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How to Make a Glass Hummingbird Feeder

Making a glass hummingbird feeder from recycled containers is a great way to protect the environment and save money, too. Not only will you be doing your part by not adding to landfills, you will be providing hungry hummingbirds with food for the summer as well. With a variety of recycled glass bottles and a few inexpensive parts you can create several feeders to hang from trees or decks throughout your yard.

Things You'll Need

Recycled glass bottle
Tube stoppers
Medium wire
Red beads/ribbons (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Save glass condiment bottles with openings from ½ to 1 ¼ inches.
- 2
  Wash the bottles with hot soapy water and remove any labels. Rinse them with hot water to remove any traces of soap.
- 3
  Purchase tube stoppers (See Resources) in the appropriate size. These come in two sizes. The smaller size fits bottles with openings from ½ to ¾ inches and the larger fits openings from 1 to 1 ¼ inches.
- 4
  Cut a section of medium wire with wire cutters that is three times the length of the bottle. For a decorative look, select copper or other decorative wire.
- 5
  Fold the wire in half and make a loop to go around the mouth of the bottle. Wrap the ends of the wire to the back of the bottle and cross. Bring the ends to the front of the bottle and twist to secure. Bend the ends to form a hook for hanging.
- 6
  Mix 1/2 cup of sugar to 1 cup of boiling water. Stir to dissolve the sugar crystals. Add 1 cup of ice water. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- 7
  Fill the feeder with nectar and insert the tube stopper. Check that it is firmly in place. Hang the feeder in shady location near bushes or shrubs to provide shelter for hummingbirds.
- 8
  Add decorative red beads or ribbons to attract hummingbirds. Although it isn't necessary to add red, it will make the feeder more noticeable to curious hummingbirds who eagerly explore red objects.

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