Hummingbirds are beloved for their diminutive size, stunning iridescent feathers, and amazing aerial abilities. These tiny birds have captured people’s imaginations for centuries, inspiring everything from poetry and folklore to cutting-edge research. Providing food for hummingbirds allows people to get up close with these captivating creatures. Hummingbird feeders come in an array of shapes and sizes, but a Ferris wheel style feeder offers a uniquely charming way to feed hummingbirds. In this article, we will explore what a Ferris wheel style hummingbird feeder is, the benefits of this type of feeder, things to look for when selecting one, where to place it, how to care for it, and some excellent Ferris wheel style feeder options to consider. Equipped with this information, you can decide if a Ferris wheel feeder is right for you and your feathered friends.
What Is a Ferris Wheel Style Hummingbird Feeder?
A Ferris wheel style hummingbird feeder gets its name from its distinctive design. Like the famous amusement park ride, this type of feeder has a large circular structure with multiple “cars” or feeding ports arrayed around the circumference. The central wheel holding the feeding ports rotates around a stationary rod. Hummingbirds can visit each port in turn, feeding to their heart’s content as the wheel slowly revolves.
This unique design provides several key advantages:
– Multiple feeding opportunities. The rotating design allows access to numerous feeding ports, avoiding squabbles over limited food sources.
– Easy perching. The individual ports provide a stable perch for hummingbirds to comfortably feed.
– Entertaining movement. The slow, gentle rotation creates engaging motion that attracts hummingbird attention.
– Compact footprint. By using a circular vertical design, many feeders can access the wheel despite a minimal base size.
The defining feature of a Ferris wheel feeder is the rotating central wheel or ring holding multiple feeding stations. Beyond that core design element, feeders vary in size, number of feeding ports, materials, and other features.
Benefits of a Ferris Wheel Feeder
Choosing a Ferris wheel style feeder offers many perks for both hummingbirds and the people who love watching them.
For hummingbirds, benefits include:
– Access to abundant food. The multiple feeding ports provide more food availability than single-port feeders.
– Reduced competition. The plentiful feeding opportunities minimize aggressive fights over food access.
– Safety. The individual perches allow hummingbirds to eat without expending energy hovering.
– Efficient feeding. Hummingbirds can easily move from port to port, consuming food faster.
For you, benefits include:
– Entertainment. The rotating wheel provides engaging motion and activity to observe.
– Easy viewing. The upright circular design gives 360-degree visibility from many angles.
– Beauty. The whimsical Ferris wheel shape adds visual interest to your landscape.
– Flexibility. Larger units can accommodate many hummingbirds, while smaller versions work well for fewer birds.
– Durability. High-quality acrylic or glass feeders resist cracking in all weather conditions.
Overall, a Ferris wheel feeder optimizes feeding opportunities for hummingbirds while creating an ornamental focal point for your enjoyment.
What to Look for in a Ferris Wheel Feeder
When choosing a Ferris wheel style hummingbird feeder, keep these key features in mind:
– **Size:** Consider both the footprint size and feeding port capacity. Larger feeders take up more space but support more birds.
– **Number of feeding ports:** More ports reduce fighting and allow multiple hummingbirds to feed simultaneously.
– **Materials:** Durable glass or acrylic withstand weather extremes without cracking.
– **Leakproof design:** A tight seal around the feeding ports prevents messy leaks.
– **Easy cleaning:** Look for feeders with accessible parts that come apart easily for thorough cleaning.
– **Ant moats:** Built-in moats with water barriers prevent crawling insects from reaching the nectar.
– **Bees guards:** Tight slits around feeding ports keep out bees while allowing hummingbird access.
– **Strong hanger:** A sturdy hanger keeps the feeder hanging straight for smooth rotation.
– **Bright colors:** Vibrant red or yellow attracts hummingbird attention from a distance.
Selecting a well-designed feeder made from quality materials ensures years of enjoyment watching hummingbirds feast from your Ferris wheel feeder.
Where to Place Your Ferris Wheel Feeder
Proper placement of your Ferris wheel feeder will increase hummingbird visits:
– **Outdoors:** Choose an open outdoor location with air circulation to prevent mold.
– **Filtered sunlight:** Avoid full sun to prevent nectar from fermenting or overheating. Dappled shade under a tree is ideal.
– **Near vegetation:** Hummingbirds feel more secure with bushes, trees or garden plants nearby to provide cover and perches.
– **Elevated:** Mount the feeder at least 5 feet high on a post, hook, or tree branch for safety from predators.
– **Visible:** Pick a spot where bright colors will stand out to catch hummingbirds’ attention as they fly by.
– **Sheltered:** Select a site with some protection from wind and rain to prevent the nectar from diluting.
– **Away from windows:** Position at least 3 feet away from windows to prevent collisions.
Finding the right balance of sunlight, shelter, visibility, and security will create an enticing spot for hummingbirds to visit your unique feeder.
Caring for Your Ferris Wheel Feeder
To keep your feeder functioning at its best and providing safe nectar, follow these care tips:
– **Use proper nectar:** Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts hot water and cool before filling. Avoid honey, sweeteners, or food coloring.
– **Change nectar weekly:** Discard old nectar, wash the bottle, and refill with fresh nectar weekly to prevent spoilage.
– **Clean fully:** Take apart and clean all parts with mild soap and water every 2-3 weeks. Rinse thoroughly.
– **Prevent leaks:** Check for cracks and replace leaky parts. Keep o-rings and gaskets lubricated.
– **Remove debris:** Clear out any built-up debris from feeding ports or perches.
– **Adjust position:** Periodically move the feeder to prevent ant colonies from forming nearby.
– **Bring indoors:** In extreme cold, remove nectar and bring the feeder inside to prevent damage.
With proper nectar and regular cleaning, your Ferris wheel feeder will stay attractive to hummingbirds through seasons of enjoyment.
Top Ferris Wheel Style Feeders
When it’s time to choose your Ferris wheel feeder, these top-rated options provide quality construction, easy care, and excellent value:
Perky-Pet Antique Bottle 209 Port
| Capacity | 12 oz |
| Number of Ports | 8 |
| Material | Glass |
| Special Features | Ant moat, bee guards |
This smaller handblown glass feeder features beautiful antique bottle styling and provides eight perches for hummers to comfortably eat.
Aspects Upside Down Hummingbird Feeder
| Capacity | 20 oz |
| Number of Ports | 10 |
| Material | Acrylic |
| Special Features | Leakproof, easy cleaning |
The acrylic plastic construction holds up in any weather. Ten flowers provide ample feeding opportunities for multiple hummingbirds.
Perky-Pet Copper Panorama
| Capacity | 32 oz |
| Number of Ports | 12 |
| Material | Glass and copper |
| Special Features | Ant moat, bee guards |
With a large capacity and 12 brilliant copper feeding flowers, this stunner attracts hummingbirds from miles away. Durable glass and copper offer timeless beauty.
Farmhouse Ferris Wheel Feeder
| Capacity | 20 oz |
| Number of Ports | 2 |
| Material | Aluminum and glass |
| Special Features | Rustic farmhouse design |
Charm and simplicity meet in this two-port rustic feeder, handcrafted from antiqued aluminum with dichroic glass flowers.
Aspects HummZinger Ultra
| Capacity | 38 oz |
| Number of Ports | 12 |
| Material | Acrylic |
| Special Features | Leakproof, bee guards |
With nearly 40 ounces of nectar capacity, this extra large feeder provides the ultimate in hummer feeding and observation. TheDependable acrylic withstands all weather conditions.
Conclusion
With their beautiful iridescent plumage and aerobatic abilities, hummingbirds captivate birdwatchers everywhere. A uniquely shaped Ferris wheel hummingbird feeder provides an optimal feeding experience for hummers and engaging entertainment for you. When choosing your Ferris wheel-style feeder, look for durable construction, ample feeding ports, leakproofing, insect barriers, and ease of cleaning. Proper placement and care will keep your feeder working flawlessly for seasons of up-close hummingbird observation. Any of the excellent featured feeders will attract scores of hummingbirds to feast at your own whimsical Ferris wheel.
