CREDIT: SABITA SALDANHA
Hummingbird feeders are a great way to supplement the natural food sources provided by native plants and insects.
They also create a fun and entertaining opportunity to observe hummingbirds up close and connect with nature right outside your door every day.
Choosing a Hummingbird Feeder
Not all hummingbird feeders are created equal, and which one you choose is important to keep hummingbirds healthy and happy! When choosing a feeder, consider these elements:
Ease of Cleaning
Consider how easy the feeder is to take apart. This will help you to better clean the feeder and ensure you can clean all the nooks and crannies to prevent mold growth.
Color
Hummingbirds generally forage on red flowers, so choosing a feeder that has red coloring on it can help communicate to hummingbirds that it’s providing food.
Size
Choose a feeder that will naturally be emptied by the hummingbirds within about 2-3 days. This means that a smaller feeder is typically better for the average homeowner. This prevents mold and bacteria growth in the feeder.
Insect Guards
Some nectar feeders come with insect guards which can help prevent your feeder from becoming overrun by insects like wasps.
Filling the Feeder
There’s typically no need to purchase pre-made nectar solutions for hummingbirds, and sometimes these options sold in stores come filled with preservatives or dyes. Never use red nectar solutions, as color dyes can be harmful to hummingbirds.
To make your own nectar solution, dissolve one-part white sugar in four-parts hot water. This ratio most closely matches the nectar in flowers. Never use honey, which spoils easily when mixed with water, and avoid artificial sweeteners, which have no food value for birds.
Let the solution cool to room temperature before putting it in your feeder. You can store homemade nectar for up to a week in the refrigerator!
Where to Place the Feeder in your Garden
Choosing the right location for your feeder will depend on a few factors. We recommend choosing a spot that is:
Easy for you to access
This will make it easier for you to regularly clean and refill the feeder.
Visible to the birds
Hummingbirds will primarily find your feeder by sight, so it should be easy to find.
CREDIT: JANICE ZEIGLER
Nearby to sheltered spots
Having trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetation, and other sheltered spots nearby allows spaces for the hummingbirds to hide and rest between feeding.
But, not too close to other plants
While having shelter nearby the feeder is great, you’ll want to avoid the feeder being so close to other plants that they cover or block the feeder. Hummingbirds like to hover around the feeder so they will need some open space to fly.
Avoid the “danger zone” around windows (3-25 feet from your windows)
Hummingbirds may fly away quickly from the feeder, especially if a predator is nearby. If the feeder is within this 3-25 feet zone, the birds may crash into the window without seeing the glass. You can also help prevent this by adding window decals to help cue to birds that the window is there. A feeder within 3 feet of a window is typically close enough that the birds are more likely to notice the window and avoid it.
Make it visible to you
Usually the reason people put up hummingbird feeders is that they like to see the birds visit. Choose a spot where you can observe the activity at your feeder regularly.
Cleaning the Feeder
Hummingbird feeders are only beneficial if they are cleaned and refilled regularly. Otherwise, mold and bacteria can grow and harm the birds. Follow these simple cleaning steps:
Clean it regularly (every 1-3 days depending on the weather).
In hot weather, mold and bacteria can grow quickly and it is a good idea to clean your feeder every day or every other day. In milder temperatures, you can extend this time to about once every three days. Hopefully you selected a feeder that the hummingbirds empty about every 2-3 days, so a good routine is to clean the feeder every time you refill it.
Clean it with hot water and dish soap.
A regular cleaning of your feeder can be done with hot soapy water and a scrub brush. Make sure to give it a thorough scrub and then rinse and refill the feeder!
For a deeper clean, soak it in water and vinegar.
Sometimes you may want to do a deeper clean, particularly if you have spotted mold. This deep clean can be done with a 1:2 ratio of vinegar and warm water that you can use to soak the feeder in for a few hours. Once the soak is done, rinse the feeder and refill it!
Remember, a Feeder Doesn’t Replace Plants
While a hummingbird feeder can be a great addition to the garden, it’s important to remember that native plants provide more than just nectar to hummingbirds. Learn more about gardening for hummingbirds here!
CREDIT: GEORGE BREHM
