How to Make Central-Reservoir Chandelier Hummingbird Feeders

Maria Corcacas/sxc.hu

Offering a nectar solution to hummingbirds via an outdoor feeder is the simplest way to attract them to your yard. A central-reservoir hanging feeder houses the most nectar and is easy to make from recycled items. This feeder features a single reservoir to hold the nectar with three or four feeding stations around it. It hangs like a chandelier from a tree branch or the roof eaves.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Plastic bottle
Large lid
Drill
Hot glue gun
Eye hook

Step 1

Choose a bottle for your reservoir. A 16 oz. or 1 liter plastic soda, juice or water bottle works well. Remove the label and rinse the bottle before using.

Step 2

Use a lid larger and deeper than the bottle lid as the feeding tray. Use a 4- to 6-inch diameter peanut butter lid or mayonnaise jar lid. Rinse well before using.

Step 3

Drill a hole in the center of the plastic bottle lid. Make the hole 1/4 to 1/2 inch smaller than the diameter of the lid.

Step 4

Deposit four drops of hot glue around the edges of the top of the bottle lid. Make each dot 1/4 inch thick and allow it to dry.

Step 5

Place a second layer of hot glue on each dot, then place the lid in the inside center of the peanut butter lid. Allow the glue to harden. Fluid poured into the bottle lid should flow freely into the peanut butter lid between the glue.

Step 6

Poke a hole in the bottom of the plastic bottle. Insert an eye hook through the hole, then seal the hole around the hook with hot glue.

Step 7

Fill the bottle with nectar, then place the cap on. Hang the feeder from the eye hook with wire or twine. The nectar flows into the large lid from the bottle reservoir.

Tips & Warnings

Make your own nectar by mixing 1 part sugar to 4 parts boiling water.

Decorate your feeder with red paint, or glue red flowers cut from craft foam around the the edge of the large lid.

Check nectar daily for mold or cloudiness and replace the nectar immediately if they are present.

Article Written By Jenny Harrington

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.

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