There’s something quietly thrilling about spotting a butterfly floating through the garden. Every year, I find myself looking for ways to coax a few more of these visitors into my yard. I’ve planted nectar-rich flowers and left a patch of wild violets just for them, but recently, I stumbled onto a simple and satisfying project: hanging orange slices using homemade hooks. You probably already have everything you need. It’s one of those easy, creative projects that takes just a few minutes but delivers a steady parade of butterflies (and a splash of color, too).
In this guide, I’ll walk you through making your own butterfly feeder using coat hangers or copper wire. The project is as flexible as it gets: you can tweak, twist, or decorate the hooks any way you like, and if you use copper, you’ll get the added benefit of discouraging slugs and snails. Best of all, you’ll be left with a garden that feels even more alive and connected to the tiny creatures flitting around. Let’s get started.
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Why I Started Feeding Butterflies
A few summers back, I noticed the butterflies were spending less time in my garden, despite all my efforts planting their favorite flowers. I started reading about ways to supplement what was already growing in my yard and learned that fruit, especially oranges, is practically irresistible to them. The idea of using up fruit scraps while helping pollinators seemed like a win-win.
Setting out orange slices felt like a little invitation to my fluttering guests. It didn’t take long before I saw the first butterfly perched right on the fruit, sipping away. Watching that close-up moment made me realize how easy it is to create a garden that’s not just beautiful for me, but nourishing for all kinds of life. I quickly became a convert to fruit feeding.
What You’ll Need: The Scavenger Hunt
Half the fun of this project is digging through your drawers or workshop for supplies. I always feel a bit like a kid on a treasure hunt, searching for those leftover bits that finally find their purpose. For the hooks, I’ve used everything from old wire hangers to spare copper wire leftover from another project.
You’ll want some pliers, especially if you’re working with thicker wire, and a pair of scissors or wire cutters. The real star, of course, is the fruit. Oranges work best, but honestly, any soft fruit you have on hand will do. Sometimes I’ll add a bit of ribbon or twine just to make the hooks a little more festive. If you go the copper route, you’ll also enjoy the bonus of fewer slugs and snails joining the party, as copper naturally keeps them at bay.
Crafting the Perfect Hook
I love a project that lets me play around a little, and making these hooks is exactly that. You don’t need to be a jewelry maker or even particularly handy—just a little creativity and willingness to experiment. I usually cut an 8- to 12-inch length of wire for each hook. Coat hangers can be a bit stiff, but they hold their shape well. Copper is more flexible, so it’s easier to twist and curl into any shape you want.
The first thing I do is bend one end into a small loop. This is where your orange slice will sit, so make sure it’s secure. Sometimes I add a little curl for style or to help hold the fruit in place. The other end gets shaped into a hook for hanging over a branch. I like to play around with the balance until it hangs nicely. Don’t be afraid to make a few different versions; the process is pretty forgiving and you’ll probably find ways to improve with each try.
Prepping the Oranges (and Other Treats)
Oranges are a classic choice, but feel free to raid your fruit bowl for inspiration. I usually slice the oranges into rounds about half an inch thick. The slices are just the right size to fit on my hooks and offer plenty of exposed fruit for butterflies to feed on. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll try banana chunks or a wedge of watermelon—anything soft, sweet, and easy for a butterfly to land on.
Once you have your slices, just skewer them onto the looped end of your hook. The fruit should fit snugly without falling off, but you can always make a smaller loop or add a bit of a twist to hold it in place. If you’re using something like a banana, I recommend cutting a chunk that’s big enough to stay put but not so heavy that it pulls the hook off balance.
5. Finding the Best Spot in the Garden
Picking a spot to hang your feeder is almost as fun as making it. I wander the yard looking for the perfect branch—something low enough to observe but high enough to keep pets and little hands away. Butterflies prefer a spot with some sun, but a little dappled shade works, too. I try to find a place near flowers or shrubs so the butterflies feel at home.
Hanging the hooks is simple: just drape them over the branch and step back. If I’m feeling extra creative, I’ll hang a few at different heights to create a little feeding station. You can always move them around until you find the sweet spot where butterflies seem to gather. Sometimes it takes a day or two, but once they find it, word gets out quickly.
The Surprising Perks of Copper Wire
When I first tried copper wire, it was mostly for the look—there’s something about that warm metallic color that just fits in with the garden. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that copper also helps keep slugs and snails away. These garden pests aren’t fans of copper, so you get a built-in defense without having to resort to chemicals or traps.
It’s a small detail, but one I’ve come to appreciate, especially when I’m trying to keep the garden as natural as possible. Even if you use coat hangers for most hooks, making a few out of copper can help if you’ve noticed slugs or snails snacking on your fruit before the butterflies arrive.
Hanging and Maintaining Your Feeder
Setting up the feeder is just the start. I like to make it part of my garden routine to check on the fruit every couple of days. Oranges dry out in the sun and lose their appeal, so I swap in fresh slices as needed. If it rains, I make sure to remove any soggy pieces to avoid attracting other critters. This keeps the feeder clean and inviting for butterflies.
If you find that the hooks are getting sticky or covered in old fruit, a quick rinse and wipe with a damp cloth will do the trick. The nice thing about this project is how low-maintenance it is. Most of the time, it’s just a quick swap and you’re back to enjoying your visitors.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s fun to experiment. Sometimes I’ll decorate the wire hooks with leftover beads or twist a bit of colored wire around them. I’ve even used a dab of non-toxic paint for a pop of color. If you’re making several feeders, try using different fruits to see which ones attract the most butterflies. Watermelon tends to be a hit on hot days, while oranges are a steady favorite.
You can also change up the shape of the hooks. A spiral design holds the fruit snugly and looks whimsical, while a simple “S” hook is quick and practical. If you have kids or friends helping, it’s a fun way to personalize each feeder. I love seeing all the different designs hanging together in the garden.
Watching for Visitors
I admit, the first time I set up a butterfly feeder, I checked on it every hour hoping for a crowd. Butterflies can be a little unpredictable, but once they find a steady source of food, they’ll keep coming back. Early morning and late afternoon seem to be the busiest times in my yard. I like to bring a cup of tea out and settle nearby to see who shows up.
I’ve spotted everything from swallowtails to painted ladies, sometimes even a bee or two taking a sip. It’s a peaceful way to slow down and notice what’s happening in the garden. If you have a camera handy, you can capture some surprisingly close shots, too. Don’t be discouraged if the action is slow at first—sometimes all it takes is one butterfly to spread the word.
Cleaning Up and Reusing Materials
I try to keep things as sustainable as possible, so I reuse my hooks from season to season. At the end of the summer, I give everything a good wash and store the hooks in a tin until next year. The copper ones hardly ever rust, and even the coat hanger hooks hold up surprisingly well.
If there’s leftover fruit, I toss it into the compost bin. That way, nothing goes to waste. It’s a little extra step that keeps my garden tidy and cuts down on pests. If you want to expand your butterfly buffet, you can always make a few extra hooks to hang around different parts of the yard.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps, Big Rewards
Making a butterfly feeder is one of those projects that reminds me how small gestures can add up to something meaningful. I love that I can repurpose things I already have lying around and see the results fluttering through the garden just a few days later. Each visit from a butterfly feels like a little thank-you from nature.
If you decide to make your own feeder, I’d love to hear how it goes or see photos of your creative hooks. The best part of this project is how easy it is to adapt and personalize—so don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it. Here’s to more butterflies, a little less garden waste, and many peaceful moments spent watching nature up close.
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