20 DIY Hummingbird Feeder Ideas
One of the most wonderful things about spring and summer is the flocks of tiny, buzzing birds that swarm over the nectar-rich flowers in your garden. But sometimes those flowers aren’t out early enough to feed the little beauties. So, hummingbird feeders come in handy.
But if you want to make your own hummingbird feeder – to get just the right look and feel or to upcycle some materials you have lying around, making your own a splendid alternative to the expensive, boring options from the store.
Hummingbird Feeder with Ant Moat
Have you ever noticed how ants flock to your hummingbird feeder at least as much as the little hummingbirds? This DIY tells you how to make something called an “ant moat” that helps discourage the insects from invading your feeder.
No more pheromone-heavy ants to keep the hummers away. Follow the simple DIY to create your bird feeder with the ant moat and you’ll find that more birds come to your garden view than ever before.
Spice Jar Hand Feeder
If you love hummingbirds, you’ll be happy to learn that you can actually feed these lovely little birds by hand. Once they become familiar with you and learn that you’ve got some delicious nectar for their nourishment, they’ll love buzzing up and taking a sip.
And this hand feeder is made simply from an old spice jar, making it an inexpensive, easy-to-make option that will encourage the little birds to come and land safely in your hands for a midday snack.
Via Der Zoo
Disposable Water Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
For this simple tutorial, you just need a used disposable water bottle, some copper tubing, and caulk that you can get from the local hardware store for next to nothing. You’ll quickly whip this up and have it out for the birds in no time.
The best part of this is that you can upcycle and save some of those wasteful materials, redeeming them into something useful and long-lasting. But, if you wind up needing a replacement bottle at some point, you’ll probably already have several on hand.
Via Instructables
Recycled Bottle Feeder
This is another recycle project that we love. There are billions of used plastic bottles out there going to waste – and this project puts them to use. You won’t need much to make this, either, and won’t spend much money.
Grab that used plastic bottle with a screw top, some felt for making flowers, a larger plastic cap, a little spray paint, some sandpaper, and masking tape. You’ll soon have an attractive recycled project that you can put in the garden or give as a gift.
Via Grow and Make
Easy PVC Pipe Mini Feeders
If you like working with PVC pipe, then you’ll love these mini feeders. They’re absolutely adorable and incredibly effective. And, if you happen to know a lot of hummers come around, you can make a load of them for planting all around the garden for attracting as many birds as possible.
You’ll need some 9-inch lengths of PVC pipe, PVC caps, plumber’s seal tape, PVC adhesive, fine steel wool, spray paint, painter’s tape, copper wire, glass beads, and artificial flowers if you choose.
Via Birds and Blooms
Tiny Hand-Held Window Feeder
Here’s another splendid feeder that works for hand feeding. It’s also suitable for attaching to your window and especially great for small windows like kitchen windows and small bedroom windows.
You’ll need some decorative beads, plastic test tubes with caps, artificial flowers, suction cups, copper wire, and just a couple of simple tools to put these beautiful little feeders together. Anyone can make them, too, so if you’ve got some older kids looking for a great springtime project, this is perfect.
Tupperware Hummingbird Feeder DIY
If you’ve got some old Tupperware and Gatorade type bottles lying around, this is a great project for your garden. The tutorial on this one is very simple and easy enough to follow that the kids can join in.
You’ll just need to gather up the supplies first, grab a cutter, and get to work. It will take less than an hour and only a couple of dollars to make.
Upcycled “Junk” Hummingbird Feeder
This is another fantastic project for saving old junk from around the house and turning it into something usable. You need an old bottle, Tupperware or an old CD box, or anything else similar, a glue gun, a large paper clip, and heat source.
Then, you’ll need to grab some less-common items: some thin red Polypropylene – buy that from Office Depot – an electric soldering iron. In no time you’ll have this unique project ready to feed the hummers in your backyard.
Via Build Hummingbirds Feeder Blog
Glass Spice Jar And Pipe Cleaner Feeder
This is an adorable little option for hanging anywhere you’d like, whether it’s in the garden, by the walkway, at the window, or anywhere else. They’re simple to make, don’t cost much of anything, and they’re attractive and fun.
You’ll just use an old spice jar and some pipe cleaners to construct the feeder with rests for the birds to land on. They’re super simple to make, too, so the kids can help twist the pipe cleaners onto the jars.
Red Solo Cup Feeder
For a kitschy upcycle project, you can grab some used Solo cups from your last barbecue and a few other simple supplies. And it’s such a simple, easy project that anybody can do it for a short-term or longer-term hummingbird feeder for the backyard.
Grab some Solo cups – the red color is perfect for attracting hummingbirds anyway – lids, if you like, a Sharpie, and some tape. In no time at all, you’ll have an effective, inexpensive hummingbird feeder.
Baby Food Jar Feeder
For this simple and attractive hummingbird feeder, you just need an old baby food jar and some simple supplies, plus about ten minutes. And this one includes an ant moat, as well, to help keep the ants at bay.
You’ll need a baby food jar with a lid, some red and green spray paint, a 3-ounce tuna can, 20-gauge copper wire, clear caulking, a small twig, waxed twine, and some basic tools. You’ll soon have a beautiful little hummingbird feeder that won’t cost you much at all.
Via Chicago Tribune
Powerade Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
Here’s another great option for some recycling projects to do with the kids. You can grab some used sports drink bottles and whip up a brand new, attractive, hummingbird feeder that the little hummingbirds will come racing to.
The supplies are cheap – used bottles, yellow straws, disposable plastic bowls, craft wire, and rubber bands – and the tools are pretty basic. Just grab some white glue and scissors and let the kids have a go with the tutorial.
DIY Macramé Hummingbird Feeder
If you love the classic art of macramé, then you’ll love this simple, inexpensive project. You just need a clear bottle for the feeder, a hummingbird feeder tube with a stopper, some macramé cord, a wire hook, and spray paint, if you so choose.
The step-by-step tutorial shows you everything you need to know on how to do this knot-tying project that results in a beautiful hummingbird feeder you can hang just about anywhere.
Via Lovely Indeed
Vibrant Rainbow Hummingbird Feeder
This gorgeous, bright hummingbird feeder is a fun option for anyone who loves vibrant shades splashed around the garden. You will need some simple supplies that most crafters will have around the house already.
Grab an empty water bottle with a cap – go for a mini bottle – some Washi tape, a shallow take-out container with a lid, some red ribbon, twine, a key chain hook, and a twin basket. The project is simple, fun, and easy. You just need a hot glue gun.
Via Buzzfeed
Hummingbird Feeding Bar
This unique hummingbird feeder is kind of a feeding station where multiple birds can come at once. And with a few simple supplies, you can create this with not a lot of money invested in one of them.
You’ll need a fluorescent tube protector, some epoxy putty, screw eyes, red nail polish, string, cork, and S-hooks. The tools you’ll need include a rotary toll or hack saw, wide boxing tape or plastic wrap, a drill, a level, a Sharpie, and a hole saw.
Via Instructables
Small Glass Jar Feeder
This easy, fun, and super cute feeder is perfect for the crafter who’s looking for one or several small feeders for the backyard. You’ll use a few simple supplies that you mostly already have lying around the house, and about an hour – or less – making the project with the kids.
Find a shallow jar with a lid, some Sculpey clay – look for red and pink colors – some flower-shaped cookie cutters, wire, and glass beads. You’ll just need pliers, a rolling pin, and drill to go from there.
Via Birds and Blooms
Upcycled Insulin Bottle Feeder
If you’ve got some old insulin bottles – or other test tubes – around, you can upcycle them into a beautiful little hummingbird feeder – or collection of feeders – for your garden and home. These darling little feeders are gorgeous and fun – and easy to make.
Find the old used tubes and clean them thoroughly – don’t want those little hummers getting any insulin! – and follow the instructions on how to simply make these fun little feeders in just a few minutes.
Birdhouse Style Hummingbird Feeder
For a more rustic feeling hummingbird feeder, you can make one of these birdhouse style feeders. You’ll need some minor woodworking skills and some basic supplies that most folks have lying around the house.
The instructions give you a simple step-by-step action plan that the original crafter took. Some ideas are optional, but certainly, give you some ideas for how to best craft such a feeder for your little humming buddies.
Via Instructables
Modern Wire and Bottle Feeder
If you love the chic bottle feeders that you see at the boutique stores, you’ll love this tutorial that shows you how to make this modern DIY hummingbird feeder. You’ll need a soda or wine bottle of any size, a length of colored wire, and a feeder tube.
Just a few simple steps later, you’ll have a simple but stunning birdfeeder that your neighbors will envy and ask how to make their own.
Via HGTV
Wintertime Hummer Feeder
This video tutorial will take you through the basic step-by-step on how to upgrade your basic hummingbird feeder into a feeder suitable for your hummingbird pals who stick around in the wintertime.
You’ll need a plastic flowerpot, a flat pan feeder, a chick brooder lamp, and some screws. In less than an hour and less than $50, you’ll have a heated hummingbird feeder that your buzzing pals can use all winter long.
Via Instructables
Hummingbird Feeders in a Flash
Whatever type or style of hummingbird feeder you want to hang in the garden, you’ll find it among these tutorials. Most are exceedingly easy to make, from very inexpensive supplies. They’ll be lovely in your yard but also make a fantastic gift for anyone who loves these stunning fliers.
Once you make one – or more – of these beautiful feeders, you’ll want to find a good recipe for great hummingbird food. Be sure to skip the red food dye step – as suggested in this recipe – though, as this ingredient is potentially dangerous to these little birds.