I will be honest with you, I have broken a lot of hummingbird feeders in my lifetime. They’re not easy to clean, and they can be really hard to store if you don’t have the right storage solution.
But it’s not all bad news: these broken feeders can still be repurposed into useful items around your home! Here are some ideas for turning those busted hummingbird feeders into something new:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Properly disposing of broken hummingbird feeders is important to prevent harm to birds and the environment. |
| Repurposing broken feeders can provide creative alternatives for bird feeding or DIY projects. |
| Recycling the materials of broken feeders is an environmentally-friendly option. |
| Contacting local recycling centers or organizations that accept bird feeder donations can help with proper disposal. |
| Taking preventive measures to avoid breaking feeders, such as using durable materials and regular maintenance, can extend their lifespan. |
Repair the Feeder With Glue
If you don’t want to buy a new feeder and want to repair the one you have, there are many options. You can use a hot glue gun or silicone sealant.
If you have access to epoxy glue, use that instead of the hot glue or silicone sealant because it’s more durable. If superglue is what you have on hand, then by all means use that!
The first option is to place an absorbent material into the spout of your hummingbird feeder (such as cotton balls) before putting it back together again.
This will catch any remaining nectar when they try again later on in hopes they will give up on drinking from this particular feeder without realizing there was anything wrong in the first place!
The second option is adding some water – which may seem counterintuitive but actually works great if done correctly! Simply pour about 1 cup of water overtop each side where cracks exist; then let dry overnight before trying again tomorrow morning when daylight hits again.”
When it comes to adjusting the spring on a bird feeder, it’s essential to follow the right steps. Our comprehensive guide on how to adjust the spring on a bird feeder provides detailed instructions and tips to ensure proper functionality and optimal bird feeding experience.
Use It As A Planter
A hummingbird feeder can be a beautiful addition to your garden or backyard, but if it’s broken, you may feel like you have to throw it away.
Don’t worry! You can use that old feeder as something else instead. This is especially true if you have a birdbath and/or fountain nearby.
Hummingbird feeders are usually made out of glass or plastic and contain sugar water for the birds’ nourishment.
If you want to keep using yours after it breaks, simply remove all of its parts (including any liquid), wash them thoroughly with warm soapy water, then fill up the bottle with soil and plant whatever kind of flowers or plants you prefer inside of it!
It will add some extra color without having to buy anything new from the store; plus there’s no need for pesticides because hummingbirds won’t eat any weeds growing within reach either.”
| Use Case |
|---|
| Planter |
| Storage |
| Decor |
| Organizer |
| Display |
Make It a Succulent Planter
If you have a broken hummingbird feeder, don’t throw it away or send it to the landfill. Instead, consider repurposing the container into a succulent planter.
Succulents are hardy plants and easy to care for so they’re perfect for new gardeners.
They come in many different shapes and sizes and can be found at nurseries or home improvement stores. You can even make your own succulent planters using all sorts of materials: mason jars, milk cartons, old paint cans—you name it!
Succulents are also great as centerpieces at parties or events because they add color and texture to any table setting without requiring much maintenance (you’ll still need to water them every few days).
They also make beautiful wreaths when paired with fresh flowers or pinecones from your yard; just hang them outside by your front porch so people walking by will see how gorgeous they look in their new homes 🙂
Looking for an alternative bird feeding option? Discover the joy of attracting birds with a niger seed bird feeder. Our step-by-step guide on how to make a niger seed bird feeder offers easy-to-follow instructions and valuable insights to create a bird-friendly environment in your backyard.
Make Personalized Wind Chimes
If you’re not into using your broken hummingbird feeder as a wind chime, there are other options.
You can cut it in half and use the top half as a bird feeder or birdhouse; this is especially good if you have small children who might mistake the bottom portion for candy.
Drill through the center of your feeder with a hole saw, then use nails to attach these pieces together at each end.
This method works well for hanging on trees or fences, but it’s also an excellent way to store your broken hummingbird feeder indoors for later use.
To make personalized wind chimes from your old feeders, consider melting them down into smaller pieces first (a hot glue gun works well for this). This will make drilling holes much easier—you may even want to drill several holes before moving onto attaching them together!
Use it as a Wind Chime Holder
If you have a hummingbird feeder that’s broken and can’t be fixed, there are many other ways to use it. For example, you could hang your broken feeder outside and use it as a wind chime holder.
To do this, first use a small nail or screw to attach the hummingbird feeder to the branch of a tree (or any other piece of wood). Then drill two holes in the bottom of your broken feeder; one hole should be close to each side.
Cut some string or wire that’s about 2 feet long; tie one end of this string through one hole in your hummingbird feeder and then through another hole on either side of it so that all three holes are connected together by pieces of string/wire hanging from them (see image).
Finally, tie off the ends of these strings with knots or twist ties so that nothing falls out! You now have yourself a hanging hummingbird wind chime!
“Are crows causing trouble for your bird feeders? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Learn effective strategies and practical solutions to keep crows away from your bird feeders in our comprehensive guide at how to keep crows away from my bird feeders. Say goodbye to unwanted visitors and ensure a peaceful feeding experience for your feathered friends.
Make Your Own Water Fountain
If you’re looking for a fun way to use up those broken hummingbird feeders, but don’t want to throw them away, try this!
Drill small holes through the bottom of your feeder so that water can flow through it.
Attach a hose to the bottom of the feeder and run it into a bucket or other container full of water.
Attach a submersible pump (like this one) to the other end of the hose and place it in said bucket/container as well (make sure there’s enough room for air bubbles!).
Use rocks or bricks around your new fountain so that when birds sit on top of their new perch, they won’t tip over into their water source!
After filling up with fresh water from time to time during hot days, you’ll be able make sure that no matter how many times these birds knock over their drink station or even how often you forget about refilling it yourself there will always be cool refreshment available at all times!
| Idea |
|---|
| Clay Pot Fountain |
| Rock Waterfall |
| Tiered Garden Fountain |
| Recycled Materials |
| Solar-Powered Fountain |
Turn It into a Terrarium
If you’re a crafty person, you can turn your broken hummingbird feeder into a terrarium. Terrariums are fun because they’re easy to make (you just need some dirt and plants!) and they require very minimal maintenance.
You’ll need:
- a piece of broken hummingbird feeder (with the metal parts removed) or another glass container that is big enough to hold your plant(s)
- potting soil
- some small rocks or pebbles for drainage
- a plant or two! Make sure the plant has nice roots so it will be able to survive inside your new home. We recommend an airplant like Tillandsia aeranthos var. roseana pictured here. It’s tough enough to live in low light conditions without needing much watering—perfect for this project!
Use Rubbing Alcohol to Clean the Glass
If you have broken hummingbird feeders, you can clean the glass with rubbing alcohol. To do this, follow these steps:
Use your finger to apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to the inside surface of the feeder.
Place a soft cloth over the top of the feeder and wipe down in circular motions until clean (try not to spray too much rubbing alcohol onto the cloth).
Wipe all remaining liquid off with a paper towel and let dry overnight before refilling it with nectar or sugar water.
Attracting robins to your backyard can be a delightful experience. Discover the secrets to creating a bird-friendly environment that attracts robins with our informative guide on what bird feeder attracts robins. Explore tips, feeder recommendations, and insights to welcome these beautiful birds into your garden.
Take It Apart and Reuse the Pieces
Once you’ve taken apart the hummingbird feeder, there are several ways to re-use the pieces.
The glass can be used as a window or mirror. If you’ve purchased a clear glass hummingbird feeder, you can use it as a normal window.
If not, paint or stain it any color you like! Or keep it clear and use it as a mirror in your bathroom—it’ll look great when reflecting light from candles or chandeliers.
The metal parts can also be used for jewelry and crafts projects (if they’re not too rusty). They’re great for creating charms that dangle from keychains and bracelets!
Use it to Make Sun Catchers
You can use your broken hummingbird feeder as the beginning of a new project. These instructions will show you how to make a sun catcher that you can hang in your window or on the wall in your house!
All you’ll need is some wire and some old pieces of glass (or other material) that are roughly the same size as each other. You can also use beads, buttons, or any other decorative items that are safe for children and pets.
| Idea |
|---|
| Stained Glass Sun Catchers |
| Beaded Sun Catchers |
| CD/DVD Sun Catchers |
| Crystal Sun Catchers |
| Nature-Inspired Sun Catchers |
Repurpose Them as Bird Houses
Hummingbird feeders are useful for attracting hummingbirds and other birds to your yard, but what do you do when they break? Don’t fret! You can repurpose your broken hummingbird feeders into bird houses by following these steps:
Turn the top of the broken feeder into a small hole. Use a sharp knife to cut a hole in the top of your old feeder that is just big enough for birds to get their heads through.
Cut off any remaining parts of the tube that are sticking out from underneath it and make sure there aren’t any sharp edges sticking out anywhere.
Fill with dirt! Put some dirt inside your new bird house so that small animals won’t be able to get inside, then set it on its side somewhere where there are trees nearby so that birds will see it!
Knowing when to replace a damaged item is crucial for maintaining a healthy and safe environment for your pets. If you’re wondering when you should replace a fish tank, our comprehensive guide at when should you replace a fish tank offers valuable insights and considerations to help you make an informed decision. Ensure the well-being of your aquatic companions by staying proactive in maintaining their living space.
Turn it into an Oil Lamp
If you want to turn your hummingbird feeder into an oil lamp, but are afraid of burning down the house, try this:
Remove the top from the feeder by unscrewing it.
Take out the wick and replace it with a long piece of wire or string that’s been soaked in oil (or glue some short pieces together).
Put the lid back on securely, making sure that no light can get through cracks where plastic meets glass or metal meets plastic—this could cause fire!
Light a candle and place it inside your new lamp! If you don’t have any candles on hand, you can use another source for light like a flashlight or phone light (but be careful not to damage your device).
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you to find new ways to reuse your broken hummingbird feeders. These little birds have brightened up many people’s lives and we should do whatever we can to give them their due. Good luck!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on hummingbird feeders:
13 Questions About Hummingbird Feeders Answered by the Pros: Explore this informative article that addresses common questions about hummingbird feeders. Learn valuable insights from experts on topics such as feeder placement, nectar solutions, maintenance, and more.
Common Hummingbird Feeder Challenges and Solutions: Discover practical solutions to common challenges faced by hummingbird feeder enthusiasts. This resource offers tips and advice on issues like preventing leaks, deterring ants and bees, and maintaining optimal cleanliness.
Recycled Hummingbird Feeder Ideas: Get creative with recycling and repurposing materials to make your own hummingbird feeder. This article showcases innovative ideas and step-by-step instructions to craft unique feeders using recycled containers.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about hummingbird feeders:
How often should I clean my hummingbird feeder?
Cleaning your hummingbird feeder is important to prevent mold, bacteria, and disease. It’s recommended to clean the feeder every 3-5 days, or more frequently in hot weather.
What is the best location to hang a hummingbird feeder?
Hang your hummingbird feeder in a shady area that offers some protection from the wind. Ideally, it should be placed near flowers or other nectar sources to attract hummingbirds.
How do I prevent ants from getting into the feeder?
To deter ants, use an ant moat or ant guard, which creates a barrier by holding water. Place it above the feeder so ants cannot reach the nectar.
Can I use honey instead of sugar to make hummingbird nectar?
No, it is not recommended to use honey as it can promote the growth of harmful bacteria. It’s best to stick to a simple sugar solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) for the hummingbird nectar.
What are some natural ways to deter bees from the feeder?
To deter bees, try using a feeder with bee guards or opt for feeders with smaller ports that make it difficult for bees to access. Additionally, planting bee-friendly flowers away from the feeder can divert their attention.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.