When it comes to feeding hummingbirds, using the right hummingbird feeder is crucial. Not all hummingbird feeders are created equal, and some can even be dangerous for hummingbirds. As a lover of hummingbirds, it’s important to understand what makes a good hummingbird feeder and what features to avoid.
What is a Hummingbird Feeder?
A hummingbird feeder is a specialized feeder designed to provide hummingbirds with nectar. The feeder allows hummingbirds to perch and access the nectar through small feeding ports or tubes. The nectar solution in a hummingbird feeder typically consists of sugar water made with a 1:4 sugar to water ratio.
Main Components
Hummingbird feeders have a few main components:
- A reservoir to hold the nectar solution
- Feeding ports or tubes for the birds to access the nectar
- Perches for the hummingbirds to rest on while feeding
- A way to hang or attach the feeder
Types of Feeders
There are several common types of hummingbird feeders:
- Saucer feeders – Feeding ports encircle a central reservoir. Easy to clean and fill but nectar is exposed.
- Tube/Bottle feeders – Nectar is contained in a sealed bottle or tubes. Feeding ports draw nectar via capillary action.
- Funnel feeders – Use inverted funnels leading into small reservoirs. Tend to leak.
What Makes a Bad Hummingbird Feeder?
Certain features and issues can make a hummingbird feeder poor quality or even dangerous. Here are some things to avoid:
Difficult to Clean
If a hummingbird feeder is hard to take apart and clean, mold and bacteria can grow inside. This contaminates the nectar and can make hummingbirds sick.
Leaks and Drips
Leaky feeders not only waste nectar but also attract ants, wasps, and bees, creating unsafe conditions for hummingbirds.
Inadequate Feeding Ports
Feeders should have an adequate number of feeding ports for the capacity, or dominant hummingbirds may monopolize the feeder. At least two ports per 8 ounces of nectar capacity is recommended.
Poor Quality Materials
Cheap plastic can crack and degrade in sunlight. Lower quality nectar reservoirs may allow mold to grow inside them. Good feeders use UV-stabilized plastics.
Bee Guards
Some feeders have “bee guards” intended to keep bees out of the nectar. However, these can prevent hummingbirds from accessing the feeding ports properly.
| Issue | Why It’s Bad |
|---|---|
| Difficult to clean | Can cause mold and bacteria to grow |
| Leaks/drips | Attracts insects, wastes nectar |
| Too few feeding ports | Allows dominant birds to monopolize |
| Poor quality materials | Plastics can degrade, enables mold growth |
| Bee guards | Prevents access to nectar |
Choosing the Best Hummingbird Feeders
When selecting a hummingbird feeder, look for these features:
Easy to Clean
The reservoir and feeding ports should come apart easily for thorough cleaning. Dishwasher safe materials are ideal.
Leakproof
The base and reservoir seal should be tight enough to prevent leaks. High quality tube/bottle feeders won’t drip.
Multiple Feeding Ports
Look for at least two feeding ports per 8 ounces of nectar capacity. More ports allow multiple hummingbirds to feed.
Durable Materials
Feeders should be made from UV-stabilized glass or plastics to prevent cracks and degradation.
No Bee Guards
Avoid feeders with bee guards that obstruct hummingbird access to the nectar.
Ample Perches
Multiple perches allow hummingbirds to rest comfortably while feeding.
Proper Seals
Nectar reservoirs and bases should have tight seals to keep nectar fresh and prevent ants.
| Feature | Reason It’s Ideal |
|---|---|
| Easy to clean | Prevents buildup of mold and bacteria |
| Leakproof | Doesn’t attract insects or waste nectar |
| Multiple feeding ports | Allows access for multiple hummingbirds |
| Durable materials | Withstands elements and prevents cracks |
| No bee guards | Does not obstruct hummingbird feeding |
| Ample perches | Allows hummingbirds to rest comfortably |
| Proper seals | Keeps nectar fresh and ants out |
Reviews of the Best and Worst Feeders
Here are some reviews of both good quality and poor quality hummingbird feeders:
Good Quality Feeders
Perky-Pet 209B Glass HummZinger
This feeder has a glass nectar reservoir that won’t harbor mold growth. The two-part base comes apart for easy cleaning. With four feeding ports and five perches, it allows multiple hummingbirds to feed at once. The nectar level indicator lets you see when it’s time to refill.
Aspects HummZinger Excel
Made of durable plastic, this leakproof feeder has a large nectar capacity. The reservoir lifts out for easy cleaning and filling. It has six feeding ports, a built-in ant moat, and flower designs that attract hummingbirds.
Poor Quality Feeders
Brome 1025 Hummingbird Feeder
While visually appealing, this feeder’s long tube design makes it difficult to clean inside. Nectar can get trapped in corners developing mold. Its bee guard also blocks access to nectar for some hummingbirds.
Best-1 Hummingbird Feeder
Despite having a glass reservoir, the plastic base of this feeder has been known to crack over time. The feeding ports leak, dripping nectar that attracts ants and bees. Only having two small perches limits feeding to a single hummingbird.
| Feeder | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Perky-Pet Glass HummZinger | Excellent | Glass reservoir, easy to clean, multiple ports |
| Aspects HummZinger Excel | Excellent | Durable, leakproof, large capacity |
| Brome 1025 Hummingbird Feeder | Poor | Hard to clean, bee guard blocks access |
| Best-1 Hummingbird Feeder | Poor | Leaks, limited perches |
How to Maintain a Hummingbird Feeder
Proper maintenance is key to keeping your hummingbird feeder working optimally. Here are some tips:
Clean Weekly
Use a bottle brush and mild soap to clean the feeder weekly. This removes mold, bacteria, and mineral deposits that can harm hummingbirds.
Change Nectar
Empty and rinse the feeder, then refill it with fresh nectar solution every 2-3 days in hot weather and every 5 days in cooler temperatures. Using rock sugar instead of table sugar lessens spoilage.
No Red Dye
Never add red dye to the nectar. This can be harmful to hummingbirds. Plain white sugar water is best.
Avoid Chemicals
Don’t use bleach or harsh chemicals that could leach into nectar when cleaning. Just hot water and mild soap or a vinegar solution work best.
Prevent Bugs
Check for ants, bees, and wasps around the feeder. Move to a different location if needed. Empty when not in use for an extended time.
| Maintenance Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Clean weekly | Removes mold and bacteria |
| Change nectar frequently | Prevents spoilage |
| Avoid red dye | Can harm hummingbirds |
| Use only mild soap | Prevents chemical contamination |
| Prevent bugs | Deters ants and wasps |
Conclusion
Choosing and caring for the right hummingbird feeder has a big impact on hummingbird health and safety. Avoid feeders that are hard to clean, leak, or limit access. Look for durable, easy to clean feeders with multiple feeding ports. With proper maintenance and fresh nectar, you can provide a healthy and appealing environment for hummingbirds to thrive.
