Quick Overview
Hummingbird feeders can be attached to deck railings in a few simple steps:
- Choose a feeder style that hangs or mounts easily on a railing
- Select a secure mounting method like deck hooks, zip ties, or clamps
- Place in a visible spot free from obstruction
- Allow the feeder to hang freely or sit level
- Keep it filled with fresh nectar solution
Proper installation will allow hummingbirds to easily access the nectar while keeping the feeder firmly attached. Read on for more details on recommended feeder types, mounting techniques, ideal placement, and care for your deck-mounted hummingbird feeder.
Types of Feeders for Deck Rail Mounting
When selecting a hummingbird feeder for deck railing installation, choose a style that attaches from the top or hangs freely. Good options include:
- Hanging feeders – Designed with built-in hooks, chains, or cords to suspend from overhead branches or hardware. Allow ample hanging length.
- Bottle/reservoir style – Shaped with a bottle or plastic reservoir that inversion mounts or hooks over a railing.
- Platform feeders – Low-profile platforms or trays that can securely clamp to railings.
- Suction cup feeders – Use suction cups to affix the base to a deck railing.
Avoid feeders that mount from the bottom or sit on a counter, as they will not attach properly to a railing. Measure rail size to ensure the feeder will fit snugly.
Hanging Feeders
Hanging feeders are likely the most common and easiest to install on a deck. Look for the following features:
- Chain, cord, or wire with hook that extends 10 inches or longer
- Drip-less design to keep nectar off of decks
- Built-in ant moat or removable base for cleaning
- Transparent nectar chamber visible from all sides
Quality hanging feeders will sway freely in the breeze while keeping birds safe.
Bottle/Reservoir Feeders
Bottle or reservoir feeders contain the nectar supply in an inverted clear plastic vessel. Select ones with these specifications:
- Neck or bracket designed to securely hook over deck railing
- Nectar reservoir holds 16-64 ounces of nectar
- Space for perching under feeding ports
- Vented internal design prevents nectar from dripping out
Gravity keeps the nectar flowing through the supply ports as birds feed.
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders offer a low profile mounting directly to deck railing tops and bottoms. Seek models with:
- Flat base with clamps or pre-drilled holes for deck screws
- Shallow plastic tray to hold nectar
- Small size for compact mounting
These minimized feeders can be situated close to railings for easy access.
Suction Cup Feeders
Suction-mounted feeders use rubberized or plastic cups to adhere to smooth surfaces like glass and plastic railings. Opt for:
- At least two suction cups for stability
- Suction cup diameter of at least 1.5 inches
- Feeder capacity of 5 ounces or higher
- Removable cups for cleaning
Check that the surface is clean before affixing suction cup feeders.
Mounting Methods for Deck Railings
Once you select an appropriate feeder style, choose a reliable mounting method to keep it fixed in place on a deck railing.
Hook Over Railing
For hanging and bottle/reservoir feeders with built-in hooks, simply resting the hook over the top of the railing is often sufficient.
- Align hook end over railing edge
- Allow feeder to hang freely
- Periodically check that hook remains securely over railing
The key is choosing a feeder with a hook sized to fit snugly on the deck railing.
Hook Screws or Deck Hooks
For a more permanent mount, install hook screws or closed deck hooks along the railing and hang the feeder from those hooks.
- Measure and mark placement for deck hooks along railing
- Pre-drill holes slightly smaller than hook screws
- Install hooks with a drill, screwing in until flush with railing
- Hang feeder on hooks and test stability
Position multiple hooks to allow repositioning the feeder.
Bungee Cords
Bungee cords make a quick no-tools option for mounting hanging feeders.
- Stretch bungee around feeder hanger and deck railing
- Allow slack so the feeder hangs freely
- Choose outdoor-safe bungee cords with UV resistance
- Check cords regularly for stretching out
Avoid over-tightening bungee cords which can inhibit feeder movement.
Zip Ties/Cable Clamps
For platform feeders or bottleneck styles without built-in hooks, zip ties or plastic cable clamps can attach them to railings.
- Thread zip ties around railing and through feeder holes
- Tighten zip ties until snug but not compressed
- Use UV-resistant exterior-grade zip ties
- Alternate cable clamps tightened with a screwdriver
Inspect zip ties and cable clamps annually for replacement.
Suction Cups
Suction-style feeders come equipped with rubberized cups to create a vacuum seal to the railing surface.
- Clean surface of dust, debris, or films
- Press suction cups firmly for 30 seconds to seal
- Gently pull on feeder to test suction hold
- Re-press cups annually to maintain seal
Avoid hanging other feeders from suction cup models which can pull them loose.
Ideal Placement on Deck Railings
Where you situate your deck-mounted hummingbird feeder on the railing impacts both bird access and feeder stability. Follow these tips:
- Select a visible spot free from obstructions
- Place 5-10 feet from seated viewing areas
- Angle feeder ports towards open deck areas
- Allow minimum 12 inches clearance on all sides
- Keep out of reach of predators
Proper placement minimizes ant access and enables convenient filling and cleaning.
Visibility
Hummingbirds seek out feeders by sight, so choose a prominent deck railing with a clear line of view.
- Avoid railings behind structures or partially obscured
- Select locations visible from interior rooms or pathways
- Place feeder in front of contrasting backdrops for visibility
Feeders on open, elevated railings attract the most hummingbird traffic.
Comfortable Viewing Distance
Mount the feeder 5-10 feet away from seated areas for pleasant watching without startling birds.
- Hummingbirds startle easily, so allow a buffer
- Avoid installing directly adjacent to hot tubs or dining spaces
- Consider sight lines from inside if mounting by windows
Keep feeders close enough to observe visiting hummingbirds comfortably.
Accessibility
Make sure feeder ports angle out towards open areas so hummingbirds can easily approach.
- Don’t position ports pointing at walls or structures
- Turn ports away from dense trees or vegetation
- Allow clearance for perching under the feeder
Proper orientation invites hummingbirds to pause and sip.
Predator Protection
Mount feeders out of reach of predators like cats or crows for hummingbird security.
- Set at least 5 feet off the ground or deck floor
- Avoid locations under overhangs or wires for perching
- Select areas with open visibility to spot threats
Elevated railings discourage predation but still allow you to refill and clean the feeder.
Maintenance Access
Finally, factor in ability to easily access the feeder for maintenance.
- Leave 12 inches minimum clearance on all sides
- Don’t mount with your headspace underneath
- Choose spots reachable with a small step ladder
hassle-free access makes frequent cleaning and filling more sustainable.
Caring for a Deck-Mounted Hummingbird Feeder
Proper care is key to attracting hummers using a deck-mounted feeder. Follow these tips:
Use Fresh Nectar
- Empty and clean feeders before refilling with fresh nectar
- Make nectar using 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water
- Never use honey, artificial sweeteners, or food coloring
- Boil water first and let nectar cool before filling
- Discard and replace nectar after 3-5 days in summer
Fresh, homemade nectar provides essential nutrition and avoids fermentation.
Promote Cleanliness
- Empty feeders and rinse with hot water weekly
- Scrub with diluted white vinegar monthly
- Rinse thoroughly and let air dry before refilling
- Soak removable parts in hot 10% bleach solution annually
Clean feeders prevent harmful mold and bacteria.
Discourage Bees
- Use bee guards on hanging feeder ports
- Move feeders farther from bee-attracting plants
- Employ moats or traps around bottle or platform feeders
- Wipe exterior with cooking oil to deter bees
Strategies like these maintain nectar for hummingbirds only.
Prevent Freezing
- Take down feeders when freezing nights are forecast
- Store feeder and unused nectar indoors overnight
- Switch to antifreeze formula nectar in winter if leaving out
- Insulate feeders or use heated models outdoors in cold climates
These tips prevent nectar from freezing into unusable slush or shattering feeders.
By selecting the right feeder style, mounting it properly on your deck railing, placing it in an optimal spot, and providing regular care, you can successfully host hummingbirds on your deck all season. A securely installed and maintained deck-mounted hummingbird feeder will draw in these special birds for up-close viewing and enjoyment.
Conclusion
Mounting a hummingbird feeder on a deck railing introduces beauty and wildlife to outdoor living spaces. By choosing a feeder style made for railing installation, using reliable mounting hardware, situating it in a strategic location, and following care tips, homeowners can successfully attract hummingbirds. A properly installed deck-mounted feeder will provide hours of special viewing without compromising the safety of either the hummingbirds visiting or the feeder itself. With a few simple installation steps and proper care, you’ll be rewarded with aparade of ruby-throated hummers all season long.
