How to Make Bottle Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbirds are small and feed primarily on honeysuckles and other sweet, flowering plants. If you don't have any of these plants in your hard, you can get a hummingbird feeder to attract them. You can save time and money by making your own bottle hummingbird feeder and nectar to attract the birds. This method uses a shepherd's hook to hang the feeder, but this isn't necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Red bottle Crafting wire Hot glue gun Sugar Water Shepherd's hook Shovel

Instructions

1. Cut a length of wire around 1 foot in length, and wrap one end of it tightly around the lip of the bottle. Secure it in place with several drops of hot glue.

2. Combine 4 parts water with 1 part sugar to create the nectar. 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of sugar is sufficient. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved in the water.

3. Dig a hole in the ground where the feeder will reside. Make it about 1/3 as deep as the shepherd's hook. Place the hook firmly in the hole, ensure it is straight, and repack with dirt.

4. Loop the loose end of the wire around the upturned end of the shepherd's hook. Adjust the length so the feeder hangs at about eye level and tie the end of the wire around the hook.

5. Fill the hummingbird feeder with the nectar. Rinse the feeder and refill two to three times a month, or more depending on nectar levels.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure the opening on the red bottle is large enough for the hummingbird to dip his beak into the feeder. Hummingbirds should discover the feeder within two to three weeks after setting it up, but they can be shy. If you have pets you may want to set the feeder up somewhere secluded. The red bottle attracts hummingbirds, and it will allow the use of homemade nectar, as opposed to pre-colored red nectar from stores. If you don't have the room for a shepherd's hook, branches are a great alternative.

• Check the feeder often for ants. If they have begun to feed off the nectar, clean the feeder thoroughly and move to another location in the yard.