You can fill a container with fruit instead of bird seed, and it’s a clever way to recycle something you’d normally discard.
When it comes to attracting hummingbirds, many people assume you only need to offer them sugary nectar. However, nuts like berries, apples, pears, and oranges can be a delicious alternative – especially when you cut them up to release their juice. What’s more, these fruits don’t just attract hummingbirds, but also insects such as ants and fruit flies, which add valuable protein and nutrients to the birds’ diet. So, if you notice ants and other insects visiting your homemade feeder, it’s actually a good sign that the birds are getting a nutritious meal.
To begin this DIY project, you’ll need a handful of things: an empty egg carton, some string or twine, scissors, red paint, and a selection of fruits that will entice hummingbirds. Berries such as strawberries and raspberries are excellent choices since they are compact, fleshy, and hummingbirds find the color red aesthetically appealing. As for apples, pears, and oranges, be sure to remove the peel and cut them into bite-sized pieces so the hummingbirds can easily access the juicy parts.
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The Hummingbird Egg Carton Feeder Project: A Fun DIY Idea
Did you know that you can upcycle an egg carton into a homemade hummingbird feeder? With just a few easy steps, you can attract these delightful creatures to your garden. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make your egg carton hummingbird feeder come to life.
Materials Needed:
1. Empty egg carton
2. 2 cups of water
3. 2 cups of sugar
4. 2 tablespoons of fruit juice
5. A long wooden skewer or fork
6. A rubber band
7. A piece of string or twine
8. A plate or tray (underneath the feeder for spilling messes)
Instructions:
* Start by removing the egg cups from the carton and washing them thoroughly.
* Dip each egg cup into the water and then into a separate bowl with granulated sugar until it’s evenly coated.
* Fill each cup with the sugar mixture, leaving about 1-2 inches at the top.
* Dip the end of the wooden skewer or fork into the fruit juice, then press the skewer or fork into the sugar and then the rim of the cup.
* Dip the end of the skewer or fork into the sugar and the the top of the cup.
* Loop a rubber band around the skewer, securing it in place.
* Attach the egg cup to a piece of string or twine, spacing them 2-3 cups apart.
* Hang your egg carton hummingbird feeder in a sunny spot where the birds can easily access it.
* Refill as needed, and enjoy watching the hummingbirds feed on your handy egg carton feeder.
Tips and Considerations:
* Create multiple feeders by following the same steps, spacing them 5-6 feet apart for the hummingbirds to navigate.
* Change the sugar mixture every 3-4 days, or as needed.
* Consider using a nectar feeder with built-in ant moats or made with ant-proof containers for added protection from pests.
To make your feeder hangable, poke a small hole in each corner of the egg carton. This allows you to thread a string or twine through it so that you can hang your feeder when you’re finished.
Now, let’s move on to the fun part – preparing the fruit. Cut bigger berries in half or quarters, and chop apples and pears into bite-sized pieces. Place a small amount of fruit in each egg cup, and you can mix up the fruits to add some variety for the hummingbirds.
For a hummingbird-friendly setup, a location near flowering plants is perfect, as these birds are especially drawn to those areas. Although they may show a preference for flowers over fruit feeders, some hummingbirds will still feed from both. When setting up the feeder, ensure it’s secure and not too close to the ground, where other animals might be able to reach it. Regularly inspect the feeder to prevent mold and bacterial growth by replacing dried-out or spoiled fruit with fresh fruit as needed.
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