Know how to build a DIY Hummingbird Feeder

Having a wide selection of hummingbird feeder‘s yards will attract a larger flock. In this article, we are going to help you make an at-home DIY hummingbird feeder. 

You can use any number of recycled materials. However, you want to ensure that it is not scratched or can be properly disinfected. Hummingbirds are notoriously susceptible to fungi and bacteria infections. Scratches in plastic bottles tend to be a source of this bacteria and fungi hummingbirds. This is why mason jars are ideal for a hummingbird setup. 

This brings me to my second point. When choosing a liquid feed to go into the feeder look for “simple”. Choosing a liquid with no dyes and a single sugar source is always the best choice. 

If you choose to buy a container that is pre-liquefied make sure you refrigerate it after opening. Also, be aware of the expiry date and discard expired food. This will prevent any bacteria buildup that may harm hummingbirds. If you choose to make hummingbird food on your own you’ll need 2 cups of water to a half cup of white sugar. I can not stress this enough white sugar only. Honey carries a wide range of fungi and bacteria that can harm hummingbirds. The same rule applies to a wide variety of other sugars that are not white sugar including agave sugar for example. 

What you will need for this is a mason jar, brightly coloured duotangs (red or yellow), and a macrame if you intend to hang your jar. Keep in mind if you choose to go with a larger mason jar you may need to use some rocks as a filler. This will reduce the amount of wasted sugar water because you will want to replace the liquid feed once every 1-2 days. 

Step 1: 

Trace a circle using the lid of your mason jar on the plastic doutang cover. 

Step 2: 

Cut out your circle and poke two or more holes, spaced equally around the circle. You want the holes to be around the same thickness as a pencil.

Step 3: 

If you have store-bought hummingbird food fill the jar up to the middle of the rim. If you are making a homemade hummingbird feeder dissolve ½ cup of white sugar in two cups of hot water. To save on liquid place rocks into the jar as filler to displace the volume of water needed. Make sure to wash off the rocks every time you clean the jar. 

Step 4: 

Place your colourful circle (without the original seal circle) into the screw-on lid and tighten everything down. 

You have officially made a mason jar hummingbird feeder! Place the jar on a firm surface or hang it using a macrame. Be sure to make a few of these, and try different colours. This will encourage a large population of hummingbirds for your backyard enjoyment. Be sure to post photos of your creation on Instagram and tag us, we would love to see!