Can you hang 2 hummingbird feeders together?

Hanging multiple hummingbird feeders together is a common question for those who want to attract more hummingbirds to their yards. The short answer is yes, you can hang 2 or even more hummingbird feeders together, but there are some things to consider to make sure the hummingbirds are able to access the feeders and that competition between birds is minimized.

Pros of Hanging 2 Hummingbird Feeders Together

Here are some of the benefits of hanging 2 hummingbird feeders together:

• Increases feeding capacity – Having 2 feeders allows more hummingbirds to feed at once, especially during peak activity times.
• Attracts more hummingbirds – The more feeders, the more likely hummers will spot them and be drawn to your yard. Hummingbirds are very territorial though, so having multiple feeders reduces competition.
• More visibility – Two feeders are more visible than one, helping attract hummingbirds.
• Convenience – It’s easier to hang feeders together in one spot than spread them far apart.
• Create a focal point – A set of feeders together can create an attractive focal point in your garden.

Cons of Hanging 2 Hummingbird Feeders Together

However, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of:

• Increased competition – More feeders mean more hummingbirds competing for food in one area, which can lead to aggressive behavior.
• Risk of collisions – Hummers flying rapidly between feeders in close proximity are at greater risk of colliding with each other.
• Disease transmission – Close contact at clustered feeders facilitates spread of diseases between individual birds.
• Difficult to keep clean – Multiple feeders clustered together take more effort to clean and maintain properly.
• May not evenly distribute birds – Some hummers may monopolize one feeder, preventing others from accessing it.

Tips for Hanging 2 Hummingbird Feeders

If you want to hang multiple feeders, here are some tips to do it successfully:

• Space them 3-10 feet apart – This helps minimize collisions but keeps them close enough to function as a grouped focal point.
• Use different styles/colors of feeders – Varying styles and colors can help attract more hummers and reduce territorial behavior.
• Include a perching area – Give hummers a place to perch and rest in between feeder visits to facilitate use of all options.
• Use an S-hook to hang them together – An S-hook allows feeders to hang together but move independently, preventing collisions.
• Hang at different heights – Varying the height adds more dimension and allows dominant birds to feed at peak spots.
• Keep them visible – Don’t block sight lines between feeders so hummers can see all available options.
• Consider a feeder tray – A tray or platform can catch drips and make a nice communal perching area.

Ideal Setup for Hanging 2 Hummingbird Feeders

The ideal setup for hanging 2 hummingbird feeders together would include:

• Two different style/color feeders spaced 5-8 feet apart at varying heights
• An S-hook or other hanging system that allows the feeders to swing independently
• Feeders positioned in a visible spot with open sight lines between them
• A perching platform or tray situated below the feeders
• Enough food volume for both feeders and refilling before they run empty

This allows hummingbirds free access to both feeders while reducing competition and promoting use of all feeding ports.

Where to Hang 2 Hummingbird Feeders

Good locations to hang multiple hummingbird feeders include:

• Porches
• Patios
• Under hangings eaves
• From tree branches
• Shepherd’s hooks
• Fences or posts
• Arbors or pergolas

Key factors are hanging the feeders in a spot that is easily visible to hummers and protected from direct sun and rain. Avoid locations with dense foliage that would impede access.

How to Hang 2 Hummingbird Feeders

Follow these steps to hang 2 hummingbird feeders the right way:

1. Select 2 suitable feeders, varying style/color as desired
2. Choose an appropriate hanging location based on the criteria above
3. Determine proper spacing between feeders, ideally 5-8 feet apart
4. Calculate desired hanging height for each feeder, varying the heights
5. Install a sturdy hook, hanger, or other mounting hardware in the location(s)
6. Use an S-hook or other connector to hang both feeders from the hardware
7. Adjust the heights and positions as needed so feeders hang properly
8. Fill the feeders with fresh nectar and secure lids
9. Sit back and wait for hungry hummers to arrive!

Check the set-up periodically and re-fill when nectar runs low. Clean the feeders regularly to keep fresh nectar flowing.

How Far Apart to Hang 2 Hummingbird Feeders

When hanging 2 hummingbird feeders, the ideal distance between them is:

• 5-8 feet apart – This is the recommended range to minimize aggressive behavior from territorial hummingbirds while still allowing them to see both feeders and use them readily. Closer than 5 feet increases competition, farther than 8 feet starts to make them seem like separate feeding stations.

Space can be adjusted based on the specific setup and how the hummingbirds interact with the feeders. Start in the 5-8 foot range and observe hummer activity and behavior, adjusting as needed to reduce squabbles.

Do Hummingbirds Get Territorial Over Feeders?

Yes, hummingbirds are very territorial and can become aggressive around feeders, especially males defending their territory. Some signs of territorial behavior include:

• Chasing other hummers away
• Making loud chirping sounds
• Dive bombing other birds
• Guarding a feeder and not letting others use it
• Fighting with beaks and feet
• Displaying bright gorget feathers

This behavior is most common in the breeding season from spring through early summer when competition for food is fiercest. Hanging multiple feeders helps provide enough feeding spots to minimize territorial disputes.

Do Hummingbirds Fight Over Feeders?

Yes, hummingbirds will fight over feeders, especially dominant males defending a prime food source. Fighting rarely results in serious injury as the birds are so small, but they will threaten each other with aggressive displays andphysical jockeying for position at the feeder ports. Some signs of fighting include:

• Loud chirping and chatter
• Posturing with spread tail feathers
• Beak fencing and pecking
• Foot grappling while hovering
• Aerial pursuit and chasing
• Diving and supplanting other birds from feeders

Fighting tends to escalate around single feeders where competition is more intense. Adding multiple feeders helps calm territorial disputes and gives all birds more chances to feed.

Do Hummingbirds Use 2 Feeders at Once?

Hummingbirds may or may not use multiple feeders at the same time. Some factors that determine whether they will use two feeders simultaneously include:

• Number of hummingbirds – In areas with large numbers of hummers, multiple feeders help accommodate them all
• Territorialism – Dominant males may try to monopolize one feeder exclusively
• Competition – When many hummers vie for limited food sources, a second feeder helps
• Types of feeders – Different styles, sizes, and placement impact usage
• Food availability – Plentiful food reduces need for a second feeder
• Time of year – Peak usage occurs in spring/summer when food needs are greatest

In most cases, hummers will take advantage of multiple feeders when available to gain more feeding opportunities. Careful feeder placement, spacing, cleanliness, and filling can encourage use of all available feeders.

Tips for Getting Hummingbirds to Use a Second Feeder

Here are some tips to encourage hummingbirds to take advantage of a second feeder:

• Choose a different style/color feeder for variety
• Space feeders 5-8 feet apart for clear sight lines
• Set the feeders at slightly different heights
• Place feeders in prominent, visible locations
• Avoid crowding feeders or impeding access
• Keep feeders freshly filled at all times
• Clean feeders thoroughly every few days
• Be patient, it may take a few days for hummers to find new feeders
• Try moving locations if hummers won’t use the second feeder

With multiple feeding stations, more hummers should be accommodated, reducing the need to fight over one feeder.

How Many Feeders Should You Have Per Hummingbird?

As a general rule, it is recommended to have:

• 1-2 feeders per hummingbird expected

So if you typically see 4 hummingbirds at peak activity, aim for 4-8 feeders. More feeders provide ample access to food resources and minimize squabbling. However, too many feeders clustered together can become crowded.

Consider these factors when determining number of feeders needed:

• Hummingbird traffic – How many birds do you usually see?
• Feeder capacity – Larger capacity, fewer needed
• Feeder style – Different styles promote more usage
• Peak usage times – More feeders needed during busy times
• Maintaining freshness – More feeders means more cleaning
• Competing food sources – More natural food means fewer feeders needed

Start with a ratio of 1-2 feeders per hummingbird then adjust based on consumption patterns and competition levels.

Conclusion

Hanging two hummingbird feeders together can be an excellent way to provide a reliable supplemental food source and observe more hummingbird activity. Careful consideration should be given to proper feeder selection, placement, spacing, cleaning, and filling to create an optimal setup. With adequate feeding stations, hummers are less likely to engage in aggressive territorial disputes. Following the tips above will help ensure multiple feeders can be used harmoniously to attract more of these special birds.