Hummingbird feeders provide an easy way to attract these tiny, energetic birds to your yard. However, there is some debate over whether it is necessary or beneficial to take hummingbird feeders inside at night. Here is a look at the pros and cons of bringing hummingbird feeders in overnight.
Reasons to Bring Hummingbird Feeder In at Night
There are a few potential reasons why someone may choose to bring their hummingbird feeder in at night:
- To prevent the nectar from spoiling as quickly. The cool nighttime temperatures can slow down the growth of mold and bacteria in the sugary nectar.
- To prevent the feeder from attracting other nighttime critters like bats, raccoons, or bears. These animals can damage the feeder.
- To protect the feeder from overnight storms, strong winds, or other inclement weather that could knock it down or damage it.
Nectar Spoilage
Nectar spoils fairly quickly, especially in hot weather. The sugars in the nectar make an ideal breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms. Refrigerating the feeder overnight helps slow the growth of these spoilage organisms. Keeping the feeder indoors overnight will also protect the nectar from warm daytime temperatures that accelerate spoilage.
Unwanted Visitors
Hummingbird feeders dripping with sugary nectar can attract other creatures besides hummingbirds. Opossums, raccoons, and bears are all known to raid feeders for an easy snack. Bats may also feed on the insects that are drawn to the sugary nectar. Taking the feeder inside removes this temptation for nighttime marauders.
Severe Weather
Strong winds, hail, heavy rain, and other extreme weather can damage hummingbird feeders. Bringing the feeder inside each night eliminates the threat of overnight storms. It also protects the feeder from low overnight temperatures that could potentially freeze the nectar.
Reasons to Leave Hummingbird Feeder Out at Night
Despite the potential benefits, there are also some good reasons to leave your hummingbird feeder out 24/7:
- It provides a consistent, dependable food source for hummingbirds.
- The moderate nighttime temperatures may slow nectar spoilage.
- It allows hummingbirds to feed very early in the morning.
- Removing and refilling the feeder daily can risk mold growth.
Reliable Food Supply
Hummingbirds have very high metabolisms and need to eat frequently throughout the day to maintain their energy levels. Leaving the feeder out overnight provides them with a consistent, dependable source of fuel. This is especially important during migration seasons or in cold climates when finding natural food sources may be more difficult.
Slowed Spoilage
While refrigeration can slow the rate of spoilage, moderate overnight temperatures may also be cool enough to slow the growth of mold and bacteria. So the nectar left outside overnight may stay fresher than we expect. As long as the feeder is kept clean and nectar is changed regularly, nighttime temperatures alone may inhibit spoilage.
Early Morning Feeding
Hummingbirds are most active and voracious early in the morning as they need to refuel after a long night without eating. Having the feeder available first thing lets them replenish and kickstarts their metabolism. If they have to wait for homeowners to put the feeder out, it could slow them down at a critical time.
Refilling Risks Mold
If not cleaned correctly, taking a feeder inside and refilling it daily can actually accelerate mold growth. Traces of old nectar left behind provide the ideal breeding ground. The safest approach is to thoroughly clean the feeder before refilling, whether left out or brought inside.
Best Practices
When weighing whether or not to bring feeders in overnight, consider these best practices:
- Clean the feeder thoroughly before refilling, especially if taken inside each night.
- Avoid refilling feeders more than once every 2-3 days, as frequent refilling promotes mold growth.
- Check that no old nectar remains in the feeder when refilling.
- Rinse with a water/vinegar solution to inhibit bacterial growth.
- Use fresh nectar and replace immediately if signs of spoilage appear.
- Select a sturdy feeder that can withstand weather and animal interference.
- Consider bringing feeders in only during active migration or winter months.
Conclusion
The choice of whether or not to bring hummingbird feeders in at night is largely a matter of personal preference. There are good arguments on both sides. As long as you properly clean and maintain your feeders, leaving them outside 24/7 provides a reliable food source. But bringing them in overnight eliminates certain risks. Following best practices for cleaning and refilling can minimize potential downsides. Do what works best for you and your hummingbird visitors!
