Care of Hummingbird Feeders

Types Of Hummingbird Feeders

• There are many custom-made hummingbird feeders that are literally pieces of artwork. Some are art glass, with colorful swirls of various shades stretched around the feeder, and some are trimmed with copper, meant to turn charming verdigris over time. Some are blown glass, fashioned in a bulb shape, with decorative etching. And there are the basic feeders, usually a thin glass or plastic bottle with a red top and red feeding station, mimicking the colors of the hummingbird's favorite flowers.

Selecting the Hummingbird Feeder

• The most important factor in deciding which hummingbird feeder to purchase is ease of cleaning. You must be able reach into the bottle and all other internal parts with a bottle brush to scrub away any possible bacteria, fungus or other material that may be harmful to the hummingbirds. You will need to purchase a small bottle brush with a long handle, usually found in the baby section of your local grocery or variety store.

Placement Of The Feeder

• It is best to hang the feeder in a shady area. Direct sun can cause the sugar solution to break down and spoil rapidly. Hang your feeder away from windows or glass doors to keep the hummingbirds from flying into the reflective glass. Ants also love to invade nectar feeders. Try applying a little Vaseline to the wire used for hanging the hummingbird feeder, or purchase an ant guard that you can add to it, but do not spray insecticide anywhere near the feeder.

Cleaning the Hummingbird Feeder

• Your hummingbird feeder will need to be emptied of any leftover nectar and thoroughly cleaned in hot water every two to three days. If the weather is especially hot, you may need to clean it each day, as bacteria grows more quickly in the warmth. Sugar solutions encourage the growth of pathogens, so always be on the lookout for cloudiness, mold (usually brown to black in appearance) and any slime in your feeder. It may collect inside the feeder station where the hummingbirds drink, so make sure to check every nook and cranny.

  Some people use a gentle soap solution while cleaning their feeders, but plain hot water is best due to possible soap residue being left in the feeder that may harm the birds. Thorough rinsing is the key to proper cleaning.

Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar

• Making your own hummingbird nectar is best. There is not enough evidence that red food coloring is harmless to these birds, so do not add it to your nectar. Never use honey because it can ferment and may kill the hummingbirds. The ideal recipe consists of 1 part granulated white sugar to 4 parts fresh water. In a clean, medium saucepan, boil the water and sugar for about 2 minutes (higher altitudes may require more time for boiling). Let cool to room temperature before filling your feeder. Store any extra nectar in your refrigerator.