When it comes to setting up hummingbird feeders, one of the most common questions is whether you can put them low to the ground or if they need to be hung higher up. The quick answer is that yes, you can absolutely put hummingbird feeders low if you want to! However, there are some pros and cons to consider when deciding on the height of your feeders.
Pros of Putting Hummingbird Feeders Low
Here are some of the benefits of mounting your hummingbird feeder low to the ground:
- Accessibility – Lower feeders are more accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Hanging feeders high up can make refilling and cleaning harder for some.
- Visibility – Feeders placed lower allow you to easily see and observe hummingbirds up close as they feed.
- Protection from elements – Low feeders may be less impacted by wind, rain and other weather events that can potentially empty taller hanging feeders.
- Prevents damage if falls – If a low feeder does happen to fall for some reason, it won’t have as far to fall so may be less likely to break.
Cons of Putting Hummingbird Feeders Low
However, there are also some potential downsides to consider with low hummingbird feeders:
- Less visible to birds – Hanging feeders higher makes them more visible and easier for hummingbirds to find while flying around.
- More accessible to predators – Lower feeders may be more vulnerable to predators like cats looking for a meal.
- More prone to ants – Ants are a common nuisance with hummingbird feeders, and low feeders may be easier targets.
- Requires a platform – Lower feeders will need a post, shelf or platform to sit on, unlike hanging ones.
Ideal Height for Hummingbird Feeders
Given the pros and cons of both low and high placements, many experts recommend mounting your hummingbird feeder somewhere in the middle – at an ideal height of around 5 feet. Here are some of the benefits of this middle-ground height:
- Allows easy viewing and access
- High enough to attract birds
- Minimizes access for cats and other predators
- Reduces issues with ants
- Provides protection from wind and rain
A 5 foot high feeder is low enough for you to easily reach and observe the birds, while also placing it in a sweet spot that makes it appealing and accessible to hummingbirds. This height can work well whether mounting on a post, hanging from a tree branch or eave, or setting up on a deck or porch railing.
Tips for Putting Up Low Hummingbird Feeders
If you do opt to put your feeder lower to the ground, here are some tips to create an optimal setup:
- Choose a shady spot so the nectar doesn’t spoil as quickly.
- Keep it out of the reach of cats, dogs and other predators.
- Elevate on a post or small table to minimize ants.
- Consider using a feeder style that doesn’t easily tip over if knocked by an animal.
- Place in a high traffic area for birds like near flowers or other bird feeders.
- Ensure it’s visible from windows so you can observe activity.
Platforms for Low Feeders
Rather than directly placing feeders on the ground, use an elevated platform. Some good options include:
- Deck or porch railings
- Picnic tables
- Fence posts
- Benches
- Small plant stands or tables
- Hanging shelves
- Window boxes or planters
Look for a platform that will place your feeder in the optimal window of around 3-5 feet high. Ensure it is secure and stable so the feeder doesn’t blow over in windy conditions.
Hummingbird Feeder Pole Setup
One great way to mount a feeder low to the ground is using a specialized hummingbird feeder pole. This consists of a long pole that sticks in the ground, with a hook or tray at the top to hang or hold a feeder. Benefits of a feeder pole include:
- Allows you to adjust height as needed, including options for low placement
- Gets feeder off the ground and away from ants
- Keeps feeder stable in windy weather
- Lets you position feeder right in the middle of a garden
- Provides good visibility for hummingbirds
Pole height is adjustable on most models, so you can typically set to the ideal window of 3-5 feet. Consider purchasing a sturdy metal pole that will hold up well over time.
DIY Hummingbird Feeder Stand Ideas
You can also make easy DIY stands for low feeders using basic supplies like:
- PVC pipe
- Dowel rod
- Tree branch
- Broom handle
- Metal rod or pole
Cut the pole to your desired height and stick into ground or a heavy base like cement or a large rock. Or you can try innovative ideas like creating a feeder stand from an old ladder, tire swing, or recycled items like wooden crates.
Low Hanging Branches
An alternative to feeder poles and stands is utilizing low hanging tree branches. Pick a sturdy branch that extends out a few feet from the trunk at around 3-5 feet high. Screw in a small hook and hang your feeder from the branch. Just ensure the branch can support the weight and won’t bounce and sway in windy conditions.
Ground Level Bee and Butterfly Feeders
For something a bit different, consider a low feeder designed for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. These contain sugar water nectar rather than the typical hummingbird formula. The design is shallow and easy for insects to access at ground level. Because they aren’t meant for hummingbirds, these can safely be placed right on the ground. Benefits include:
- Provides food source for pollinating insects
- Inexpensive and easy to DIY
- Can be positioned in garden beds or paths
- Fun and unique alternative to standard feeders
Consider companion planting flowers that also attract pollinators like bee balm, cosmos, and zinnias around your low feeder to create an interactive garden space.
Multiple Low and High Feeders
There’s no rule that says you can only have one hummingbird feeder! Consider setting up several feeders at varying heights to appeal to the most hummingbirds. Mix it up with:
- 2-3 higher hanging feeders at 5+ feet
- 1-2 mid-level feeders at 3-4 feet on bushes, rails or poles
- 1 low access feeder 1-2 feet off the ground
Offering multiple feeder heights can help reduce competition between hummingbirds as they have more options. Place feeders spread out around your yard to reduce territorial battles.
Using Multiple Feeding Ports
An alternative to multiple feeders is to use one larger feeder with several feeding ports or access points. This allows more birds to feed at once. Hang the feeder at a middle height around 5 feet. Look for a feeder with at least 4-6 ports, up to 12 on some large capacity models. This helps mimic having several feeders at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to hang hummingbird feeders on the ground?
It’s generally not recommended to place hummingbird feeders directly on the ground, as this can attract ants and allow access to cats or other predators. Using an elevated stand or pole to get the feeder just a foot or two off the ground is a better option if you want a low feeder.
Will hummingbirds use a low feeder?
Yes, hummingbirds will use feeders even just a couple feet off the ground. However, they may not spot them as readily as more elevated feeders. Try placing low feeders in a conspicuous spot with some flowers or other plants around to help attract the birds.
Should I hang multiple hummingbird feeders?
Putting up several feeders is a great way to accommodate more hummingbirds, reduce competition, and give them options on feeder height and location. Space multiple feeders around your yard 15-20 feet apart so birds have plenty of personal space.
How do I keep ants away from my low hummingbird feeder?
Use an ant moat or water trap, grease feeder poles, elevate on a stand, use a feeder with an ant guard, and keep the area clean and free of drips to help minimize ants on low feeders.
Conclusion
Hummingbird feeders don’t necessarily need to be hung up high. Lower feeders around 3-5 feet off the ground can be an excellent option, and offer benefits like better accessibility, views, and protection from weather. There are lots of creative ways to mount low feeders using posts, DIY stands, low branches, and more. Just be mindful of potential downsides like ants and predators. Consider mixing low, middle height and high feeders to attract the most hummingbirds to your yard.