Feed Hummingbirds In Style With A Vintage Feeder From The Thrift Store

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Hummingbirds are one of the simple joys in life, and finding new ways to draw them into your world is often easier than you think. There are plenty of household items you can repurpose into creative bird feeders, but you can also grab an affordable and stylish feeding station at your local thrift store. A quick trip to your favorite secondhand shop opens doors to opportunities you won't find on big box shelves. If you love surrounding yourself with eclectic or vintage buys, this is a nice change from the cookie-cutter contemporaries at other shops. 

The main thing to look for with a vintage feeder is that it's intact and there are no cracks where tiny beaks might get stuck or bacteria might lurk. As you incorporate thrifted items into your garden for an eclectic outdoor oasis, be sure to wash them thoroughly before use. In fact, you should clean feeders weekly to avoid spreading bacteria and making birds in your area sick. A one-part bleach to nine-part water mixture is a good way to do this. Rinse well, and wear gloves to avoid damaging your skin. Once clean, your bargain buy can be hung in a visible place for you to watch it in action. 

As you begin your search through your local thrift shop, pay special attention to seasonal and garden-related merchandise. This is likely where hummingbird products are hiding among other outdoor finds. A vintage feeder made of glass is a good choice, and it's easy to customize if you decide it needs more personality. A pop of color can be added with a non-toxic paint, like DecoArt Glass Paint. Look for colors that match other outdoor furnishings, or consider a translucent finish to enhance the vintage vibe with a sea glass effect. Once you've found a new-to-you hummingbird perch and materials to add pizzazz, it's time to get to work.

Clean the glass well and let it dry overnight to ensure no bacteria will form in the bottle. Assemble it and check that the hanger that came with it is still sturdy and will hold up in the breeze. If not, you can swap out metal wires for colorful ribbon or even some kitchen twine to maintain the aged aesthetic. Paint the exterior of the bottle if you plan to do so; adding polka dots or bright flower patterns is a nice touch for your flower-loving feathered friends. Now you just need to learn the best tips and tricks for attracting birds to a new feeder. Fortunately, you'll have a beautiful and unique vintage food station to practice with.