How do i make a hummingbird feeder?

Question

I have a 2 liter bottle with the cap and was wondering if anyone had a good way to make a hummingbird feeder. If you have any ideas about how to make one with other materials let me know thanks!

Answer 1

Humming birds like red - that's why many people add the coloring. It's NOT needed if you use a red container!

They actually like all bright colors but they enjoy RED the best, as that's proven to be the tastiest overall *shrug* Or so I've re(a)d.

I'd be leary of using just a bowl of sugar water though...at least in Michigan as it'll also attract bees and while bees are good too many in a single location is likely not.

I found this on a site:

"Please, do not put honey, Jell-O, brown sugar, fruit, or red food coloring in your feeder! Honey ferments rapidly when diluted with water and can kill hummingbirds. The effects of red dye have not been not scientifically tested, and it is not necessary to color the water to attract birds to your feeder. Further, there are unverified reports that red dye can cause tumors in hummingbirds; this may or may not be true, but why take the chance?"

*shrug*

a few links to "make" a feeder yourself..

http://rubyglen.com/crafts/hummingbird.h...

http://www.birds-n-garden.com/hummingbir...

http://www.motherearthnews.com/libr ... _Own_Hummingbird_Feeders___For_Free_

http://www.birdwatchersdigest.com/site/h...

http://www.yankeegardener.com/hummingbir...

Though, as an alternitive to the bowl feeder mentioned below they sell water feeders for small animals that have a "trough" at the bottom and house the liquid in a larger upside down bottle. Figure out a way to hang it and it'll serve the same purpose but last longer.

best of luck!

Answer 2

http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/kids/ac...