This Easy DIY Doubles As A Feeder And Will Have Hummingbirds Flocking To Your Yard

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If you've got a backyard, you might be looking for ways to bring a bit more life and color into it. Hummingbirds are the perfect visitors to do just that. While starting a pollinator garden is a wonderful way to attract them, adding some hummingbird feeders into the mix is a reliable and convenient way to ensure they've got a steady supply of nectar. But don't worry, you don't need anything fancy or expensive to invite them to your yard. This simple DIY uses twigs and wire to create a charming, delicate swing and feeder that will have hummingbirds coming to your yard in no time. 

The idea for this DIY is to use a twig and a bit of metal wire to create a hanging perch. The actual "feeding" part takes place with the help of a hand hummingbird feeder from ZHBDMGK, retailing for just $9.95. This is a small plastic container you can fill with nectar and attach near the perch, making the entire DIY a relaxing spot for hummingbirds to both rest and eat. To make the DIY feeder more attractive to hummingbirds and aesthetically pleasing, you can add some red beads throughout the swing's structure. This is helpful because hummingbirds are especially attracted to bright red, which they see well and associate with fuel-rich flowers in nature. 

Sure, flowers are a great way to naturally transform your space into a hummingbird heaven. But these little hardworking pollinators need a lot of sustenance to be able to fly and hover all day long. In fact, they drink about three times their weight in nectar each day. So, why not try this affordable and easy DIY to help them out a little bit? 

Start by getting a nice twig to use as your perch. It should be strong enough to hold its own, but not so large that hummingbirds can't wrap their small feet around them. Then, cut a section of 16-gauge jewelry wire from Anezus (three feet or so, as you'll likely trim it down after, so it doesn't need to be precise). Wrap one end of the wire around one end of the twig, create an arch that's a foot or so tall, and then tie it on the other end of the twig. Don't cut off the extra wire yet. First, wrap it around the hand feeder to create a holder for the container.

To elevate this DIY, take some thinner jewelry wire (about 26-gauge) and wrap it around the wider wire. Every four or five loop-arounds, thread a red bead through the wire to add some color to the feeder. Continue this pattern all the way to the other side of the feeder. If you'd prefer to skip this step, consider using red-colored wire as your base instead (like this Mandala Crafts aluminum craft wire), or make sure the hand feeder you're using has a bright red element on it.

Finally, fill up the feeding container with some sweet nectar. No need to buy any from the store, homemade hummingbird nectar is surprisingly easy to make by mixing one part sugar with four parts of water. Finally, attach your new DIY feeder directly from a branch, feederpole, or an ant moat to protect it from bugs. Now, sit back and watch the hummingbirds as they take a rest and snack break in your yard.