Making a home-made feeder can be as simple as pouring home-made nectar into a red colored or flower decorated cup, bowl, plate or saucer and setting it out on a table. However with these methods the birds may waste energy hovering mid-air to get to the nectar or splashing about in the nectar.
Here are a few simple ideas for making your own homemade feeder.
i) Frisbee TM Feeder
A very simple homemade feeder is simply a red Frisbee TM that is turned upside down so that the birds can use the curved edge of the Frisbee as a perch. You can drill holes in the Frisbee and hang it with brightly colored yarn from a tree and/or decorate the rim with dangling red ribbons, glitter and flowers. You can also sit this kind of feeder down on a table.
If you decide to use this kind of feeder remember to empty it every day and replace it with fresh homemade nectar. Exposure to the elements can make the nectar spoil faster than the contents of a bottled feeder.
ii) Milk Carton Feeder
Punch a hole about the size of a matchstick into the side of a very clean, used milk carton. Make sure the hole is near the bottom of the feeder.
Cover the carton with images of red or pink flowers cut out of a magazine. Tape long dangling red ribbons to the bottom of the feeder.
Fill the feeder part way full with homemade hummingbird nectar.
You can leave this feeder to be freestanding or you can punch holes near the top so that you can hang it from a perch or a tree with bright red ribbons or attach it securely with pipe cleaners.
iii) Plastic Bottle Feeder
Find a small plastic bottle that holds 8 oz or less. You can use old medicine bottles or bottles that used to contain vanilla or almond essence. Make sure these bottles are very clean first. Tie a long red ribbon or red pipe cleaner around the nape of the bottle, fill it with homemade nectar and hang it from a tree.
iv) Red Glass Jar Feeder
Find a small red or ruby colored glass jar. You can find these at antique markets or craft stores. Make sure the opening of the bottle is wide enough for the hummingbird to insert it’s beak. Wire this to a tree branch with pipe cleaners and fill it with homemade hummingbird solution.
v) Test Tube Feeder
Find a test tube with a bright red cap. Drill or poke a matchstick sized hole in the center of the cap. Wrap the test tubes tightly with red pipe cleaners and attach securely to a perch or a tree.