How do I put together a hummingbird feeder?

Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. With their lightning fast wings that flap up to 80 times per second and their ability to fly forwards, backwards, upside down, and even hover in midair, it’s no wonder people love seeing these tiny birds buzz around their gardens. Providing nectar in a hummingbird feeder is one of the best ways to reliably attract hummingbirds to visit your yard. But with so many hummingbird feeder options on the market, how do you choose? And once you’ve picked one out, how exactly do you put one together? Let’s take a closer look.

What should I look for when choosing a hummingbird feeder?

When selecting a hummingbird feeder, there are a few key features to consider:

• Capacity – Look for a feeder that holds at least 12 oz of nectar. This reduces the need for frequent refilling.
• Number of feeding ports – The more feeding ports, the more hummingbirds that can feed at once. Aim for at least 2-4 ports.
• Moat or ant guard – A water-filled moat or other ant guard prevents crawling insects from getting into the nectar.
• Easy to clean – Choose a feeder with components that come apart easily for thorough cleaning between nectar changes.
• Durable and well-constructed – Look for sturdy plastic or thick, weather-resistant glass that will hold up over time.

Red is a particularly attractive color for hummingbirds. But any color will do as long as the feeder has the key functional features. Once you’ve selected the ideal feeder for your needs, it’s time to put it together.

Assembling a basic plastic hummingbird feeder

Many hummingbird feeders have just a few parts that snap or screw together. Here are the typical steps for assembling a basic plastic feeder:

1. Wash the feeder parts – Before assembly, wash all feeder components in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
2. Connect the base and feeding reservoir – Fit these two main pieces together securely.
3. Attach the feeding ports – Insert the plastic or metal feeding ports into the designated holes around the reservoir.
4. Add the moat or ant guard – Fit the moat ring around the base of the feeding reservoir. Or attach the ant guard according to the feeder’s design.
5. Attach the lid – Place the lid on top to complete the assembly.

Once assembled inspect your hummingbird feeder to ensure all parts are securely connected. Do a test hang to be sure it hangs level and does not leak. Your feeder is now ready for the nectar and excited hummingbirds!

Assembling a glass hummingbird feeder

Glass hummingbird feeders often have more components than basic plastic feeders. But the steps for putting them together are straightforward:

1. Wash all parts – Disassemble and wash the glass reservoir, feeding ports, gaskets, base, lid, etc in warm soapy water. Rinse and dry completely.
2. Lubricate the gaskets – Rub a small amount of vegetable oil or petroleum jelly on the gaskets to help with assembly and prevent sticking.
3. Insert the feeding ports – Fit the glass or metal feeding ports into the holes in the glass reservoir one by one.
4. Attach the base – Place the glass reservoir into the base aligning any pegs or guides.
5. Add the moat or ant guard – Lower the moat or guard onto the base as directed by the instructions.
6. Attach the lid – Place the lid on top with the gasket in between if your model has one. Twist to secure.

Check your work by gently tilting the feeder back and forth – everything should move as one unit without loose parts. Do a nectar fill and test hang to confirm there are no leaks before hanging outside.

Tips for assembling any hummingbird feeder

To ensure smooth assembly and peak performance from any hummingbird feeder, keep these tips in mind:

• Read the instructions – Follow the assembly directions specific to your hummingbird feeder model.
• Have all parts on hand – Confirm you have all necessary pieces before beginning assembly.
• Work on a clear surface – Assembling on a table helps prevent losing small parts.
• Avoid over tightening – Hand tighten only, do not use tools. Overtightening can crack glass or plastic.
• Check the fit – Parts should connect snugly without gaps or wiggle room.
• Confirm level hanging – Once assembled, verify the feeder hangs evenly and does not leak.

Taking the time to correctly assemble your feeder will get your hummingbird buffet off to the right start. The hummingbirds will thank you with visits to your lovingly-prepared nectar bar all season long.

Where should I hang my hummingbird feeder?

To attract the most hummingbirds, it’s important to hang your feeder in just the right spot. Here are some tips on the best placement:

• Near natural vegetation – Hummingbirds often feed on flowers, trees, and bushes. Placing your feeder near these plants raises the odds they’ll discover it.
• In the shade – Direct sun can cause the nectar to spoil more quickly. Aim for a shady spot protected from the hottest afternoon sun.
• Sheltered from wind – Wind can blow nectar out of the feeder. Hang it in a spot with natural barriers like trees or the side of buildings.
• Away from predators – Position the feeder at least 4 feet from places where predators like cats could pounce.
• Where you can enjoy it – Choose a convenient spot where you’ll often see it from inside your home.
• 5-10 feet off the ground – Hang your feeder using wire, monofilament, or shepherd’s hook at just the right height for easy viewing.

Once you find the ideal location, your feeder is ready for action! The hummingbirds will quickly discover this new feeding hotspot.

How do I make homemade nectar for hummingbird feeders?

Filling your feeder with delicious, nourishing nectar is the key to attracting hordes of hungry hummers. Here’s a simple recipe to make your own homemade nectar:

Ingredients:

• 1 part white granulated sugar
• 4 parts water

Instructions:

1. Boil the water then remove from heat. Stir in the sugar until completely dissolved.
2. Allow to cool fully before filling the feeder. Refrigerate unused portions.
3. Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, food coloring, or brown sugar which can harm hummingbirds.
4. Change the nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather, 5 days in cooler climates.

This basic 4:1 ratio of sugar water approximates natural flower nectar. But hummingbirds will happily slurp down this sweet treat all season long!

How often should hummingbird feeders be cleaned?

To keep your nectar fresh and prevent harmful mold growth, frequent cleaning is a must. Here are some tips on hummingbird feeder cleaning frequency:

• Every 2-5 days – Clean the feeder completely every few days during peak hummingbird season. More often in hot climates.
• When cloudy – Clean immediately if nectar becomes cloudy which indicates mold growth.
• When empty – Do a thorough scrub each time the feeder is emptied and refilled.
• Monthly – Deep clean all parts at least monthly including soaking in a vinegar solution to remove residue.
• End of season – Take apart and meticulously clean all components before storing the feeder over winter.

Consistent cleaning keeps your nectar fresh and prevents transmission of diseases between birds. Don’t let dirty nectar sicken your hummingbird visitors!

What’s the best way to clean a hummingbird feeder?

Cleaning your hummingbird feeder properly ensures nectar stays fresh and mold-free. Here is a foolproof process:

1. Disassemble – Take all parts that come apart completely apart.
2. Discard old nectar – Throw out any remaining nectar.
3. Wash – Use a bottle brush and hot soapy water to scrub the reservoir and other parts. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Soak – For a deep clean, soak parts in a vinegar and water solution to deodorize and sanitize.
5. Brush ports – Use a narrow bottle brush to remove debris and residue from the feeding ports.
6. Air dry – Let all parts dry completely before reassembling. Don’t wipedown.
7. Refresh nectar – Refill with fresh homemade nectar just before rehanging.

Getting into a consistent cleaning routine helps provide your feathered guests a clean, sanitary place to refuel all season long.

What common mistakes should I avoid when setting up hummingbird feeders?

It’s easy to make missteps when trying to attract hummingbirds. Steer clear of these common mistakes:

• Using red food coloring – The dye can be unhealthy for hummingbirds.
• Letting nectar ferment – Change nectar every 2-5 days to prevent spoilage.
• Not cleaning often enough – Clean every few days to prevent deadly black mold.
• Hanging too low – Minimum height of 5 feet protects birds from predators.
• Allowing leaks – Check for leaks which can attract wasps and ants.
• Waiting too long to hang – Put up in early spring before migrating hummingbirds arrive.
• Forgetting insect guards – Ant moats and bee guards keep crawling insects out of the nectar.
• Hanging near windows – Prevent fatal window collisions by hanging feeders away from windows.

Avoiding these pitfalls will set you up for hummingbird watching success all summer!

Conclusion

With the right techniques, materials, and care, you can create an enticing, easy-to-maintain hummingbird buffet. Follow the assembly instructions specific to your feeder model. Choose a shady, sheltered spot to hang it up high. Keep the nectar fresh and the feeder clean. And enjoy the magic of these feathered jewels visiting your personal patch of hummingbird paradise! Providing food in a safe feeding habitat supports hummingbird conservation so future generations can enjoy these captivating creatures.