Hummingbirds are one of nature’s most fascinating creatures. Their ability to hover and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. Hummingbirds have captured people’s imaginations for centuries. It’s no wonder entrepreneurs have tried to capitalize on our love of hummingbirds by creating specialized feeders to attract them to our yards and gardens.
One such entrepreneur brought their hummingbird feeder idea to the popular ABC show Shark Tank, hoping to get an investment from one of the “shark” investors. On Shark Tank, entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of investors in hopes of getting funding and mentorship to take their business to the next level.
The Hummingbird Feeder Pitch on Shark Tank
In Season 5 of Shark Tank, entrepreneurs Carolyn and Mike Crothers pitched their product “HummZinger” – a hummingbird feeder with a unique design. The HummZinger used two specially designed flower-shaped feeding ports to accommodate hummingbirds. This allowed multiple hummingbirds to feed at once without aggression or territorial issues.
The Crothers explained that typical hummingbird feeders cause fighting between hummingbirds as they fiercely defend the limited feeding ports. The HummZinger’s multi-port flower design prevented this fighting by allowing several hummingbirds to feed peacefully at the same time. This resulted in attracting more hummingbirds to the feeder.
To demonstrate their feeder’s effectiveness, the Crothers brought video footage showing up to 18 hummingbirds peacefully feeding from the HummZinger at once. The sharks were impressed with the large number of hummingbirds the feeder could handle.
Key Features of the HummZinger
In addition to the multi-port flower design, the HummZinger had several other key features:
- Leakproof internal seals to prevent messy leaks
- Built-in ant moats to keep ants away from the nectar
- Perch rings allowing hummingbirds to rest
- Easy disassembly for cleaning
- Durable and decorative all-weather construction
These features allowed the HummZinger to outperform typical single-port hummingbird feeders. The leakproof design prevented wasted nectar from leaks and the ant moats stopped ants from getting into the feeder. The perch rings gave tired hummingbirds a place to rest their feet. Finally, the durable and decorative construction meant the feeder could withstand outdoor weather and blend into backyard landscapes.
The HummZinger Deal on Shark Tank
On Shark Tank, the Crothers asked for a $125,000 investment in exchange for 15% equity in their business. Several sharks showed interest in the HummZinger.
Kevin O’Leary made the first offer of $125,000 for 40% equity. Daymond John then offered $150,000 for 33% equity. Robert Herjavec upped the ante with an offer of $150,000 for 25% equity.
After deliberating, the Crothers accepted Herjavec’s offer of $150,000 for 25% equity in the HummZinger business. Herjavec loved the product and saw great potential in growing the business further. The Crothers were thrilled to partner with Herjavec and gain his expertise in scaling up production and marketing.
Post Shark Tank Success
After securing the deal with Robert Herjavec on Shark Tank, the HummZinger saw immediate success:
- The episode airing resulted in $180,000 in sales overnight.
- Over 4 million HummZingers have been sold to date.
- Expanded manufacturing capacity was needed to meet demand.
- Deals were made with retailers like Lowe’s and Walmart.
- The product line was expanded with more feeder styles.
Appearing on Shark Tank propelled the HummZinger into major mainstream success. The Crothers credit the expertise and mentorship of Robert Herjavec for much of this growth. The company continues to thrive today as the leading hummingbird feeder brand.
How the HummZinger Works
The HummZinger’s innovative multi-port flower design is what sets it apart from traditional single-port feeders. Here’s how it works:
Multi-Flower Feeding Ports
The HummZinger features two artificial flowers built into the feeding ports. Each flower has multiple “petals” arranged in a circle. The petals each contain small feeding holes that allow hummingbirds to access the nectar.
This multi-petal flower design essentially creates multiple feeding ports in each port. Hummingbirds can access nectar from any angle around the flower rather than fighting for a single feeding hole.
Less Aggression and Territorial Behavior
Typical feeders only have 1-2 feeding ports. Hummingbirds are very territorial around these limited food sources. They become aggressive trying to claim the feeder as their own, chasing away other birds.
By providing multiple access points around each flower, the HummZinger eliminates the need for hummingbirds to compete. They can peacefully share the feeder without risk of being chased off. This lack of aggression means more hummingbirds flock to the feeder.
More Birds Feed at Once
The two multi-port flowers allow several hummingbirds to feed at the same time. As demonstrated on Shark Tank, up to 18 hummingbirds can feed simultaneously on the HummZinger.
Seeing multiple hummingbirds flocking to a feeder creates an attractive sight for even more birds to join in. The HummZinger’s capacity to handle many birds results in attracting an abundance of hummingbirds to your yard.
Tips for Using the HummZinger
To get the most out of your HummZinger feeder, here are some helpful tips:
Fill with Proper Nectar Concentration
It’s important to use the proper ratio of sugar to water in your nectar solution. Hummingbirds need a higher concentration than other birds. Make your nectar using 1 part white cane sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first to ensure the sugar dissolves fully.
Clean Regularly
Every 2-3 days, take apart the HummZinger and wash all parts with hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. This prevents mold and bacteria growth.
Use Distilled Water
Don’t use tap water in your nectar mix – the minerals and chemicals can be harmful to hummingbirds. Always mix nectar with distilled water.
Avoid Red Food Dye
Some people add red dye to their nectar thinking it will attract more hummingbirds. However, the dye provides no benefit and can actually be unhealthy for hummingbirds. It’s best to leave your nectar mixture dyefree.
Hang in a Shady Spot
Make sure to hang your HummZinger in a shaded area protected from direct sunlight. This keeps the nectar from fermenting or spoiling too quickly.
Keep Ants Away
Use vegetable oil or Vaseline on the hanger and pole to prevent ants from reaching the feeder. The ant moats help too but applying a slippery barrier stops them before they get that far.
Protect from Wind and Rain
Extreme wind or heavy rain can splash nectar out of the feeder. Hang your HummZinger in a covered porch or use an umbrella overhead for protection.
Troubleshooting Common HummZinger Problems
If you notice any issues with your HummZinger, try these troubleshooting tips:
Few or No Hummingbirds Visiting
- Make sure nectar level is 1/2 inch from the top – too low will deter birds.
- Change nectar every 2-3 days since old nectar loses appeal.
- Add more feeding ports by hanging multiple feeders to handle more birds.
- Clean inside and outside of feeder thoroughly in case of mold.
- Consider moving location away from competing feeders.
Ants in the Feeder
- Make sure ant moats are filled with water to form a barrier.
- Apply petroleum jelly on hanger and pole to prevent ants from crossing.
- Take apart and clean all ant infested parts fully.
- Rinse with a vinegar water solution after cleaning.
Leaking Nectar
- Check that cap, base, and flower parts are firmly sealed when assembled.
- Replace any worn gaskets or seals causing leaks.
- Ensure feeder hangs level so nectar doesn’t spill out ports.
- Make sure nectar fill line is not above recommended level.
Cloudy Nectar
- Change nectar and clean feeder every 2-3 days.
- Use boiled or distilled water.
- Do not leave nectar sitting out for more than 24 hours before filling.
- Make sure no spoiling nectar remains trapped in any crevices after cleaning.
Alternative Hummingbird Feeder Options
While the HummZinger is a top-rated hummingbird feeder on the market, there are other good options to consider:
| Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Perky-Pet |
|
| First Nature |
|
| Aspects |
|
| Woodlink |
|
When choosing a feeder, consider your budget, durability needs, capacity, and ease of cleaning. The HummZinger remains a top choice for effectively attracting the most hummingbirds.
Conclusion
The HummZinger hummingbird feeder featured on Shark Tank stands out with its innovative multi-port flower design. This allows multiple hummingbirds to feed peacefully together without aggression. Owners Mike and Carolyn Crothers secured an investment from shark Robert Herjavec and went on to massive success.
With expert tips on using and troubleshooting the HummZinger, you can provide the ideal feeding experience for hummingbirds in your yard. Attract an abundance of these magical creatures by reducing competition and creating enough feeding space. Place your HummZinger in a prime spot and enjoy watching hummingbirds flock to it.
