Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard bird watchers everywhere. To attract hummingbirds, many people use feeders filled with sugar water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). However, keeping the feeder clean is essential for the health of the hummingbirds.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every 2-5 days in warm weather and every 5-7 days in cooler weather. More frequent cleaning may be needed if the sugar water becomes cloudy or contaminated with insects or mold growth. Always wash the feeder thoroughly with hot water and replace the sugar water completely each time.
How Often to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder
Here are some more details on how often hummingbird feeders need to be cleaned:
- In warm weather (over 70°F), clean the feeder every 2-5 days
- In cooler weather (under 70°F), clean the feeder every 5-7 days
- Clean the feeder immediately if you notice cloudiness, mold, insects, or other contamination
- When cleaning, completely empty out old sugar water and rinse the feeder with hot water
- Use a bottle brush or other cleaning tool to scrub away residue
- Let the feeder air dry completely before refilling with fresh sugar water
The warmer the temperature, the quicker sugar water will spoil. Bacteria and mold thrive in the heat and can make hummingbirds sick. That’s why daily or every other day cleaning is recommended when it’s hot out.
In cooler weather, the sugar water and feeder stay fresher longer. But at least weekly cleanings are still a must.
Signs It’s Time to Clean the Feeder
Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to take down and wash a hummingbird feeder:
- Cloudy or dirty sugar water: Fresh sugar water should look clear. Any visible cloudiness means it’s time to clean.
- Black mold: Black mold spots are a bad sign that require immediate cleaning.
- Dead insects: Bugs that meet their demise in the sugar water are a clue it’s dirty.
- Ants: Ants in the feeder often mean there is leftover sugar water attracting them.
- Bees: Bees gathering around the feeder is a red flag for cleaning.
- Algae growth: Green algae blooms mean the sugar water has been sitting too long.
Never let a dirty feeder go for too long. Hummingbirds have very fast metabolisms and need access to clean food sources. When in doubt, take down and wash the feeder.
How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder Properly
Washing hummingbird feeders properly takes a few easy steps:
- Remove all old sugar water from the feeder and take apart any removable pieces.
- Wash all parts in hot water with dish soap or white vinegar. Use a bottle brush to get into crevices.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with hot water to remove residue.
- Let the feeder and other parts air dry completely before reassembling.
- Once dry, refill with fresh sugar water.
Never use detergent or chemicals. Avoid scrubbing too hard as it can damage the feeder. Be sure to get rid of any built-up mold, especially black mold.
Sugar Water Recipes
Basic sugar water is made with white granulated sugar and water. Here are two common ratios used:
4:1 Ratio
- 1 part sugar
- 4 parts water
1:4 Ratio
- 4 parts sugar
- 16 parts water
So for example, 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups water. Or 4 cups sugar to 16 cups water. The 4:1 blend has more sugar and is more attractive to hummingbirds.
Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or brown sugar. Use plain white table sugar only. Boil the water first, then stir in the sugar until fully dissolved.
Tips for Keeping the Feeder Clean Longer
Here are some tips to keep hummingbird feeders fresher longer between cleanings:
- Use boiling water when mixing the sugar water then let cool before filling
- Avoid filling the feeder while outdoors where airborne contaminants are high
- Fill the feeder only partially to reduce amount of contaminated water
- Change position of feeder ports daily to evenly distribute use
- Clean frequently with vinegar and replace water immediately when signs of spoilage appear
- Consider switching to a hummingbird feeder with an ant moat to deter crawling insects
FAQs
Can hummingbirds get sick from dirty feeders?
Yes, dirty sugar water and moldy feeders can make hummingbirds ill. Consuming contaminated food leads to intestinal tract infections that may be fatal. To keep hummingbirds safe and healthy, follow a regular cleaning routine.
What is the red stuff in my feeder?
Sometimes a red powdery or gritty substance is seen in or near hummingbird feeders. This is usually leftover nectar concentrate staining from the artificial food coloring added to commercial mixes. This harmless residue can be avoided by using plain white sugar instead of commercial pre-made nectar.
Should I use hot water to clean the feeder?
Yes, hot water is recommended when cleaning hummingbird feeders. The heat helps dissolve and wash away any built-up sugar residue better than cold water alone. Just be sure the plastic feeder can withstand the hot water temperature without warping or deforming.
Can I use vinegar when cleaning?
White distilled vinegar makes an excellent cleaning solution for hummingbird feeders. The acetic acid kills mold and bacteria. Mix a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and scrub. Then rinse thoroughly with plain hot water after cleaning to remove all vinegar residue.
What’s the best hummingbird feeder cleaning tool?
A long narrow bottle brush is the best choice for effectively scrubbing the tubes and domed bottom reservoir of hummingbird feeders. Brushes made specifically for this with the right size brush head are sold online or at specialty birding stores.
Conclusion
To keep backyard hummingbirds healthy, clean feeders on a regular basis. In warm weather, aim to wash the feeder every 2-5 days. For cooler temperatures, stretch that to every 5-7 days. More frequent cleaning may be needed if the sugar water appears cloudy, contaminated, or full of dead insects. Always discard old sugar water completely and rinse the feeder parts with hot water after scrubbing away debris. Let the feeder dry fully before refilling with fresh nectar. With a good cleaning routine, you can enjoy watching hummingbirds feed while keeping them safe from disease.
