Hummingbirds are a joy to observe, but if you've been struggling to get the birds to visit your backyard, your landscape could be lacking hummingbird feeders. Because of their very high metabolism, hummingbirds need to feed on hundreds of flowers per day. By creating hummingbird nectar at home, you can assist with providing them with the glucose energy they require to continue humming.
Hummingbird Feeder Tips
Place the Feeder in the Right Spot
You can set up your feeder almost anywhere around your yard, but putting it near other food sources like flowering plants is best. The hummingbirds spend time eating small insects and nectar there. Also, place the feeders in a place where you’ll be able to enjoy them, and don't forget to clean them regularly.
Put one near a bird-safe window, and you can get close-up views as they perch and feed. Just make sure the window doesn’t have indoor plants or other bright objects hanging inside, as that can be dangerous for the birds. Similarly, don’t put them outdoors where cats rest or play, and place them as far away from roads as possible.
If you plan to put out multiple feeders, don't place them too close together. This surprises a lot of people, but hummingbirds are actually territorial and mean with other hummingbirds. So, if you want to have multiple hummingbird feeders in your yard, it is recommended to place one at the front and one in the backyard. The distance can keep your neighborhood hummingbirds from fighting each other.
Clean the Feeder Regularly
It's important to clean the feeder frequently every two days in cold weather and daily in hot weather. Don't use strong chemicals that can leave a residue on the feeder. Disassemble the feeder and scrub it with a clean brush with hot water and dish soap.
Replace the Nectar Timely
While you're cleaning your feeder, replace the nectar too. The biggest mistake anyone can make is not cleaning their hummingbird feeder and changing the nectar frequently enough. Cleaning is particularly important when it's hot and humid outside since nectar in a feeder will spoil and mold rapidly.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
If you've been curious about how to prepare hummingbird nectar at home, you'll be surprised to learn that it's quite simple. It requires only two ingredients- refined white sugar and water. After you've prepared the hummingbird food, allow it to cool before pouring nectar into your bird feeder.
Steps:
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Mix 1 part refined white sugar and 4 parts warm tap water in a pot.
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Boil the mixture to a full boil. This will eliminate any possible microorganisms and reduce chlorine levels.
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Stir the ingredients together until the sugar melts.
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After the sugar has melted, take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool fully.
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After cooling, put your hummingbird nectar into your bird feeder.
What Feeders Attract the Most Hummingbirds?
Hummingbirds are also drawn to the red color, so most feeders have red colors or red flowers placed somewhere on the feeder. No matter what style feeder you buy, it's best to have a predominantly red feeder. Hummingbirds can see the color red from a distance and get attracted to it. Try to avoid yellow or white on your feeders, as these colors are more appealing to bees and wasps.
Plastic or Glass Feeder?
Both plastic or glass feeders are fine with hummingbirds as they are not fussy about the material. So, the plastic versus glass feeder question becomes a matter of merely personal preference. Plastic feeders are inexpensive, lightweight, and less prone to breaking if dropped. But they tend to warm up fast and warp over time, and the sugar from the nectar eats away the plastic from the inside of the feeder.
Glass feeders are more likely to break if they fall because of strong winds or pests. It's heavier than plastic, so it won't tip over and leak if there are strong winds. Glass is also less likely to darken or wear away over time, and it even helps keep fresh nectar fresh because it doesn't warm up as fast.
In addition to material, select a feeder that disassembles easily for cleaning, offers good viewing of the birds, and is bee-resistant.
Keeping Bees Away From Hummingbird Feeders
Bee, wasp, and hornet may hurt a hummingbird if they get stung. Generally, if the bees can't reach the nectar, they should sooner or later leave the feeder to seek a better source. The following are some further tips on how to keep the bees away:
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Keep it clean: Ensure there is no exposed nectar on or on the outside of your feeder, and clean it extensively with warm soapy water at least every 4-5 days.
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Change it up: Periodically relocate your feeder. Birds will naturally check around and discover a moved feeder, but insects won't.
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Reduce the nectar level: When using a dish-style feeder, attempt to lower the level of nectar in the dish below the feeding ports. This will prevent bees from easily accessing it. The hummingbird's tongue is twice longer than its beak, so it can access almost to the bottom of the dish.
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Move to the shade: If the feeder is out in the sunlight, relocate it to a shade.
Preventing Ants From Reaching Hummingbird Feeders
While hummingbirds do consume insects, they never consume ants. Having ants present on your hummingbird feeder may prevent them from using it. The ants can also invade the feeder and infuse the nectar with substances that are harmful to hummingbirds. You can follow the same tips for keeping bees away. Here are some more tips specifically to prevent ants:
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Use an ant moat: Some hummingbird feeders come equipped with ant moats, or you can buy them as add-ons. These ant moats trap ants in a miniature cup of water before they can get to the feeder. If the weather is extremely hot and the water is evaporating fast, check on it often so it doesn't remain empty.
Try fishing line: You can attempt to hang your feeder with a fishing line, as it is extremely hard for ants to climb. But, this might not be possible for heavier feeders.
