How to Make a Hummingbird Feeder From a Standard Pet Water Bottle

There is nothing more beautiful than watching a hummingbird feed. There are many hummingbird feeders available at your local department stores. A less expensive way to enjoy the birds is to make a homemade hummingbird feeder out of recycled materials.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Old water bottle that was used in a hamster cage or guinea pig cage.
• Cap that is a little larger than opening of water bottle tip.
• Hot glue gun.
• Craft Knife or Drill with small drill bit.

1. CONVERT THE PET'S WATER BOTTLE.
   I used an old water bottle that I had from my guinea pig cage. The bottle is clear and comes with a cap with a raised walled hollowed out center through which a metal tube extends. Take the metal tube out and discard.

2. 
   Note the holes made through the tip of the bottle.

   CUT HOLES INTO THE RAISED WALL OF THE BOTTLE.
   Using a drill with a thin bit attachment,drill 4 tiny holes into the raised wall of the water bottle cap.

3. 
   Make sure the cap is proportioned so that the birds can get to the holes.

   HOT GLUE PIECES TOGETHER.
   Hot glue the water bottle tip flat onto the larger cap lid.

4. FASHION A PIECE OF WIRE AROUND THE BOTTLE MAKING LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE.
   Using a piece of bendable wire, wrap the wire around the bottle any way your prefer just making sure that you have an loops on either side of the bottle so that you can attach a hanger to it. Through these loops, attach cording that will be long enough to fit over a tree branch.

5. FILL THE BOTTLE WITH NECTAR.
   Unscrew the cap and fill the bottle with hummingbird nectar. You can purchase this as a powder from the store or there are recipes on line to make homemade nectar. If you use a homemade recipe, keep in mind that you only want to use ingredients that are safe and healthy for the birds.

6. ADJUST THE NECTAR FLOW.
   Turn the bottle upside down checking the flow of the nectar out of the bottom of the bottle. If there is too much nectar coming out, you will attract wasps and bugs which will keep the birds away. If holes are too small, the birds wont be able to feed. Adjust the holes in the bottle to compensate.

7. HANG THE FEEDER FROM THE TREE AND MAINTAIN IT ON A WEEKLY BASIS.
   Once the feeder is hung from the tree, it is your responsibility for the upkeep. To keep the hummingbirds from getting sick, you need to change the nectar and clean out any residue on a weekly basis.

[csmarie]

on 11/15/2009 great article, very informative. 5*

[axleskat]

on 10/15/2009 Great idea! thanks!

[highcloud]

on 10/7/2009 You have some of the coolest ideas!!! Thanks for sharing. I will make one oese next spring. 5*

[tinairene]

on 10/5/2009 This is an excellent article, and there are hummingbirds around my place that I'd like to attract. Now I know how to! Thanks for writing this article. 5*s!

[sallyemaycreate]

on 10/5/2009 Excellent idea.. the photos are very helpful as well. Thanks for sharing your tips! 5*