DIY Hummingbird Protein Feeder: Household!
A DIY hummingbird protein feeder can be easily made using common household items like small plastic containers, string, and a bit of creativity.
These feeders will help provide essential proteins hummingbirds need for their high-metabolism diet.
Hummingbirds require proteins in their diet to support their high-energy lifestyle.
While they get most of their sustenance from flower nectar, insects and spiders, a protein feeder can supplement their natural protein intake.
A DIY option can be a cost-effective and fun way to attract these beautiful birds to your backyard.
Here’s how you can do it:
This can be done by using small screws or by putting pressure on the bottle and stick with electrical tape.
Once the hummingbird feeder is complete, you can fill it with nectar and hang it from a tree or a pole in your
Fill the container with a homemade protein mixture or place it near a natural insect source. Always ensure the feeder is clean and safe for the hummingbirds to use.
8 Steps to DIY Hummingbird Protein Feeder
Steps | Description |
1 | Purchase all the necessary materials. |
2 | Clean the mason jar thoroughly. |
3 | Prepare the nectar mixture according to instructions, be sure to add protein powder. |
4 | Attach the feeding tubes to the lid of the mason jar. |
5 | Pour the nectar mixture into the mason jar and close the lid tightly. |
6 | Use the wire to create a hanger for the jar. |
7 | Decorate the jar with the red ribbon to attract hummingbirds (optional). |
8 | Hang the feeder outdoors where hummingbirds can easily find it. |
Key Takeaway
Five Facts About: DIY Hummingbird Protein Feeder
DID YOU KNOW
The number of hummingbird species in the US is between 7 and 11, depending on the source.
Diy Hummingbird Protein Feeder: Step by Step
Making a hummingbird protein feeder is an easy and enjoyable project.
Here is a step by step guide on how to make a DIY hummingbird feeder at home:
- Gather materials: You will need a plastic bottle, a wooden perch, a drill, four screws, beeswax, and hummingbird nectar mix.
- Cut the bottle: Cut the bottom off the plastic bottle and set aside.
- Drill holes: Drill four holes in the plastic bottle near the opening.
- Attach the perch: Place the wooden perch over the four holes and secure it by screwing the four screws into the holes.
- Make hummingbird nectar: Melt the beeswax, and then mix it with the hummingbird nectar mix.
- Fill the feeder: Fill the plastic bottle with the hummingbird nectar mix.
- Hang the feeder: Hang the feeder in an area where hummingbirds can easily access it.
With these simple steps, you can make your very own DIY hummingbird feeder to attract and feed hummingbirds. Enjoy watching the colorful birds fly around your feeder!
Humm-Bug Hummingbird Protein Feeder
1. Collect Supplies Needed for DIY Feeder
To make a DIY bird feeder, you will need the following supplies:
- A recycled container, such as a plastic bottle, jar, or container
- A utility knife
- A drill and drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Screws
- Wire mesh
- Birdseed
First, measure the container to determine how much wire mesh you will need and how many screws you will need to secure it.
Cut the wire mesh to size with the utility knife and drill holes in the container. Secure the mesh to the container with the screws.
Finally, fill the container with birdseed and hang it up in a safe place. Your new DIY bird feeder is now ready for the birds to enjoy!
2. Cut a 2-Liter Plastic Bottle
Cutting a 2-liter plastic bottle is a relatively simple task.
Here are the steps for doing so:
- Gather the necessary materials: scissors, a 2-liter plastic bottle, and a lighter or candle.
- Put the bottle on a flat, stable surface.
- Cut the bottle just below its neck using the scissors.
- Using the lighter or candle, heat up the bottom edge of the cut bottle to soften the plastic.
- Gently twist the top of the cut bottle to separate it from the bottom.
- Use the desired part of the bottle for your project.
Cutting a 2-liter plastic bottle is an easy and straightforward process. With the right materials and a few simple steps, you can quickly get the desired result.
3. Create a Perch using a Hockey Stick
- Gather the necessary materials: a hockey stick, a knife, a saw, rope, and a hammer.
- Cut the hockey stick in half with the saw at the desired length of the perch.
- Use the knife to sharpen the two ends of the hockey stick.
- Drill two or three holes on the top end of the cut hockey stick and thread the rope through it.
- Secure the rope by tying a knot or using a hammer to nail it in place.
- Use the rope to hang the perch from a sturdy, stable structure such as a tree branch or a beam.
Making a perch using a hockey stick is not a difficult task and requires a few basic materials. With the right tools, you can quickly create a sturdy perch for your pet bird or other animals.
It is important to ensure that the rope and the structure used for hanging the perch are secure, so that your pet does not fall and get hurt.
4. Attaching Wire to a Perch
To attach wire to a perch, here are the steps to follow:
- Measure and cut a length of wire to the desired size.
- Cut the wire on both ends to create a hook shape.
- Secure the hook shape at the lower end of the perch.
- Wrap the wire around the perch several times, making sure to keep the hook shape intact.
- Secure the top of the wire onto the perch.
By following these steps, you can easily attach wire to a perch. Be sure to make the hook shape tight and secure so your wire stays in place.
Ensure that the wire is wound and secured tightly around the perch so that it does not slip off.
5. Secure the 2-Liter Bottle to the Hockey Stick
- Gather materials: 2-liter bottle, hockey stick, and tape
- Place the 2-liter bottle at the end of the hockey stick
- Wrap the middle of the 2-liter bottle with tape
- Secure the bottle to the hockey stick by wrapping the tape all the way around both the bottle and the stick
- Ensure the bottle is securely attached and does not move by testing it
By following these steps, the 2-liter bottle can be securely attached to the hockey stick. Using tape to wrap around both the bottle and the stick ensures a secure attachment.
Testing the bottle to make sure it does not move also guarantees a safe attachment.
6. Fill the Feeder with Hummingbird Nectar
Filling a feeder with hummingbird nectar is a simple process that will take only a few minutes of your time.
Here’s how to do it:
- Gather the necessary supplies: hummingbird nectar (either pre-mixed or homemade), a clean hummingbird feeder, and a funnel.
- Using the funnel, pour the nectar into the feeder. Make sure not to overfill it!
- Place the feeder in an appropriate location, preferably near some flowers and away from any wind or overhead protection.
- Hang the feeder securely, making sure it is stable and won’t sway in the wind.
- Monitor the feeder regularly. Change out the nectar every few days, or whenever it becomes cloudy or moldy.
Filling your feeder with hummingbird nectar is a simple yet rewarding task. Watching these tiny birds feed is a joy that can be enjoyed all year round!
7. Hang the Feeder in a Suitable Area
Hanging a bird feeder is an easy and rewarding way to attract birds to your garden.
However, it is important to hang the feeder in an appropriate area to ensure that birds can easily access the feeder, stay safe, and be comfortable.
Here are some tips for finding a suitable area to hang the feeder:
- Hang the feeder near trees or shrubs that provide a place for birds to perch and hide from predators.
- Avoid hanging the feeder close to windows, where birds may collide or be startled.
- Place the feeder in a shaded area, as birds prefer to feed in the shade.
- Hang the feeder from a height of 8 to 10 feet, as this is the ideal height for birds to feed.
- If you want to attract certain types of birds, check the feeding habits of that bird species and ensure you have placed the feeder in an appropriate spot.
Hanging the feeder in the right place can bring you plenty of happiness as you enjoy watching birds feed.
FAQ of DIY Hummingbird Protein Feeder
What materials do I need to make a Hummingbird Protein Feeder?
To make a Hummingbird Protein Feeder, you will need a clean plastic container with lid, sucrose powder, a paper funnel, a hole puncher, and a string or ribbon.
How much sucrose powder do I need to make the feeder?
Depending on the size of the container you are using, you will need 2-4 tablespoons of sucrose powder.
Should I put the feeder in direct sunlight?
No, it is best not to hang the feeder in direct sunlight, as this will cause the sucrose powder to spoil more quickly and attract more bugs.
How often should I check the feeder for refill?
Check the feeder twice a week to make sure it is free from debris and has enough sucrose powder. If needed, top up the feeder with fresh sucrose powder.
Conclusion
Following the above instructions will make a great DIY hummingbird protein feeder that will be sure to attract these lovable birds to your garden.
All it really needs is an a couple of common household supplies, a simple cutting tool, and some time.
After hanging the feeder from a tree or a pole, you’ll be able to watch the hummingbirds come to feast on the delicious nectar.