Quick Answer
Having multiple hummingbird feeders can be very beneficial for attracting more hummingbirds to your yard or garden. The key advantages of having multiple feeders are:
- It allows more hummingbirds to feed at the same time.
- It reduces competition and aggressive behavior between hummingbirds.
- It allows you to offer different types of nectar in different feeders.
- It attracts more hummingbirds overall by providing more feeding opportunities.
As long as the feeders are spread out around the yard, having 2-4 feeders is recommended to attract the most hummingbirds. Proper cleaning and maintenance of multiple feeders is important as well.
The Benefits of Multiple Feeders
Here is more detail on the key benefits of having multiple hummingbird feeders:
Allows More Hummingbirds to Feed
Hummingbirds are very territorial around feeders and often chase each other away. Having a single feeder means only one hummer can use it at a time. Multiple feeders allow several hummingbirds to drink at once, rather than waiting in line. This gives all the hummingbirds adequate access to the nectar they need.
During peak activity seasons or migration, you may get dozens of hummingbirds visiting your yard. A single feeder would not be enough to meet their nutritional demands. Having multiple feeders ensures each bird gets to tank up when they need to.
Reduces Aggressive Behavior
Hummingbirds will aggressively defend “their” feeder from intruders. Having a single feeder often results in one dominant male chasing all the other hummers away. This can prevent certain birds like females and juveniles from getting the food they require.
When you have multiple feeders spread out, it allows more opportunity for all types of hummingbirds to feed. The males are kept busy defending multiple feeders instead of just one. This cuts down on overall aggressive behavior and fighting.
Offers Feeding Choices
With several feeders, you can vary the types of nectar you offer. Some hummingbird enthusiasts recommend providing:
- A standard white sugar nectar feeder
- A feeder with honey-water nectar
- A high-protein feeder made with sugar water and powdered chick starter
Different hummingbirds may be attracted to the different nectar options. Having feeder choices ensures you are providing food that appeals to each bird’s preferences.
Attracts More Hummingbirds
Studies suggest that offering multiple feeding opportunities is one of the best ways to increase hummingbird numbers in your yard. The abundance of food sources indicates a safe habitat with adequate resources.
Hummingbirds that would normally just pass through may decide to stick around longer if you have several feeders up. It signals that your yard is a productive spot for them to rest and refuel.
How Many Feeders Should You Have?
When it comes to multiple feeders, how many should you get? What is the ideal number for your backyard?
Here are some general recommendations on hummingbird feeder numbers:
Start with 2-3 Feeders
For a small to medium sized yard, aim for 2-3 hummingbird feeders to begin with. This allows ample feeding access without being overwhelming to manage.
See how quickly the birds empty the first couple feeders. You can then adjust the amount as needed to match the traffic you get.
Having just 1 feeder is better than nothing. But 2 or more is ideal for ensuring the hummers’ needs are met.
Add up to 4-6 Feeders in Large Yards
For large properties, you have room to accommodate more feeders. Place up to 4-6 hummingbird feeders around the yard. More feeders means higher capacity to serve energetic hummers.
Again, monitor to see if the feeders require refilling more than once a day. Increase the number until the bird’s food demands are satisfied without excess waste.
Separate Feeders by at Least 10 Feet
To reduce squabbling between hummers, separate the feeders by 10 feet or more. This gives each bird ample personal space at their chosen feeder.
Try distributing the feeders in different flower beds, shrubs, or trees throughout the property. Hummers will have to travel between feeders just like real flowers.
Set Out Feeders at Different Heights
You can also vary the height and location of the feeders. Some possibilities are:
- Hang one high up in a tree
- Mount one on a second story patio
- Set one lower down on a garden stake
Hummingbirds jockeying for position are less likely to fight each other at different heights. Varied heights also ensure all birds can comfortably access at least one feeder.
Where Should You Place Multiple Feeders?
Where you position multiple feeders on your property can impact how well hummingbirds utilize them. Follow these tips on feeder placement:
Start Within View of Windows/Seating Areas
It is ideal if the feeders are visible from inside your home, porches, or patios. You want to be able to enjoy watching the hummingbird activity up close as they visit the feeders.
Avoid sticking all the feeders in the far back corners of the yard. Consider starting with one right outside your preferred viewing window or patio door.
Gradually Spread Out From First Feeder
You can take an incremental approach when adding feeders. Put up the first one in a prime viewing spot. See if hummingbirds find it and start feeding.
Once they become accustomed to the initial feeder, add a second one about 15-20 feet away. Over time, gradually increase the number of feeders and space them further apart around the yard.
Place Near Flowers, Shrubs, or Trees
Hummingbirds feel more comfortable feeding when they have protective cover nearby. Place feeders around 5-10 feet from flower beds, bushes, trees, or other vegetation.
This allows quick shelter from predators. It also supplies additional real nectar flowers to supplement the feeders.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Position feeders out of full sun whenever possible. Direct sun heats up the nectar, causing it to ferment faster. This can make hummers sick.
Find shaded spots that get only filtered or dappled sunshine. If needed, add shade structures like small covers or umbrellas above the feeders.
Protect from Wind and Rain
Shelter your feeders from heavy winds, which can blow them around and spill the nectar. It also keeps the liquid from being diluted by rains.
Overhangs, porches, dense shrubs, or similar protection can help block winds and precipitation. Only offer as much open exposure as needed for good visibility.
Tips for Managing Multiple Feeders
The key to success with multiple feeders is diligent care and upkeep. Here are some tips for smoothly managing several hummingbird feeders:
Develop a Routine for Cleaning
To prevent mold, bacteria, and bees, hummingbird feeders need frequent cleaning. It is smart to establish a set schedule for how often to wash each feeder.
Many experts recommend every 3-5 days during peak hummingbird season. Mark your calendar to remind yourself of each feeder’s cleaning cycle.
Clean on Rotating Basis
It is easier to clean multiple feeders by doing them on a rotating schedule. For example:
- Monday: Clean Feeder #1 and #2
- Thursday: Clean Feeder #3 and #4
- Sunday: Clean Feeder #1 and #2 again
This ensures each feeder gets cleaned every 3-4 days without you having to wash them all on the same day.
Have Backup Feeders
Another handy trick is keeping extra clean spare feeders ready to swap in. When one feeder is dirty, simply replace it with a fresh backup.
Then you can take time to properly wash the dirty one for use again later. The birds don’t have to go hungry while waiting for a feeder to be cleaned.
Use Multiple Nectar Jugs
Rather than one large nectar jug, utilize several smaller bottles to fill multiple feeders. Label the lids or bottles by number to track which goes in each feeder.
This makes it faster to refill specific empty feeders as needed. You don’t waste fresh nectar by continually opening one big jug.
Clean All Feeders Before Vacation
When going out of town, be sure to thoroughly wash and fill all feeders first. That ensures the hummingbirds have ample reserves in your absence.
Designate a helper to come inspect and refresh feeders halfway through longer vacations if possible.
Types of Feeders to Use for Multiple Setups
There are many different hummingbird feeder models available for sale. Here are some ideal options for multiple feeder setups:
Simple Plastic Bottle Feeders
Basic plastic bottle feeders with red plastic bases are inexpensive and easy to use. Buy several of these as starter feeders.
They come in multi-packs for added convenience when purchasing several. Easy to clean and fill when you need lots of feeder capacity.
Glass Tube/Bulb Feeders
Glass tube feeders often hold more nectar than plastic bottles. The vessels are glass or acrylic, which some birds prefer over plastic.
Glass won’t degrade as fast in sunlight. These styles often have decorative bases providing nice accents around a yard.
Dish or Saucer Feeders
Dish-shaped feeders have multiple feeding ports around the rim. This allows several hummers to drink at once.
The shallow dish design and exposed nectar deters bees better than enclosed feeders. Easy for birds to perch on.
Window Feeders
One window-mounted feeder guarantees you a front-row view of hummingbird visits up close. The feeder suctions right onto the glass for stability.
Take turns moving it from window to window so the hummers don’t collide into any one pane repeatedly.
Hanging Basket Feeders
Hanging basket feeders meant to look like flowers provide both food and beautiful yard decor. The feeder bottles or tubes hang inside a metal flower frame.
Position these in prominent visual spots like under porch eaves, from tree branches, etc.
Feeders with Perches
Including perches gives hummingbirds a spot to comfortably rest their feet while eating. Perched feeders also keep them in one spot longer for easy observation.
Look for perch feeders that wire over or around the feeding ports to maximize access.
Specialty Feeders
For variety, add a few specialty feeders into your setup like:
- High protein feeders
- Oriole feeders
- Ant moat feeders
- Low-flow feeders for fledglings
This provides feeding options and nutrition alternatives to attract more bird types.
FAQs About Multiple Hummingbird Feeders
Some frequently asked questions about having multiple feeders include:
Do hummingbirds get territorial at feeders?
Yes, male hummingbirds are very territorial and aggressive at feeders. However, providing multiple spread out feeders reduces fighting since they can’t guard them all. There is more opportunity for other birds to sneak in and feed while the male is busy patrolling his favorite feeder.
Is it bad to cluster feeders close together?
Feeders placed close together increase territorial behavior as birds guard the small area. Keep all feeders at least 10 feet apart, ideally even further, for best results in minimizing hummingbird conflicts.
How often should nectar be changed in multiple feeders?
To prevent spoilage, change the nectar in each feeder every 2-5 days during active hummingbird seasons. During winter when fewer birds are around, you can stretch it to every 5-7 days. More feeders means you’ll refill them more frequently.
Should feeders be taken down at night?
Most experts recommend leaving hummingbird feeders up 24/7 during summer. Hummers feed every 10-15 minutes from dawn to dusk and need an energy source all day. Just be sure to hang feeders safely away from nocturnal predators.
You can take feeders down at night during migrations or if bears frequent your area.
Can orioles, woodpeckers, and bees use hummingbird feeders too?
Yes, orioles and woodpeckers will sometimes drink from hummingbird feeders, especially if you offer orange nectar or add fruit. Bees are also attracted to the sugar water. Use bee guards and offer separate feeders for non-hummers to minimize competition.
Conclusion
Providing multiple hummingbird feeders around your yard or garden can significantly increase hummingbird traffic by reducing competition and offering abundant feeding opportunities. Place 2-4 or more feeders spaced well apart and in sheltered locations for best results. Maintaining clean fresh nectar across all feeders takes more work but provides optimal care for these energetic tiny birds. Experiment with feeder styles, locations, and nectar recipes to attract a diversity of hummingbird species to your outdoor sanctuary.
