Making a hummingbird swing is a fun craft project that allows you to bring these beautiful little birds closer to your home. Hummingbirds are attracted to red, so by making a swing and filling it with red nectar or sugar water, you can easily lure hummingbirds in to feed. This provides an up close view of these tiny creatures and gives you the chance to observe their interesting behaviors.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make your own hummingbird swing at home. We’ll cover:
- Choosing the right location to hang your hummingbird swing
- Selecting the best materials for constructing the swing
- Making easy homemade nectar to fill your feeder
- Safety tips for successfully attracting hummingbirds
- Troubleshooting any issues that arise
Follow the steps below and you’ll have your own DIY hummingbird swing set up in no time!
Where Should I Hang a Hummingbird Swing?
When deciding where to place your hummingbird swing, there are a few key factors to consider:
Location
Hang your hummingbird swing in an open area of your yard that gets direct sunlight for at least 5-6 hours per day. Hummingbirds are attracted to both the red color of the feeder and bright environments. Avoid shady areas.
Accessibility
Make sure you can easily access the feeder to change the sugar water and clean it. Don’t hang it too high or in a hard to reach spot. Aim for 5-10 feet off the ground.
Visibility
Position your feeder near trees, shrubs, or other natural features so the hummingbirds have a place to perch nearby. But make sure none of the greenery is touching or crowding the feeder.
Protection from Weather
Hang your feeder in an area sheltered from wind and rain. A covered porch or gazebo is ideal. This keeps the nectar fresher longer.
Safety from Predators
Don’t position the hummingbird feeder directly above a cat’s favorite lounging spot or other areas where predators may be tempted to attack.
Keeping these factors in mind as you select the spot will help create an attractive, safe place for hummingbirds to visit.
What Materials Do I Need to Make a Hummingbird Swing?
There are many hummingbird feeder options available for purchase, but making your own can be inexpensive, rewarding, and fun. Here are the basic materials you’ll need:
Container
This will serve as the nectar reservoir and can be made from a glass jar, plastic bottle, ceramic pot, or other small, clean container. Make sure it is watertight. Red is ideal to attract hummingbirds.
Hanger
You’ll need wire, string, fishing line, or another material to fashion a hanger so you can suspend the feeder. This will allow it to swing freely.
Feeding Ports
Use short lengths of plastic tubing, hollow flowers, or ridges you create in the reservoir as places for the hummingbirds to access the nectar. Make 2-4 feeding ports.
Nectar
Fill your feeder with homemade nectar. We’ll provide a recipe in the next section. Always avoid artificial dyes.
Cover
Cap your reservoir with a lid that has holes for the feeding ports. This keeps other insects out. Use corks or pieces cut from a plastic bottle.
Optional decorative extras like feathers, beads, or paint help make your feeder unique. And that’s all you need for a DIY hummingbird swing!
How Do I Make Homemade Nectar for Hummingbird Feeders?
While you can purchase premixed nectar, making your own fresh hummingbird food at home is easy, inexpensive, and healthier for the birds. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 part white granulated sugar
- 4 parts water
Instructions:
- Boil the water first, then stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely before pouring it into your feeder.
- Never use food coloring, honey, or any other additives – just sugar and water.
- Store unused portions in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.
The nectar should resemble the consistency of light maple syrup. Hummingbirds also like 10% sugar water, but the 4:1 ratio works well in most settings.
If you notice the nectar getting cloudy or fermented, empty your feeder and make a fresh batch. Change the nectar at least every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. Proper nectar maintenance will keep your hummingbirds happy and healthy!
What Safety Tips Should I Follow?
When attracting hummingbirds to your yard with feeders and swings, follow these tips to keep them safe:
- Clean the Feeder Regularly – Every 2-3 days, wash the feeder with hot water and replace old nectar. Dirty nectar can make hummingbirds sick.
- Avoid Using Pesticides – Chemicals are dangerous if ingested. Use natural gardening methods near hummingbird feeding areas.
- Hang It Securely – Use a sturdy hanger and wire/string so the feeder doesn’t fall and injure hummingbirds.
- Keep Cats Away – Trim nearby branches so cats have no jumping access and hang feeders in open spots.
- Provide Shelter – Have shrubs or trees within flight distance where hummingbirds can perch and escape harsh weather.
Following these precautions allows hummingbirds to thrive safely in your yard as they visit your DIY swing!
What Do I Do If I’m Not Attracting Any Hummingbirds?
If you’ve set up your new hummingbird swing but notice the birds aren’t visiting, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Make sure the nectar is fresh
Check that you recently filled the feeder with homemade nectar and didn’t use artificial dye. Old nectar won’t be appealing.
Consider relocating the feeder
Hummingbirds may not be frequenting that area of your yard. Move it to a more open, visible spot.
Add more red elements
Incorporate more red on the feeder, like paint or ribbons. Red flowers around the feeder can also help attract them.
Provide a water source
A shallow bird bath or mister gives hummingbirds a spot to bathe and drink, which may draw them in.
Be patient
It can take a few days or weeks for hummingbirds to discover new feeders. Keep yours freshly stocked and they’ll eventually find it!
Minor adjustments to your setup can soon have hummingbirds happily swinging by!
Conclusion
Installing your own DIY hummingbird swing is an easy and fulfilling project. Follow the guidelines above for choosing a good location, constructing the feeder from basic materials, mixing up homemade nectar, and troubleshooting any issues if hummingbirds are slow to visit at first.
With a properly hung and maintained hummingbird swing filled with fresh sugar water, you’ll soon be rewarded with the joy of watching these tiny, fast-flying birds darting around your yard. Their iridescent feathers and constant activity will add beauty and wonder to your outdoor space. So grab your supplies and get crafting – your new feathered friends will arrive in no time!
