Hungry Hummer Jr.© Handcrafted Hummingbird Feeder

My hummingbird feeders are handcrafted right here in the USA. There is nothing fancy about this feeder so feel free to enhance it with vines or flowers to fit in with your garden, if you wish.

I feel that the Hungry Hummer Jr.© is one of the most economical and easiest hummingbird feeders to clean and fill on the market right now, and it can also be used as a seed feeder for other birds after your hummers have left! The hummingbird feeders that I have purchased in the past were difficult to clean, leaked or were quite espensive. Since I like to have several feeders in my yard, I set out to create something that was easy to clean and fill without the use of special cleaning tools even for those with limited dexterity. My hummingbird feeders are also great to get your children involved in learning about our hummingbird friends. After your hummingbirds have migrated south for the winter, remove the top and pour seed directly into the cup for other birds that overwinter in your area.

Click on the images below for a larger view of my hummingbird feeders.

Hungry Hummer Jr. #1 with corded hanger

Hungry Hummer Jr. #2 with copper hanger

This hummingbird feeder is composed of a shallow food grade plastic saucer shaped container that nests inside a ring. The container lifts out of the ring and the red lid snaps on and off for easy cleaning and filling. The flower ports in the picture above are yellow for ease of viewing only. Flowers are available in white, red or reddish orange. Dimensions:.. Feeder cup is approx 6" wide x 1" Deep Capacity:.......8 ounces (approx.) Flower Ports: 4 on style #1, 3 on style #2 PLEASE NOTE Both feeders are currently sold out. I am currently looking for a new manufacturer of the nectar bowls as the company I was using has closed down one of its facilities. I also offer plant seeds so that you can start or enhance your own hummingbird habitat. Many of the plants can be container grown on patios and balconies.

It is not necessary to purchase instant nectar for your hummingbird feeders. I have included a simple & completely safe and natural nectar recipe below. A 5 lb. bag of granulated sugar will cost less than $2.00 a bag in most areas and make many gallons of nectar whereas the prepackaged mix can cost a $1.00 or more per package and only make a quart. In many cases, the prepackaged nectar also has additives that may be unhealthy for hummers. It only takes a few minutes to mix your own nectar and the money you save can be used to buy more feeders!

Copyright Statement: Text and photos pertaining to the Hungry Hummer Jr.© is the intellectual and creative property of Penny Durnin, Copyrighted © 2002-2003. All rights reserved.

Simple Hummingbird Nectar Recipe

Boil water for 2 minutes to dissolve sugar and to retard spoilage of nectar. Add 1 part granulated sugar (table sugar) to 4 parts boiled water. Stir well until sugar has completely dissolved. Fill feeders when nectar has reached room temperature. Hang your feeder, preferably, in a shady area near shrubs or trees. For my feeders, use 1 cup of boiled water to 1/4 sugar for each feeder. If you want to make enough for the week all at once, the left over nectar can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

PLEASE NOTE: Do Not add food coloring or artificial sweeteners as these could harm the hummingbirds. Do Not use honey as an alternative sugar source for hummingbirds as this can make them very ill.

DO Change out the nectar every 2-3 days if the hummingbirds are not emptying the feeder. This will prevent mold or mildew from forming especially in hot weather. It is a good idea to wash your feeders then rinse with white vinegar or bleach and then rinse again with plain water as necessary to prevent the growth of harmful organisms especially during high temperatures or very humid conditions.

Timely Tip

Wait at least 2 weeks preferably 1 month after you see the last hummer in your area before removing your feeders. Occasionally there are birds that are late to migrate and they will welcome the extra nourishment they find along their long and arduous journey.

It's a good idea to put up several smaller feeders in different locations so that a hummingbird defending one feeder will not be able to see or dominate the other feeders.

Preventing Ants at hummingbird feeders

You can purchase "Ant Moats" from various sources that sell hummingbird feeders for about $5.00 or you can do as I did and make your own for free! Here are a couple of methods that can be adjusted to suit your needs and/or feeder style. You can use the cap from a paint can or other container that has the smaller cap on the inside. Put a small hole in the center of the smaller cap and run a wire down through it. Bend both ends of the wire to form a double hook. Fill the outside area of the cap with water. Hook one end to the feeder and the other end to the area where you hang your feeder. The ants will climb down but quickly leave as they don't want to go in the water. Another method is to place a small cap upside down above the feeder and fill the inside with petroleum jelly. I have used both methods and both work equally well.

Hummingbird Plants

Great Hummingbird Resources

There are many more wonderful sites about hummingbirds but I feel that these sites offer a wealth of information and links to even more sites.

• The Hummingbird Forum
• Hummingbirds.net/
• The hummingbird Society
• Operation Ruby Throat, the Hummingbird Project
• The Hummingbird Web Site
• Tips for Choosing your hummingbird feeder
• Interactive Hummingbird Garden Forum
  

PENELOPE'S QUILT CLOSET
1793 Ruie Rd.
N. Tonawanda, NY 14120
Phone:(716)694-6019

Email: penelope1947@yahoo.com