There are hundreds of different hummingbird feeder designs available in all shapes and sizes, but you don’t need a fancy feeder to attract hummingbirds. It is easy to make a simple hummingbird feeder from a baby food jar or any similar small jar, and the birds will enjoy it just the same.

What You Will Need

While this feeder project is simple, you can take the opportunity to be creative and really personalize a fun feeder. The basic supplies you will need are:

• Small Jar – A baby food jar or any small, relatively shallow jar such as a small canning or jam jar, a travel or sample size, or even a small spice jar can be used. Glass is preferred because it will be sturdier, but plastic can also be used.
• Hanging Material – This might be galvanized or copper wire, jute twine, a small chain, or even a beaded chain. This will need to be able to be tied, twisted, and knotted to keep the feeder secure.
• Drill – A power drill with a 1/8” or similar drill bit will be needed to create feeding ports unless a spice jar with ready-made holes is available. Alternatively, a thick nail and a hammer can be used to puncture the lid for suitable holes.
• Eye Screws – These will create a way to more securely hang the feeder, but this can be optional if you prefer to simply tie or twist the hanging material around the jar itself. Smaller eye screws will work best.
• Hot Glue – This will be used to help secure the screws, if used. If eye screws will not be used, this adhesive is not necessary. Similar indoor/outdoor adhesives can also be used rather than hot glue.
• Decorative Accents – This is where you have the greatest flexibility. Paint, crystals, beads, artificial flowers, ribbons, and similar material can all be used to add a personalized touch to catch hummingbirds’ attention.

To Make a Feeder

Once you have all the materials available, assembling your feeder is an easy task.

1. Drill two holes on opposite sides of the jar’s lid for the eye screws, if desired. These holes can be drilled at the 10-and-2 locations (compared to a clock face) so the feeder would hang at an angle for more style. If eye screws will not be used, skip this step.
2. Insert the eye screws into the pre-drilled holes, ensuring a tight fit, and further secure them with a dab of hot glue or a similar adhesive so they will not loosen. If a different hanger is being used, skip this step.
3. Use the drill to puncture 3-5 feeding holes in the jar lid. These should be evenly spaced so hummingbirds can easily access the hole of their choice. If a spice jar with ready-made holes is used, this step is not necessary.
4. Clean the jar and lid thoroughly, carefully smoothing any rough spots from the newly drilled holes. By cleaning the jar after the holes are drilled, any metal shavings or other debris will be removed. Allow the jar to dry completely.
5. Paint the lid or the exterior of the jar, if desired. Red will best attract hummingbirds, but any bright shade – pink, yellow, orange, etc. – will catch the birds’ attention. Allow all painting to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
6. Attach the hanging material to the jar. This may mean threading wire, chain, or twine through the eye screws, if used, or firmly tying the material around the jar’s neck. Confirm that the material is tightly attached and the jar will not slip off when filled and hung.
7. Decorate the jar if desired by adding crystals, beads, or other items to the hanging material, leaving extra loops or strands for more decoration if preferred. Material can also be glued to the jar, but be sure the feeding ports are not obscured.
8. Fill the jar with clean, fresh hummingbird nectar. Fill the jar almost but not completely to the brim to provide the easiest access – hummingbirds have long tongues and can easily reach into the feeder, but do not overfill or the feeder may leak. Secure the lid tightly.
9. Hang the feeder in an easy spot for hummingbirds to find. A sunny spot near colorful flowers will be easily noticed, though a shady spot will keep the nectar cool and fresh for longer. Hang several feeders at once to attract a hungry flock of hummers!

Once the feeder is hung, it may take some time for hummingbirds to find and use it, but be patient. These are curious birds and once they discover an easy food source, they will return again and again. Keep the feeder clean and refill it often with fresh nectar, and you’ll always have eager hummingbirds buzzing around.