I have tried many feeding cups, and have finally come up with one that solves the problems of my previous cups.
Coffee mugs, or any cups without a way for water to exit will result in drowned feeders if your misting,dripping, or hand spray hits the cup. My misting system seems to have a mind of its own, as do the plants that grow and splash water into new areas, creating a cesspool of dead feeders. Not so good for the smell created, or the dinner.....
Armed with hot glue sticks and screen, I built milk carton feeders, plexiglass feeders, and PVC feeders. The problem with the screen is 3 fold; 1)the screen oxidizes white, leaching nasties onto the feeders, 2)the screen is super at grating bugs into a slime, but impossible to clean, and 3) In trying to clean the screen, I would pop it off and had to re-glue it.
Here is the solution:
The container I use is a Solo plastic cup, I used the 4-3/4 inch tall cup with the top diameter of 3-3/4 inches. These cups are in most grocery stores, come in several colors including Chameleon Green
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Cut off the bottom of the container. I used a band saw, but you could use a box cutter or scissors.[IMG]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t297/nickbarta/feedercup003.jpg
I use a high density light green foam that is about 1-1/4 inches thick that you can get at craft stores and material stores, although you could use a sponge I suppose. Trace the TOP OF THE CUP onto the foam, and cut the circle out. Push the foam down into the cup until it is flush on the bottom. The larger foam will wedge in the smaller bottom, holding the foam in place.
For the holder, I use the band from a WIDE MOUTH canning jar lid. I screwed the band into a branch with one 1/4 inch screw. You can pivot the band to what ever angle fits the need.
The sponge can be washed by hand, of thrown in the dishwasher, and is the water source for the feeders.
Nick
Coffee mugs, or any cups without a way for water to exit will result in drowned feeders if your misting,dripping, or hand spray hits the cup. My misting system seems to have a mind of its own, as do the plants that grow and splash water into new areas, creating a cesspool of dead feeders. Not so good for the smell created, or the dinner.....
Armed with hot glue sticks and screen, I built milk carton feeders, plexiglass feeders, and PVC feeders. The problem with the screen is 3 fold; 1)the screen oxidizes white, leaching nasties onto the feeders, 2)the screen is super at grating bugs into a slime, but impossible to clean, and 3) In trying to clean the screen, I would pop it off and had to re-glue it.
Here is the solution:
The container I use is a Solo plastic cup, I used the 4-3/4 inch tall cup with the top diameter of 3-3/4 inches. These cups are in most grocery stores, come in several colors including Chameleon Green
Cut off the bottom of the container. I used a band saw, but you could use a box cutter or scissors.[IMG]http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t297/nickbarta/feedercup003.jpg
I use a high density light green foam that is about 1-1/4 inches thick that you can get at craft stores and material stores, although you could use a sponge I suppose. Trace the TOP OF THE CUP onto the foam, and cut the circle out. Push the foam down into the cup until it is flush on the bottom. The larger foam will wedge in the smaller bottom, holding the foam in place.
For the holder, I use the band from a WIDE MOUTH canning jar lid. I screwed the band into a branch with one 1/4 inch screw. You can pivot the band to what ever angle fits the need.
The sponge can be washed by hand, of thrown in the dishwasher, and is the water source for the feeders.
Nick
