Hummingbirds are beautiful, fascinating creatures that are a joy to watch. Many people like to attract hummingbirds to their yards by setting up hummingbird feeders. While you can buy pre-made hummingbird feeders, it can be fun and rewarding to make your own. One of the key parts of a hummingbird feeder is the base. The base holds the nectar and allows the hummingbirds to access it. Making your own hummingbird feeder base allows you to customize the feeder exactly how you want. This article will provide step-by-step instructions on how to make a simple hummingbird feeder base out of basic materials.
What are the benefits of making your own hummingbird feeder base?
There are several advantages to constructing your own hummingbird feeder base rather than purchasing a pre-fabricated one:
– Cost savings – Purchased feeder bases can be expensive, especially for high quality ones. Making your own allows you to save money. The materials like plastic bottles, pottery clay, or glass canopies are inexpensive.
– Customization – When you make the base yourself, you can customize the size, shape, color and other attributes. This allows you to match your own aesthetic tastes and make the feeder specific to your environment.
– Durability – You can use high quality materials and constructions methods to make a very durable feeder base that will last for years. Store bought ones may be more flimsy.
– Satisfaction – There is a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes from designing and constructing a functional feeder base with your own hands.
– Environmentally friendly – Using recycled materials is an eco-friendly way to make a feeder base.
So if you want to save money, make the feeder specific to your needs, and gain the emotional benefits of crafting something yourself, making your own hummingbird feeder base is a great route to go.
What are some common materials used to construct hummingbird feeder bases?
Hummingbird feeder bases can be made from a variety of common household materials. Here are some of the most popular options:
– Plastic – Plastic bottles or containers are one of the easiest materials to use. 2 liter soda bottles are commonly repurposed into feeder bases. The plastic is waterproof, inexpensive and easily shaped.
– Clay – Air dry or polymer clay can be molded into a unique feeder base shape. Once dried or baked, the clay is durable and attractive.
– Glass – For a high-end look, a vase, jar or other glass container can become a feeder base. Glass won’t degrade over time like plastic.
– Wood – Small wooden boxes, trays or bowls can provide a rustic, natural feeder base. Unfinished wood will weather well outdoors.
– Metal – Copper, aluminum or other metals can be stamped or made into artful feeder bases. Metal holds up well to the elements.
– Concrete – For a modern, minimalist style, concrete can be cast into simple but striking shapes. It needs to be sealed properly.
– Recycled – All kinds of recycled containers like cups, bowls, plates or platters can become unique feeder bases. Get creative with junk!
The key aspects to look for are that the material holds water without leaking, is easy to clean and sanitize, resists degradation from weather, and can support the weight of the feeder when full of nectar.
What tools and supplies do you need?
To construct a hummingbird feeder base, you need a few basic tools and supplies:
– Drill and drill bits – Necessary for making any holes for feeder ports, hanging wires, etc. Various size bits allow different options.
– Craft knife – Useful for cutting holes, slots or other shapes in softer materials like plastic or wood.
– Sandpaper – Helpful for smoothing any rough edges.
– Screwdriver – May be needed for assembling parts or installing hanging wires.
– Hot glue gun – Great for assembling and sealing pieces made of plastic, wood or glass.
– Epoxy or sealant – Important for sealing and waterproofing concrete, clay or glass materials.
– Paint or stain (optional) – Can be used to decorate the finished feeder base as desired. Waterproof outdoor varieties are best.
– Eye and ear protection – Safety first! Use when drilling or cutting to avoid injury.
– Work surface – A sturdy table or workbench helps for construction. Protect the surface from spills.
– Containers for mixing – Measuring cups, sticks, and bowls may be needed for epoxy, paint, stain or other mixing.
– Brushes – Helpful for applying epoxy or other sealants smoothly and evenly.
– Rags – Good for wiping up spills or messes during construction.
Having these basic tools and supplies on hand will make constructing a hummingbird feeder base an easy and fun DIY project! Be sure to layout all the items so they are easily accessible before starting.
What are some different methods for making feeder bases?
There are many different techniques you can use to construct a hummingbird feeder base depending on the material you choose. Here are some options:
Plastic Bottle Method:
– Cut the bottom off a 2 liter soda bottle with a craft knife. This will become the reservoir.
– Drill 2-4 holes evenly spaced around the cut edge for the feeder ports.
– Invert the bottle cap and glue it into the bottle bottom to create a sealed base.
– Decorative the outside with paints or markers. Add any hanging wires.
Clay Method:
– Roll air dry clay into a hollow cylinder shape and let dry per package instructions.
– Once hardened, use a drill or craft knife to carve 2-4 feeder port holes.
– Paint or seal the outside with an outdoor varnish. Add hanger.
Wood Method:
– Cut a square or rectangle of unfinished wood to desired dimensions.
– Drill multiple feeder port holes into the wood piece.
– Seal the inside well with a food-safe epoxy to make waterproof.
– Stain or seal the outer wood surface. Attach any hanger hardware.
Glass Method:
– Choose a glass vase, jar, or other vessel.
– Turn upside down and use a glass drill bit to carefully make feeder ports in the bottom.
– Use a hot glue gun to attach a decorative hanger, rope, or wire to the top.
Concrete Method:
– Build a mold from wood, clay, or other material.
– Mix concrete per instructions and pour into mold. Let cure completely.
– Remove mold. Drill feeder holes. Sealconcrete with outdoor sealant.
What design tips should you keep in mind?
When designing and constructing a hummingbird feeder base, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
– Size – The base should hold at least 1-2 cups of nectar. Bigger is okay to reduce refilling frequency. Too large may be too heavy.
– Number of feeding ports – 2-4 ports allow multiple hummers to feed. More openings increase the nectar exposure to air and decrease time between refills.
– Feeding port size – Ports should be approximately 1/2 inch wide to accommodate hummingbird beaks and tongues.
– Sturdy material – Choose a durable material that can stand up to weather and regular cleanings. Don’t use anything too fragile.
– Sealant – Seal the inside well to minimize nectar leaks. Use a non-toxic outdoor sealant.
– Drainage – Small weep holes in the base allow water drainage if left outdoors. Helps reduce mold growth.
– Smooth edges – Sand or polish any rough edges to prevent harming hummingbirds.
– Easy cleaning – Avoid elaborate shapes or crevices that limit access for cleaning. Cleaning 1-2 times per week is recommended.
– Helper perches – Small plastic perches attached near the feeder ports provide a resting spot for tired hummingbirds.
– Hanger – The hanger should be sturdy enough to support a full feeder. Use an S-hook for easy removal.
– Aesthetics – Make it visually appealing! Use colors, shapes, materials that fit your style.
Following these tips will help you design an attractive, well-functioning hummingbird feeder base customized to your specific needs and tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s go through the full step-by-step instructions for making a simple hummingbird feeder base out of a plastic bottle:
Supplies Needed:
– Empty 2 liter plastic soda bottle
– Craft knife or scissors
– Sandpaper
– Drill with 1/4 inch bit
– Hot glue gun
– Acrylic paint and paintbrushes (optional)
– Eye and ear protection
Directions:
1. Thoroughly wash and rinse the empty 2 liter bottle. Remove any labels. Allow to completely dry.
2. Using a craft knife or scissors, carefully cut off the bottom portion of the bottle about 3-4 inches from the base. This will become the nectar reservoir.
3. Make sure the cut edges are smooth. Use sandpaper to gently smooth any sharp areas.
4. Turn the bottle cap upside down and test to ensure it fits snugly into the cut bottle bottom. This will form the sealed base.
5. Using a 1/4 inch drill bit, drill 2-4 evenly spaced holes around the cut edge of the bottle. These will become the feeder ports.
6. Wearing eye and ear protection, use the hot glue gun to seal the inverted bottle cap onto the cut bottle bottom. Allow to fully dry and cool.
7. (Optional) Paint the outside of the feeder base with acrylic craft paints. Use multiple coats for best coverage and color.
8. Once completely dry, add rope, wire or an S hook by gluing into the bottle neck to create a hanger.
9. Attach any decorative elements as desired with hot glue. Allow everything to dry fully before installation.
10. Fill with nectar and enjoy watching the hummingbirds feed! Be sure to clean and refresh the nectar regularly.
Following these steps will allow you to create a simple yet attractive hummingbird feeder base to help attract these special birds to your yard. Customize the design to match your own style. Then sit back and enjoy the show!
Helpful tips for successful construction?
Constructing your own hummingbird feeder base is a fairly straightforward project, but these tips can help ensure success:
– Watch tutorial videos to see the process in action before attempting it yourself. Visuals are useful.
– Read through all directions first so you understand each step before starting. Don’t skip ahead.
– Assemble all required tools and materials. Have them easily accessible in your workspace.
– Work slowly and carefully, especially when using dangerous tools like knives or drills. Safety first!
– Measure carefully if cutting bottles or other materials to specific dimensions.
– Use sandpaper to smooth cut edges so there are no sharp areas.
– Test fit pieces like caps or stoppers before permanently gluing them. Make any adjustments for a tight fit.
– Seal any wood thoroughly before installing outdoors. Apply multiple coats of sealant.
– Allow glue, epoxy or cement to fully cure before attaching hangers or fillling with nectar.
– Wear gloves when using glue or sealant to avoid getting sticky.
– Clean up as you go! This keeps your workspace neat and avoids dried messes.
– Ask for help if you run into any difficulties or are unsure about a step.
– Take your time and don’t rush. It may take a few tries to get it right.
Following the instructions closely while utilizing these tips will help ensure your DIY hummingbird feeder base turns out perfectly. Just remember – patience and care will pay off with great results!
Common problems and solutions
Constructing a hummingbird feeder involves some simple handiwork, but occasionally issues can crop up. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: The feeder base is leaking nectar.
Solution: Check that all interior seams and the cap/stopper are completely sealed with hot glue, epoxy or caulk. Reapply more sealant if needed. Ensure the feeder is not overfilled.
Problem: The base is too small and needs refilling too often.
Solution: Choose a larger plastic bottle, vase or other vessel. Aim for approximately a 32 oz size for a good capacity.
Problem: The feeder ports are too big and the nectar flows out too quickly.
Solution: Use a smaller drill bit, around 1/4 inch, for the feeder holes. Hummingbirds only need a small opening.
Problem: The base doesn’t stand up stably or falls over.
Solution: Add gravel or small rocks inside the bottom for weight. Ensure the hanger is firmly attached at balanced spot.
Problem: The base cracks, splits or falls apart.
Solution: Use a more durable material like thick plastic, wood, glass or metal. Check join points and use sealant generously.
Problem: Hummingbirds can’t reach the nectar.
Solution: Lower the hanger so the base is around 5-6 feet off the ground. Relocate to a less windy spot.
Problem: The base develops mold inside.
Solution: Use hot water and vinegar to thoroughly clean. Be sure to scrub off any interior mold. Replace nectar more often.
Problem: The base is too plain looking.
Solution: Paint or decorate the base to match your style. Add flowers, leaves or found objects with hot glue. Get creative!
With a bit of troubleshooting, common hummingbird feeder problems can be easily solved with some adjustments and refining your technique for next time. Just remember to thoroughly clean and replace the nectar regularly to keep your hummingbirds happy and healthy while they feed.
Conclusion
Creating your own hummingbird feeder base is an easy, enjoyable DIY project that allows you to customize and save money compared to store bought options. With simple household materials like plastic bottles or clay, basic tools, and following the step-by-step instructions, you can construct a functional and beautiful feeder base. Place it outside visible from your favorite window and get ready to be amazed by the aerobatic show hummingbirds will put on as they quickly dart around for nourishment. This engaging project provides an up-close look into the lives of these special small birds.
