A hummingbird feeder is the easiest way to start welcoming the delightful birds to your home. An effective hummingbird feeder ensures that they’ll always have a reliable food source.
When buying a feeder, be sure it’s one that will easily feed your garden residents and is straightforward to clean, or the nectar will turn, deterring further visits.
A feeder that will blend in with your landscape, your lifestyle and meet the needs of the many hummingbirds in your area will be the best choice. Consider the feeding ports, colours, sizes and placement, and how easy the feeder will be to care for.
Types of Hummingbird Feeders
The most important factor in your choice of feeder will be how easy it is to maintain it. While many shapes and designs have their perks, most all fit within two design categories. The ideal design is based upon your individual maintenance preferences and habits, as well as the amount of work you’d prefer to commit to preparing your new feeding area.
Bottle-Style Feeders
These store nectar within an upside-down bottle, allowing a supply to drip out slowly. Bottle feeders come with a larger nectar capacity, and will serve well in a busy hummingbird feeding area.
Why Buy Them?
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You have larger amounts of nectar
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Your area attracts a multitude of hummingbirds
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You want fewer refills
Dish-Style Feeders
Dish feeders keep nectar in a shallow reservoir where the birds drink through open ports located in the lid or side. They are the simplest choice for someone that is new to hummingbirds because they’re easier to maintain and refill.
Why Buy Them?
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You’re just beginning your hummingbird journey
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Your outdoor space is small
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You want a cleaner environment
Pro Tip: A clean feeder is crucial in keeping your hummingbirds coming back.
What Makes a Good Hummingbird Feeder?
Whether the feeders are simple, decorative, big, or small, when choosing one, you’ll want to make sure it holds nectar in a fresh and accessible way.
Red Colour
Hummingbirds are naturally attracted to red because many nectar-rich flowers use bright colours to signal a valuable food source. We recommended not to add colour in the solution. The feeder itself is already carrying this attractive quality.
Feeding Portals
These are the small openings which hummingbirds get to the solution in the feeder. You can choose a feeder that has more feeding ports, or, conversely, that features a larger diameter that will permit several hummingbirds to dine at the same time. It’s a better option if you regularly attract several birds and want to provide additional opportunities. Many feeders also come in creative designs for fun but they are not necessary for the hummingbirds.
Size & Capacity
Hummingbird feeders come in many different sizes. A large feeder is not always better because you will have extra nectar left for far too long and can make hummingbirds sick. Ideally, you would want your solution to be eaten in 3 to 4 days. For new hummingbird keepers, it is best to begin with a smaller size feeder. However, choose a larger feeder if nectar disappears quickly.
Where Should You Locate Your Hummingbird Feeder?
Selecting the right location for your feeder will impact on how quickly hummingbirds find it and whether they choose to remain and frequent your backyard, as well as whether they feel comfortable in their new feeding area. A good location can serve the dual purpose of being easy to spot by the birds and easily accessible by you for cleaning, filling, and general observation.
Choosing The Best Spot:
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Easy for hummingbirds to spot
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Place it close to flowers or garden areas
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Find a location that’s safe from harsh wind
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Choose a slightly shaded area to help nectar stay fresh
After a while hummingbirds that regularly visit can adapt if you want to move the feeder slightly. They can also be trained to remember food source locations, if they become accosted.
How To Keep Your Feeder Healthy
By far the most important tip in hummingbird keeping that any novice can follow is that keeping it in clean condition is the secret to a popular feeder. Regular cleaning and maintenance help protect hummingbirds and ensure your feeder remains a safe and welcoming place to visit.
Keep Nectar Fresh
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Fill feeders with fresh solution every 3 to 4 days
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Check more often during hot climates
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Replace nectar if it becomes cloudy
Clean Regularly
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Wash feeders thoroughly before refilling
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Clean all areas where buildup can occur
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Choose feeders that are easy to take apart and maintain
How To Encourage More Hummingbirds?
Although hummingbirds are beautiful birds, many of them can be territorial and may try to defend their favourite feeding spots. If one hummingbird takes control of a feeder, other visitors can have a difficult time accessing it. To prevent this, you can:
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Set up more than one feeder around your area
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Place feeders in different locations
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Create more feeding opportunities
Placing your feeders in the right spot can help your backyard become a popular choice for hummingbirds.