Go Back
Buffalo Checked humming bird feeder heater crate

Buffalo Checked DIY Hummingbird feeder heater crate

Funky Junk Interiors
Learn how to make a charming Buffalo Checked DIY Hummingbird feeder heater crate using red Christmas lights to keep nectar from freezing! Includes care and nectar recipe.
Print Tutorial Pin Tutorial

Tools:

Supplies:
  

Instructions:
 

How to Buffalo Check a crate

  • Paint a crate red.
  • Stencil a Buffalo Check pattern on top in black.
    Buffalo Check stencil
  • Add thinner white lines over top if desired.
    Plaid Shirt stencil

Adding lights

  • Cut two wood boards to fit inside the crate.
  • Wind 1 string red Christmas lights around the boards, attaching to themselves at the top.
  • Attach boards to the inside sides of the crate so the string of lights continue and the plug side exits near your electrical source.
  • Hang hummingbird feeder from the top of the crate with an eye hook.
  • Attach crate outdoors in a position that best protects it from wind.

Year-around hummingbird nectar recipe

  • Pour ΒΌ cup white sugar and 1 cup of water into a cooking pot.
  • If making more nectar, ratio should be 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Refrigerate extra.
  • Turn heat on low, and heat mixture while constantly stirring.
  • Do not bring to a boil. Remove from heat once you see steam forming.
  • Cool nectar completely before cleaning and refilling hummingbird feeder.

When to change hummingbird nectar

  • Refreshing nectar several times a week is best.
  • At the first sight of bugs or other birds, clean and change immediately.

How to keep nectar from freezing

  • Hang a hummingbird feeder inside a crate for wind protection. Insulate if you can.
  • Add a heat source, such as a hummingbird heater, or DIY a light source such as a heat lamp or Christmas lights.
  • Have two feeders to switch out during winter months for when one turns slushy or freezes.

When to feed hummingbirds

  • Have feeder out at the crack of dawn if you don't leave your feeder out all night.
  • Leave feeder out well beyond when you notice them stop feeding. Some late night snackers may come by!
  • If you feed hummers in the summer, and they don't migrate during winter months in your area, be sure to continue to commit to keep feeding them throughout the entire winter.
Keyword DIY Tutorials, hummingbirds, Stencils
Did you try this tutorial?Share it on Instagram and tag @funkyjunkinteriors and include #funkyjunkinteriors so we can check it out!