There is nothing quite like a hummingbird zipping up to the window.
Getting them to visit is easier than you think. They just need a reliable nectar source in the right spot.
You do not need a fancy store feeder either. A mason jar, wine bottle or even a soda bottle works great.
These 15 DIY hummingbird feeder ideas cover easy builds, pretty upgrades, a safe nectar recipe and where to hang it all.
1Classic Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeder
The mason jar feeder is the easiest and most popular build.
This mason jar feeder kit has the red lid and ports. Just add a wide mouth jar and nectar.
- Easiest build
- Red attracts birds
- Easy to clean
Project Card · 15 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- Wide mouth mason jar
- Hummingbird feeder lid with ports
- Copper or galvanized wire
- Homemade nectar
How to Make It
- Wash the jar with hot water, no soap residue left behind.
- Fill it with cooled nectar.
- Screw the feeder lid on tightly and turn it upside down over the sink to check for drips.
- Twist wire around the jar neck to make a hanging loop.
- Hang it in partial shade near flowers.
My Pick
Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeder Kit
Red feeding lid and ports that fit a regular wide mouth jar.
2Copper Wire Wrapped Feeder
Copper wire turns a plain jar into garden art.
Wrap this copper craft wire in spirals or add little leaf shapes. It ages to a lovely patina.
- Garden art
- Ages beautifully
- Easy wrapping
My Pick
Copper Craft Wire
The right gauge to wrap, shape and hang a decorative feeder.
3Add an Ant Moat
Ants find feeders fast. An ant moat stops them cold.
Hang this ant moat above the feeder and fill it with plain water only. Never use oil, which can harm birds.
- Ant proof
- Water only
- Simple add on
My Pick
Hummingbird Feeder Ant Moat
A little water cup above the feeder that stops ants.
4Add a Perch for Resting
Hummingbirds like to sit between sips. A perch makes them stay longer.
This feeder perch ring clips onto most feeders. More time for you to watch.
- Birds stay longer
- Clips on
- Better viewing
My Pick
Hummingbird Feeder Perch
A ring perch so birds can rest while they sip.
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View the 30-Day Plan Printable PDF · Instant download5Hang Feeders on a Pole Stand
No tree? No problem. A pole stand puts feeders anywhere.
This feeder pole stand holds two or three feeders, which cuts down on territorial fights.
- Any spot
- Multiple feeders
- Easy refills
My Pick
Hummingbird Feeder Pole Stand
Multi arm pole to hang feeders anywhere in the yard.
6Add a Shade Cover
Nectar spoils fast in hot sun. Shade keeps it fresher.
This feeder shade cover sits above the feeder like a tiny umbrella.
- Fresher nectar
- Summer must
- Less cleaning
My Pick
Hummingbird Feeder Shade Cover
A little umbrella that keeps nectar cooler in summer.
7Kids Hummingbird Feeder Project
Kids love making a feeder and watching for visitors.
This kids feeder kit has everything ready. Adults should handle any glass and the hot nectar step.
- Family project
- Exciting payoff
- Adults handle hot steps
My Pick
Hummingbird Feeder Kit for Kids
An easy first feeder project for kids.
8Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar
Homemade nectar is cheap and better for the birds. Four parts water, one part white sugar.
Never use honey, brown sugar, sweeteners or red dye. For quick refills, keep some dye free hummingbird nectar on hand.
- Four to one recipe
- No red dye
- No honey
Project Card · 15 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup plain white sugar
- Saucepan
- Clean glass jar for leftovers
How to Make It
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Stir in the sugar until it is fully dissolved.
- Let it cool completely before filling the feeder.
- Store extra in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- Change feeder nectar every 2 to 3 days in hot weather and wash the feeder each time.
My Pick
Hummingbird Nectar
Clear, dye free nectar for quick refills.
9Wine Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
A wine bottle holds lots of nectar and looks lovely in the garden.
Wrap it in copper wire, add a feeding tube to the neck and hang it upside down.
- Big capacity
- Pretty upcycle
- Dark glass
10Free Plastic Bottle Feeder
A clean plastic bottle makes a feeder in ten minutes for free.
Use a red bottle or add red tape to the cap, and fit a proper feeding port so it does not drip.
- Free
- Ten minutes
- No drips
Project Card · 10 minutes · Easy
Materials Needed
- Clean plastic bottle with cap
- Hummingbird feeding port or tube
- Red tape or a red bottle cap
- Drill or hot nail (adult only)
- String or wire
How to Make It
- Wash the bottle well and let it dry.
- An adult makes a hole in the cap just big enough for the feeding port.
- Push the port in snugly and add red tape around the cap.
- Fill with nectar and screw the cap on tight.
- Tie string around the bottle and hang it upside down.
11Soda Bottle Feeder in Minutes
A small red soda bottle is already the perfect color.
Clean it well, add a feeder port to the cap, fill and hang upside down.
- Already red
- Quick build
- Light to hang
12Decorative Glass Bottle Feeder
Pretty glass bottles with unusual shapes make one of a kind feeders.
Clean them very well, add a feeding tube and wrap the neck in twine or copper wire.
- Unique shape
- Upcycle
- Garden accent
13Chandelier Style Feeder
Hang three or four small jar feeders from one wire ring. Like a garden chandelier.
Several birds can feed at once, which means less fighting.
- Show stopper
- Feeds several birds
- Less fighting
14Cute Painted Jar Feeder
Paint flowers and dots on the outside of the jar with outdoor enamel paint.
Include red in the design and let the paint cure fully before filling.
- Cute and cheerful
- Use red
- Paint outside only
15Hang Feeders in the Right Spot
Partial shade near flowers is perfect. Close enough to watch, far enough from cats.
Clean the feeder every few days, even if the nectar still looks clear.
- Partial shade
- Near flowers
- Clean often
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the right sugar to water ratio for hummingbird nectar?
Four parts water to one part plain white sugar. Boil, cool and fill. No honey and no red dye.
How often should I clean a hummingbird feeder?
Every 2 to 3 days in hot weather and about once a week in cooler weather. Use hot water and a bottle brush.
Do hummingbird feeders need to be red?
Red parts help birds find the feeder. The nectar itself should be clear, with no dye.
How do I keep ants and bees off my feeder?
Use an ant moat filled with water above the feeder and choose feeders with bee guards or small ports.
Where should I hang a hummingbird feeder?
In partial shade, near flowers, and away from spots where cats can hide.
Final Thoughts on DIY Hummingbird Feeder
A homemade hummingbird feeder does not need to be fancy. A jar, a bottle and a good feeding port is enough.
Make the nectar right, keep it fresh and hang it in the right spot. The hummingbirds will keep coming back.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.