Hummingbirds are delicate little birds that bring joy with their beauty and energetic personalities. To attract hummingbirds, many people use feeders full of sweet liquid nectar. However, hummingbird feeders must be kept extremely clean or else harmful bacteria and mold can grow and make the hummingbirds sick. So it is essential to choose a feeder that is easy to thoroughly clean on a regular basis. This article will discuss the pros and cons of different feeder styles and recommend the best and easiest hummingbird feeders to keep clean.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Hummingbird Feeder
When selecting a hummingbird feeder, there are several factors that impact how easy it will be to clean:
Feeder Style
There are a few main types of hummingbird feeder designs:
– Saucer feeders – These are open-topped disks that hold the nectar. Pros are easy access for cleaning and adding nectar. Cons are increased risk of insects/bees.
– Tube/bottle feeders – These are vessel-style feeders with feeding ports. Pros are decreased insect risk. Cons are small openings can make cleaning difficult.
– Hanging feeders – These suspend by a wire for placement flexibility. Pros are fun decoration and viewing. Cons are more parts to disassemble.
Materials
– Glass/ceramic – Pretty but heavy and breakable. Difficult to scrub stuck-on debris.
– Plastic – Lightweight but can get cloudy over time. May warp or crack.
– Metal – Durable but may corrode. Can heat up nectar in sun.
Number of Parts
More parts mean more surfaces and crevices to clean. Simple, few-part designs are best.
Feeder Capacity
Small capacity needs refilling often. Large capacity gets heavy for cleaning. Aim for 16-25 oz.
Feeding Ports
Look for flip-top lids, brush accessibility, and removable perch covers. Avoid narrow necks.
Reviews of 5 Easy-Clean Hummingbird Feeders
Here are 5 top-rated hummingbird feeders known for being easy to clean:
1. Aspects HummZinger HighView 12 Oz
Style: Hanging tube feeder
Material: Durable plastic
Capacity: 12 oz
Feeding ports: 4 with yellow bee guards and perch
Pros:
- Large oval openings allow brush access inside
- Bottles unscrew for easy filling and cleaning
- Few parts – just bottle, base, lid
- Bright red won’t fade in sun
Cons:
- Plastic can get brittle and crack over time
- Only hold 12 oz of nectar
With excellent access to the bottle’s interior and only 3 simple parts, the HummZinger is a breeze to scrub clean.
2. More Birds Mahogany Vintage Glass Hummingbird Feeder
Style: Vintage decorative hanging
Material: Glass bottle & mahogany wood base
Capacity: 16 oz
Feeding ports: 5 with metal perches
Pros:
- Glass is easy to see inside for cleaning
- Gorgeous antique aesthetic
- Metal and wood are durable materials
Cons:
- Glass is fragile and heavy
- Perches don’t flip up
- Debris can get stuck between glass and wood base
For those who want an elegant and timeless feeder, this glass and wood design is a lovely choice that cleans up nicely.
3. First Nature Hummingbird Flower Feeder
Style: Plastic saucer
Material: Durable plastic
Capacity: 16 oz
Feeding ports: 10 yellow flower feeding stations
Pros:
- No tubes or enclosed spaces – open design is easy to access
- Large capacity reduces refilling frequency
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Exposed nectar is prone to insects
- Plastic stained by nectar over time
With a wide open design perfect for easy scrubbing, this dishwasher safe saucer feeder is one of the simplest to clean.
4. Perky-Pet Antique Bottle Hummingbird Feeder
Style: Hanging bottle feeder
Material: Glass bottle & plastic base
Capacity: 16 oz
Feeding ports: 4 with bee guards
Pros:
- Glass bottle is easy to see inside
- Plastic base won’t corrode
- Built-in ant moat to deter insects
Cons:
- Heavy glass to handle while cleaning
- Plastic scratches over time
With a classic style that complements any decor, this quality combined glass and plastic feeder cleans up with ease.
5. Stokes Select Origami Window Hummingbird Feeder
Style: Hanging window feeder
Material: Plastic
Capacity: 20 oz
Feeding ports: 4 with yellow inserts
Pros:
- Holds lots of nectar – less refilling
- Removable bottle for easy filling and cleaning
- Yellow parts deter bees
Cons:
- Plastic scratches and fades over time
- Suction cups may lose grip
With a high capacity bottle that pops out for a thorough scrub down, this window feeder makes cleaning a breeze.
How Often To Clean Hummingbird Feeders
To keep nectar fresh and prevent harmful mold, always follow these guidelines:
- Clean the feeder thoroughly every time you refill it, typically every 2-3 days.
- Do not let nectar sit for more than a few days, even if the feeder looks clean.
- Soak all parts in hot water or diluted vinegar/bleach solution. Use a small brush.
- Allow to fully air dry before refilling.
- Replace cracked/cloudy feeders and worn gaskets/bee guards annually.
Tips For Easy Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning
Follow these tips to make hummingbird feeder cleaning as quick and painless as possible:
- Choose feeder styles that are simple with removable parts and easy access.
- Clean immediately after use so nectar does not have time to stick.
- Use a tiny bottle brush and pipe cleaners for narrow openings.
- Soak in hot water before scrubbing to loosen debris.
- Let feeders fully dry upside down to prevent mold growth.
- Hang multiple feeders in rotation for easy cleaning.
Conclusion
To save time and ensure the health of visiting hummingbirds, selecting the right feeder is key. When it comes to easy cleaning, the Aspects HummZinger, First Nature saucer, and Stokes Select Origami feeders rise above the competition. Their smart designs offer quick access for thorough scrubbing on a regular basis. Plus durable plastic construction means they’ll last through many cycles in the dishwasher. Provide fresh nectar in a spotless feeder, and hummingbirds will keep joyfully buzzing around season after season.
