Can you put hummingbird feeders by regular bird feeders?

Hummingbird feeders can absolutely be placed near regular bird feeders! In fact, putting hummingbird feeders and regular bird feeders in the same general area is a great way to attract a variety of birds to your backyard.

Quick Answer

Yes, you can put hummingbird feeders by regular bird feeders. Hummingbirds are not territorial about feeders, so they will share space with other birds. Place the feeders at least 10 feet apart so the hummingbirds feel comfortable approaching their nectar feeders.

Do Hummingbirds Get Along with Other Birds?

Hummingbirds generally coexist well with other types of birds. They do not exhibit territorial behavior around feeders the way some songbirds do. Here are some pointers for minimizing conflict:

• Use separate feeders for hummingbirds and seed-eating birds to reduce competition.
• Place the feeders at least 10 feet apart so hummingbirds feel safe approaching their nectar source.
• Clean all feeders regularly to prevent buildup of harmful mold and bacteria.
• If you notice aggressive behavior, try relocating one of the feeders or providing more feeding stations.

Benefits of Putting Hummingbird Feeders by Bird Feeders

Here are some of the benefits of placing hummingbird feeders in the same general area as your other bird feeders:

• Convenience: You can enjoy watching a variety of birds in one spot.
• Resources: Multiple feeders in one area provide a concentrated source of food.
• Safety: Birds may feel more secure feeding in a group with other birds around.
• Interaction: You may witness unique interspecies behaviors as different birds feed together.

Tips for Setting Up Feeders

Follow these tips when situating hummingbird feeders and regular bird feeders together:

Location

• Place feeders in an open area where birds can easily fly in and out.
• Avoid clustering near dense bushes, trees, or structures where predators may hide.
• For the best viewing, situate feeders within sight of indoor windows.

Spacing

• Position hummingbird and nectar feeders at least 10-15 feet apart.
• Space all feeders appropriately to reduce crowding and allow separate flight paths.

Cleanliness

• Clean nectar feeders every 2-3 days to prevent mold and bacteria.
• Remove old seed debris from seed feeders regularly.
• Provide fresh water in a bird bath or water feature for bathing.

Safety

• Locate feeders away from bushes or dense cover where cats may hide and ambush.
• Place seed feeders on poles with baffles or cages to deter squirrels and other thieves.
• Avoid using pesticides or herbicides near any bird feeding areas.

Ideal Feeders for Hummingbirds and Songbirds

The best feeders provide easy access to food sources.

Hummingbird Feeders

• Nectar-style feeders with red parts and feeding ports
• Tube or bulb shapes with built-in perches
• Leak-proof and easy to disassemble for cleaning
• At least 12-16 ounces capacity

Seed Feeders for Songbirds

• Tube feeders for smaller birds
• Platform or hopper feeders for larger birds
• Mesh bags or nets for fruits, mealworms, suet
• Ground feeding stations

Water Features

• Bird baths with shallow areas for drinking and bathing
• Misters or drippers that provide moving water
• Fountains with recirculating pumps

Nectar and Food Options

Use the right nectar and food to attract and nourish your birds.

Nectar for Hummingbirds

• 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water
• No food coloring, honey, or artificial sweeteners
• Boil to dissolve sugar, cool before filling feeder
• Change nectar every 2-3 days to avoid spoilage

Food for Songbirds

• Seeds: blends for specific birds like finches, cardinals, chickadees, doves
• Fruits: chopped apples, berries, grapes, melons, citrus
• Mealworms: excellent source of protein
• Suet: high energy fat and insect source

Common Backyard Birds in North America

Tips for Attracting Birds

Use these tips to make your backyard habitat enticing for your favorite feathered friends:

• Offer separate feeders for nectar and seed-eating birds.
• Include water sources like bird baths, fountains, or drippers.
• Provide supplementary food like fruit, suet, mealworms.
• Select the best feeders and positions for desired species.
• Landscape with native plants and flowers for food sources.
• Avoid pesticides and chemicals toxic to birds.
• Keep feeders and water sources clean.
• Be patient! It may take time for birds to find a new food source.

Troubleshooting Problems

Here are some solutions for common issues that may arise:

Aggressive Birds Scaring Off Hummingbirds

• Relocate feeders farther apart to allow hummingbirds space.
• Use feeders with more ports to reduce crowding.
• Offer nectar in multiple locations away from aggressive birds.
• Try different style feeders that limit larger birds.

Bees or Wasps Taking Over Hummingbird Feeders

• Use feeders with bee guards over nectar ports.
• Position feeders away from vegetation bees are attracted to.
• Move feeders to new locations regularly.
• Try using a moat or water feature with feeder suspended above water.

Nectar Fermenting Too Quickly

• Change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather.
• Clean feeders thoroughly with plain water and scrub brush.
• Rinse with diluted white vinegar to prevent mold.
• Avoid using metal feeders, which conduct heat.

Seed Feeders Attracting Squirrels

• Use feeders with weight sensitive perches.
• Install feeders on poles with squirrel baffles.
• Choose feeders with cages or tubes too small for squirrels.
• Provide separate corn feeders away from bird feeders.

Conclusion

Hummingbird feeders and regular bird feeders can absolutely create a thriving, diverse backyard bird habitat when situated together properly. Separate nectar and seed feeders 10-15 feet apart to minimize competition. Maintain cleanliness to prevent disease transmission. Tailor your feeder setup and food offerings to attract your favorite species. Address problems quickly, like pests invading feeders, to keep birds returning to your backyard oasis.