you for sharing your feedback. While steel will rust over time, it should not happen this quickly, and this is certainly not the typical experience with this product. We have not observed any widespread issues with defects or rust on this item, and we are confident this is an isolated case. We want to resolve this for you; we have contacted you directly to provide support.
- 5 stars out of 5
- Legare the birder
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- Charleston, SC
- Submitted as an incentivized review
Cutest Addition to My Mother's Garden
The item came exactly as pictured and even had some fluff already in it so we could put it up the moment it was unboxed. It was made super well and made my mom so so happy! This is an amazing gift to give the bird loving gardener's in your life that is unique and personal!
- 5 stars out of 5
- Lauren
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- Undisclosed
- Submitted as an incentivized review
Great gift
Gifted to my outdoor enthusiast friend, he's obsessed. Can't wait to see the birds and what they do this spring. Another friend liked the idea so much she requested the link.
- 4 stars out of 5
- Jenni
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- Nebraska
- Submitted as an incentivized review
Ready to hang.
Based on other reviews, I sprayed it for outside use. It's a bit hard to open and close. It's pretty.
- 5 stars out of 5
- Mere
- verified buyer
- verified reviewer
- Houston
- Submitted as an incentivized review
Fun gift for bird lovers
My elderly parents love having bird feeders in their yard. They tell me about all of the different birds that show up. This nest starter will be another way to attract birds to their yard. A really unique gift idea.
- 5 stars out of 5
- BusyMom
- verified reviewer
- Raleigh, NC
Great addition for a bird-loving garden
I purchased this for my mother-in-law whose garden is teeming with bird feeders, bird baths, and so much more. She put it up immediately and reports her winged friends give it a 5-star rating.
- 5 stars out of 5
- Becky
- verified reviewer
- Portland, OR
Makes a wonderful gift!
I got this as a gift for my parents who are bird lovers. It's tough to find gifts for people that seem like they already have everything they need! They absolutely loved this gift. It was very unique and different from anything else they'd gotten before. Highly recommend! #sweepstakes
customer photos
photos from reviews
FAQs
1. What can I put inside a bird nesting material holder?
A bird nesting material holder can be filled with a wide variety of natural and household materials. It comes pre-filled with wool, but you can also add dryer lint, yarn scraps, fabric offcuts, cut-up old t-shirts, rags, and small pieces of leftover crafting materials. It's a great way to repurpose sewing and knitting scraps while giving local birds everything they need to build warm, cozy nests.
2. Is a bird nest starter a good gift for a bird lover or gardener?
A bird nest starter makes an excellent gift for bird lovers and gardeners — especially for someone who seems to have everything. It's a unique, functional piece of garden art that pairs perfectly with bird feeders and bird baths. It appeals to backyard birders, crafters with leftover yarn or fabric scraps, and anyone who enjoys watching wildlife interact with their outdoor space.
3. Does a bird nesting material holder hold up in outdoor weather conditions?
A bird nesting material holder is built to withstand outdoor conditions, including harsh weather. It is noted for its heavyweight construction and high-quality craftsmanship that is designed to last. It can be hung outside year-round, making it a durable and lasting addition to any garden or backyard.
4. When is the best time of year to hang a bird nesting material holder outside?
The best time to hang a bird nesting material holder outside is in late winter or early spring, just before nesting season begins — typically when snow melts and temperatures start to rise. This gives local birds easy access to nesting materials right when they need them most. That said, it can also be used year-round, with some bird lovers even using it to hold suet during the winter months.
5. Will birds actually use a nesting material holder in my backyard?
Yes, birds will actively use a nesting material holder placed in your backyard. Many bird enthusiasts report seeing multiple varieties of birds visiting to collect materials for their nests. Positioning it near existing feeders or bird baths can help attract more birds, and keeping it stocked with soft materials like wool, yarn, or dryer lint makes it even more appealing during nesting season.
Customer questions
- Bernadette Wildemore
- undisclosed
Would it be acceptable to fill with lint from the dryer?
Verified reply from Allison
According to the Audubon Society, '...dryer lint quickly loses its fluffiness and structure when wet. Dryer lint is unsustainable in the rain, crumbling and leaving holes in an otherwise solid nest.'
- Becky
- Bellingham, MA
I have read that it is recommended to treat the metal with something so it will not rust. What do you recommend please? I received the nest starter for Christmas. I love it!
Verified reply from Amy
Hi Becky! The artist suggests using a clear metal paint, if anything. They no longer do this themselves in an effort to keep a greener environment, but you are welcome to do so and it would not harm the metal itself!
- KFLE
- Mississippi
Does the product come with wool or is it just the Nest Starter itself?
Verified reply from Allison
Yes, it arrives with wool. You'll be adding your own as well as your little friends make their nests!
Verified reply from Rachel
Wool is included.
- Yanet
- Rhode Island
Hello! I would like to know how this bird nesters is packaged because I would like to give it as a gift. Does it come in a box? Are their instructions? Thank you
Verified reply from Norma
Yes, the Wool Nest Starter comes boxed and there are instructions.