How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder From Test Tubes

Attracting hummingbirds to your yard or garden is as easy as putting out a feeder. Although there are many commercial feeders available, why not create unique feeders of your own to add color and sparkle to your yard. Making feeders from test tubes and a little copper wire will bring you hours of enjoyment and will have your neighbors talking, too.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• test tubes
• copper wire
• nail
• flame

1. Purchase several ordinary test tubes. Although it isn't absolutely necessary, get tubes with red caps, if possible. The flash of red will attract hummingbirds and provides color to your feeder. See resource section for a supplier of test tubes.

2. Heat a small nail and melt a hole in the center of the red cap. This hole should be big enough for the hummingbirds beak to fit through, but small enough to prevent the feeding mixture from running out. You could drill a hole, but using a hot nail will create a lip of melted plastic on the inside rim that will help prevent the feeder from dripping.

3. Create a hanger from copper wire by wrapping the wire around one end, leaving several inches free and wrapping around the other end of the test tube.

4. Wrap the test tube with copper wire to create visual appeal or attach brightly colored beads on wire or red ribbon.

5. Fill with hummingbird nectar. Hang your feeder from a hook or a tree branch in an area near trees or shrubs to provide shelter for your hummingbirds.

Tips & Warnings

• Hang several feeders in different locations in your yard to attract more hummingbirds.
• Plant brightly colored flowers near your feeders.
• Avoid hanging hummingbird feeders in direct afternoon sun. The feeding mixture will heat up quickly.
• Always provide fresh hummingbird food on a regular basis.

Resources

• Purchase Test Tubes
• Hummingbird Feeder Tubes
• Red Replacement Flowers
• More Hummingbird Feeders to Make from Recycled Bottles

[roseanne09]

on 5/29/2009 great article and tips!! 5*

[msorrels]

on 3/11/2009 I love articles like this. I just moved from the city and now that I have a yard I can't wait to try everything!! 5*

[nrichford]

on 2/16/2009 Hope you attract lots of hummingbirds!

[deltanova]

on 8/2/2008 I think I will try this! I have tried to make a feeder before with a gatorade bottle, a plastic cup and string, but this idea is great! I also have a bunch of little flower-tubes, with rubber tops where you stick the stem of a flower in, so maybe it'll work! Thank you!

[Ladybugblue]

on 5/26/2008 This is a great idea! We were just talking about this at work. This is a very informative article and I enjoyed it alot!