Quick Answers
Plastic hummingbird feeders can be perfectly safe and effective for feeding hummingbirds, as long as some basic precautions are taken. The main considerations are:
- Use high-quality, durable plastic that won’t crack – cheap plastics can break down in sunlight
- Clean thoroughly and change nectar frequently to prevent mold and bacteria buildup
- Use nectar mixes specifically designed for hummingbirds
- Avoid adding red dye which is unnecessary and potentially harmful
- Choose a feeder with an ant moat or other features to keep ants away
- Don’t let nectar freeze or get too hot
With proper care and cleaning, plastic feeders can serve hummingbirds just as well as glass. However, glass or ceramic may be preferable for those who want to eliminate any risks associated with plastic.
The Potential Benefits of Plastic Feeders
Plastic hummingbird feeders emerged as an alternative to traditional glass feeders due to a number of potential advantages:
Durability
Plastic is less liable to crack, shatter or break than glass, making it safer and more durable over time with repeated use. Plastic feeders can better withstand being knocked, dropped or bumped without disastrous results. This makes them great for households with children who may be less delicate around feeders.
Lightweight
Hummingbird feeders can get quite large, holding up to a quart of liquid. A full glass feeder can get extremely heavy, making it unwieldy and dangerous to hang. Plastic feeders are much lighter even when full, putting less strain on hanging hooks and making them easier to take down and refill.
Insulation
Plastic tends to provide better temperature insulation than glass. It can help nectar stay cooler in hot conditions and avoid freezing as easily in cold conditions. This helps maintain the ideal nectar temperature and viscosity for hummers.
Visibility
Many plastic feeders are made of transparent or translucent materials that allow you to easily see nectar levels and when a refill is needed. This visibility ensures hummers always have an adequate nectar supply.
Lower Cost
Basic plastic hummingbird feeders tend to be significantly cheaper than glass, making them the most affordable option for those on a budget. Replacing a damaged plastic feeder is also less costly.
Color Variety
Plastic feeders come in a huge array of colors, whereas glass is limited to mostly transparent or solid colors like red. The bright colors and patterns of plastic feeders may help attract hummingbirds from afar.
Less Breakable
For those who have a history of breaking glassware, plastic is a safer bet for a hummingbird feeder that will need to be frequently handled for cleaning and refilling without mishaps. There is no risk of shards of glass causing injury if a plastic feeder is dropped.
Potential Drawbacks of Plastic Feeders
Despite their benefits, there are some potential downsides associated with plastic hummingbird feeders:
Less Visually Appealing
While plastic allows for a huge range of bright colors, many consider classically designed glass feeders with painted or fused artwork to have greater visual elegance and aesthetic appeal. Glass appears more natural for holding “nectar”.
Can Crack Over Time
While resistant, plastic can become brittle and crack with prolonged UV exposure from sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. Seams and joints may also separate over years of use. Lower quality plastic is more prone to cracking.
Can Harbor Bacteria
Plastic is somewhat more porous than glass, which allows bacteria to adhere to the surface. Without thorough cleaning, microorganisms can multiply and pose health risks to hummingbirds. Reddye also clings to plastic.
May Leach Chemicals
There is some concern that chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates used in some plastics can leach into the nectar, especially when heated. However, most feeders today are made from BPA-free, non-toxic materials.
Less Scratch-Resistant
Glass holds up very well against scratching from hummingbird beaks, claws, sand, and other abrasions over time. Plastics like acrylic can become covered in tiny surface scratches that detract from visibility.
Environmental Impact
Many seek glass options to avoid plastic waste and because glass is more readily recyclable. Though plastic feeders can be recycled, they may end up in landfills. Producing plastic also relies on fossil fuels and releases toxins.
Choosing a Safe, High-Quality Plastic Feeder
If selecting a plastic hummingbird feeder, choose one made from durable materials that won’t easily crack:
Polycarbonate
This extremely strong, shatter-resistant plastic maintains transparency without becoming brittle. It offers similar strength as glass. Polycarbonate resists UV damage and withstands temperature extremes. It does not leach chemicals.
Acrylic
Acrylic has excellent transparency and resistance to shattering. Although softer and more prone to scratching than polycarbonate, it does not yellow over time like cheaper plastics. It has good chemical resistance.
ABS Plastic
ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic has high durability and impact strength. Used for many consumer products, it maintains its integrity in outdoor conditions. It can become brittle with age however.
Nylon
This versatile polymer plastic has natural weather resistance, strength and flexibility to avoid cracking. It also has good chemical resistance.
Avoid cheaper plastics like PVC which can leach chemicals, crack over time and degrade in UV light. Also ensure any plastic is BPA-free.
Proper Care of Plastic (or Glass) Feeders
To ensure the safest use of any hummingbird feeder:
Nectar
– Change nectar every 2-5 days in hot weather, 5-7 days in cooler temps before it spoils
– Never use food coloring, only clear sugar water
– Use proper ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part white sugar
– Make nectar with tap or boiled water and refrigerate unused portions
Cleaning
– Clean feeders thoroughly every time nectar is changed
– Use a bottle brush to remove residue
– Soak/rinse in hot water and vinegar, or mild soap occasionally
– Rinse very thoroughly after cleaning
General Care
– Don’t let nectar freeze or overheat
– Move feeders to optimal locations for shade/rain protection
– Don’t allow ants access to nectar by using ant moats
– Replace cracked or cloudy plastic, or glass with chips/cracks
– Avoid touching surfaces hummingbirds access
Following these best practices for nectar and cleaning minimizes potential risks with any feeder material. With proper care, plastic can be a safe, affordable and convenient option for many hummingbird enthusiasts. Keep feeders clean and well-maintained for happy, healthy hummers whatever type you choose!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plastic or glass better for hummingbird feeders?
Both materials can be good options. Glass is more elegant, naturally antibacterial, scratch-resistant and recyclable. Plastic offers benefits like durability, insulation, lighter weight, color variety and lower cost. With proper care, either can be safe for hummingbirds.
Do hummers prefer glass or plastic feeders?
Hummingbirds do not appear to show a strong preference. Visual appearance matters little – they are attracted to the nectar, not the feeder itself. With a good nectar supply, hummingbirds will readily adapt to feeders of any material.
Does plastic harbor more bacteria than glass?
Plastic can allow slightly more bacterial adhesion than glass given its more porous surface. However, with regular cleaning, both materials can prevent dangerous microbial growth. Changing nectar frequently is key.
Is plastic or glass better in hot or cold weather?
In very hot weather, plastic may retain temperature better thanks to insulation properties. In cold conditions, plastic is also marginally less prone to breakage when nectar expands during freezing. However, both materials work well in all climates.
Is plastic cheaper than glass for hummingbird feeders?
Yes, basic plastic feeders tend to be significantly more affordable than equivalent sized glass feeders. For larger feeders, the price difference can be dramatic. Replacement plastic feeders are also cheaper if a feeder becomes damaged.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Durable, lightweight, visibility, affordable | Scratches, harbors bacteria, environment impact |
| Glass | Visually appealing, naturally antibacterial, recyclable | Breakable, heavy when full |
Conclusion
Plastic hummingbird feeders can be a great option for many people, thanks to benefits like durability, lighter weight, temperature insulation and lower cost. They allow more color options that appeal to hummers’ vision. However, glass is still preferred by some due to aesthetics, scratch-resistance and recyclability.
With proper care and cleaning, both plastic and glass feeders can be safe and effective for feeding hummingbirds. When selecting plastic, ensure it is high-quality, non-toxic material that won’t crack over time. With either material, changing nectar regularly and thorough cleaning are key to preventing dangerous mold and bacterial growth. Consider the benefits of each material and choose the feeder that best fits your needs. The most important thing is providing birds with fresh, sugar-only nectar in a consistently clean feeder.
