Hummingbirds are beautiful, tiny birds that many people enjoy having visit their yards and gardens. To attract hummingbirds, many use store-bought hummingbird feeders. However, there are also many options for homemade hummingbird feeders or alternative hummingbird feeding methods for those who want to try a more DIY approach.
Why use alternatives to store-bought hummingbird feeders?
There are a few key reasons why someone may want to explore alternative options to traditional hummingbird feeders:
- Cost – Store-bought feeders can be expensive, especially fancy glass and metal ones. Homemade options are often much cheaper.
- Customization – By making your own feeder, you can customize the look, size, materials, etc. to fit your preferences.
- Sustainability – Reusing containers and materials from around the house to make homemade feeders is often more eco-friendly.
- Convenience – If you find yourself without a feeder, household items can be repurposed in a pinch.
- Fun project – Making your own unique feeder can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
Homemade hummingbird feeder ideas
If you want to get creative, there are many interesting homemade hummingbird feeder options. Here are some ideas:
Plastic bottle feeders
Recycled plastic soda or water bottles make simple, inexpensive feeders. All you need to do is cut some small holes or slits around the bottom sides of the bottle for the hummingbirds to access the nectar. Make sure to clean and rinse the bottles thoroughly first.
Mason jar feeders
Mason jars are already perfectly shaped for making hummingbird feeders. Just punch holes in the jar lid or glue on some small metal tubes as feeding ports. Invert the jar and hang it up to create a quick no-fuss feeder.
Bowl or tray feeders
Shallow plastic, glass, or ceramic bowls or trays can function as open feeders. Place the nectar directly in the dish for multiple hummingbirds to feed at once. Having an open feeder without perches will attract more aggressive feeder-defending males.
Mesh bag feeders
Fill mesh produce bags or small mesh pouches with nectar and hang them up to produce a simple porous feeder. The nectar will slowly seep out through the mesh for easy sipping.
Plate feeders
A plastic, glass, metal, or ceramic plate can also become a hummingbird feeder with a little creativity. Attach some short wires bent into loops or hooks on the underside of the plate to serve as nectar reservoirs. Fill the loops with nectar and small hummingbirds will cling to the underside to drink.
Drip feeders
One of the easiest but messier options is to simply pierce small holes in the bottom of a plastic bottle or bag of nectar and let it slowly drip or run down onto a suspended surface for the birds to drink. Small nails or hooks poked upward into a hanging board or pan will let the dripping nectar pool for easy sipping.
Everyday items that can substitute hummingbird feeders
In addition to homemade feeders, various ordinary household items can stand in for actual feeders in a pinch:
| Item | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Red or orange flower pots | Invert and hang a small flower pot and place nectar inside the drainage hole for hummingbirds to access through the hole or edge. |
| Shallow lids | Use the detached cap of a milk/juice jug or jar lid as a tiny open feeder dish. |
| Candy molds | Flexible silicone candy molds can be hung up and filled with nectar. Hummingbirds will sip the nectar through the mold holes. |
| Sponges | Small sponges soaked in nectar and hung or placed on a holder will let hummingbirds squeeze out the nectar. |
Edible hummingbird feeders
If you want an ultra-natural feeder, certain edible options can double as nectar feeders:
- Thin watermelon slices – Pierce holes and hang up watermelon slices; hummingbirds will drink the juice.
- Orange halves – Hang up sliced oranges and hummingbirds can feed on the flesh and juice.
- Apples – Pierce holes in halved or quartered apples and let birds feed on the juice and bits of flesh.
Best flowers to attract hummingbirds
In addition to feeders, planting flowers that hummingbirds are naturally attracted to will bring them to your yard. Here are some top flower varieties to try:
| Flower | Color |
|---|---|
| Petunias | Pink, purple, red |
| Bee balm | Red |
| Cardinal flower | Red |
| Impatiens | Red, orange, pink |
| Fuchsias | Pink, purple |
| Salvia | Red |
| Marigolds | Red, yellow, orange |
| Zinnias | Orange, yellow, red |
| Columbine | Red |
| Trumpet vine | Orange, red |
Tubular flowers
Tubular-shaped flowers are especially attractive, as hummingbirds can easily access the nectar. Good options include:
- Honeysuckles
- Foxgloves
- Penstemons
- Indian paintbrushes
- Coral bells
- Gladiolus
Native plants
Check your region for native plants that local hummingbirds rely on. These may include columbines, bee balms, bush honeysuckles, trumpet creeper vine, cardinal flowers, sage, and various wildflowers.
Considerations for homemade and alternative feeders
When using homemade feeders or makeshift items in place of commercial feeders, keep these tips in mind:
- Use non-toxic materials to avoid contaminating the nectar.
- Thoroughly clean and rinse any containers before use.
- Select smooth-edged materials to prevent injury.
- Hang or place feeders in shaded areas to slow nectar spoilage.
- Adjust nectar volume to container size to reduce waste.
- Frequently clean and change nectar to prevent mold.
- Use a nectar recipe made with plain white sugar and water only.
Conclusion
With a little creativity, many ordinary household items can be transformed into functional, inexpensive hummingbird feeders. Certain flowers and edible produce can also supply nectar. While homemade options may require more maintenance, they provide a unique alternative to typical store-bought feeders for the DIY-minded hummingbird lover.
