Hanging a hummingbird feeder on a balcony can seem tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done easily and safely. Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that bring joy with their aerial acrobatics and iridescent colors. By providing them with a feeder on your balcony, you can attract them for up-close viewing right outside your window.
Where to Hang the Feeder
When choosing where to hang your hummingbird feeder on a balcony, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Visibility – It should be clearly visible to hummingbirds flying by. Aim for an open, high traffic area without too many obstacles blocking their path.
- Cover – There should be some type of overhang or cover above it to protect the feeder from direct sun and rain. The eaves of the roof or an awning work well.
- Accessibility – Make sure it’s in a spot you can easily reach when it comes time to clean and refill the feeder.
- Safety – Position it away from railings or anywhere children could potentially access and knock it down. Mount it securely so it won’t fall.
Some good spots to consider are corners near walls or windows, under roof eaves, or in the center above a set of outdoor furniture.
Selecting a Hanging Method
There are a few different options for hanging a hummingbird feeder from a balcony:
Hanging Basket Hooks
This is one of the easiest methods. Hanging basket hooks are long metal hooks that screw into wood ceilings or overhangs. They’re designed to hold the weight of large hanging flower baskets and can support a hummingbird feeder too. Hooks come in various lengths, so measure the distance from your balcony’s ceiling to find one long enough to suspend the feeder at the desired height.
Eye Bolts
For a very secure option, install eye bolts into your balcony’s overhang or ceiling. Use bolts with at least a 1/4″ shaft. Drill pilot holes first with a drill bit slightly smaller than the bolts to avoid cracking the wood. Screw the bolts in the rest of the way. Then you can run rope, chain, or hanging wires through the eye bolts and attach your feeder.
Adhesive Hooks
If you don’t want to drill into your balcony, adhesive hooks provide a removable option. Heavy duty outdoor command hooks can cling to wood, metal, or glass surfaces on balconies. Select high weight capacity hooks and make sure the surface is clean before applying. Adhesive hooks likely won’t hold as much weight as eye bolts or basket hooks, so only hang smaller, lighter feeders with this method.
Bracket Mounting
For a decorative look, you can purchase attractive metal brackets designed specifically for mounting hummingbird feeders. These come with hardware to screw the bracket directly into your balcony railing or wall. They allow your feeder to be nicely displayed and accessed from the side rather than hanging down from above.
Choosing Appropriate Hardware
Once you’ve decided on a hanging method, you need to select the right hanging hardware:
- Hanging wire or cord – Coated steel hanging wire and nylon braided cord both work well for suspending feeders from hooks or eye bolts. Look for types designed for outdoor use.
- Quick links – These small metal rings with screws allow you to easily attach and detach feeders from wires and cords.
- Swivels – Swivel hooks installed between the wire and feeder prevent twisting so the feeder hangs cleanly.
- Chains – Zinc or stainless steel chains are very durable options for high weight capacity.
When in doubt, opt for heavier duty hardware than you think is necessary. It’s better to be safe than have items fail and your feeder come crashing down.
Positioning the Feeder
Most experts recommend hanging hummingbird feeders around 5 feet high. This enables easy viewing and servicing of the feeder. However, you can adjust the height based on your needs:
| Height | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 feet high | Appealing up-close viewing | More vulnerable to other pests |
| 5 feet high | Allows convenient cleaning/refilling | A bit distant for up close enjoyment |
| 8+ feet high | Prevents most pest issues | Very difficult to service feeder |
Make sure the feeder hangs freely and doesn’t blow around too much in the wind. You may need to anchor hanging wires to the wall at intervals to stabilize it.
Deterring Other Visitors
Hummingbird feeders can attract other nuisance animals like squirrels, bees, wasps, and ants. Here are some tips to deter them:
Squirrels
- Position feeder at least 5-6 feet off the ground or balcony floor.
- Choose a style with feeding ports too small for squirrels to access.
- Install a squirrel guard over or under the feeder to prevent access.
- Apply hot pepper sauce or oil around feeder – this deters squirrels but not hummingbirds.
Bees and Wasps
- Avoid dripping or leaky feeders that attract these insects.
- Use a bee guard over or under the feeder’s ports.
- Move feeder away from other food sources like trash cans.
- Use an ant or bee moat to physically deter insects.
Ants
- Clean up drips and spills right away so ants aren’t attracted.
- Apply a sticky substance like petroleum jelly on hanging wires as a barrier.
- Hang feeder from a wire instead of hook so ants can’t reach it.
- Suspend feeder in a small bucket of water to create a moat.
Maintenance
With your hummingbird feeder securely installed, the last step is planning for maintenance. Follow these tips:
- Monitor the feeder – Check it daily to see how much nectar is left and if it needs refilling.
- Change the nectar – Empty out old nectar and clean the reservoir every 2-3 days.
- Wash the feeder – Every 1-2 weeks, do a thorough washing with a diluted bleach solution.
- Adjust position – As seasons and flight patterns change, tweak where the feeder hangs as needed.
Hanging and maintaining a hummingbird feeder off a balcony is very rewarding. A little planning goes a long way towards creating an optimal setup that you and hummingbirds will enjoy all season long.
Conclusion
Installing a hummingbird feeder on a balcony is definitely achievable with the right approach. The keys are selecting a suitable location with some cover, utilizing sturdy hardware and hanging methods to safely mount the feeder, positioning it at an optimal height for easy access, and taking steps to deter pesky visitors like squirrels and insects. A properly maintained feeder will provide hours of relaxation and amusement as you watch the mesmerizing aerial displays of hummingbirds feasting just outside your window. The extra effort required to hang a feeder from a balcony is well worth it for the chance to admire those magical, sparkling creatures up close.
