Getting Started with Hummingbird Feeders

Having a hummingbird feeder is an important element of any hummingbird garden. When flowers are not in bloom, a shortage of nectar is created. Having a source of sugar-water, which can be provided by a feeder, is vital to the hummingbird’s diet. Here are a few helpful tips to successfully maintaining a hummingbird feeder.



When you first introduce a hummingbird feeder into the garden, it should be placed in the sun near flowers so the birds can find it easily.

Once the feeder has been discovered by the birds and you have regular visitors, consider moving the feeder to a new, permanent location.

Distance from your house, shade, and cover are all-important factors when selecting a site. Feeders should be within 10 to 15 feet of the nearest cover. The feeder should ideally spend most of the day in the shade, with a few hours of direct sunlight. If possible, place your feeder within easy view from your windows so you can enjoy and monitor the hummingbirds.

Birds often mistake the reflections in windows for open spaces and fly into the glass, injuring or killing themselves. Placing a bird silhouette on any window surface will greatly reduce this from happening.

In cool climates, a feeder in full sun is tolerable. The feeder should be cleaned every 6 days.

In warm climates, feeders must be cleaned every 3 days.

Signs of mold on the feeder and small black specks in the water are danger signs and pose serious health risks for hummingbirds.

Hummingbirds are aggressive with each other and will chase one another away from the feeder. Having multiple feeders will ensure that the less aggressive birds will be able to obtain nectar.