When it comes to picking out a hummingbird feeder, one of the most important considerations is what size to get. The right sized feeder will help attract more hummingbirds to your yard while making sure they are fed and healthy. This article will go over the factors to take into account when selecting a hummingbird feeder by size.
How Big Should a Hummingbird Feeder Be?
Hummingbird feeders come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. In general, a bigger feeder is better as it allows you to fill it with more nectar so you don’t have to refill it as often. However, extremely large feeders may be too big for some spaces or too heavy to hang. As a good rule of thumb, most experts recommend getting a feeder that holds between 12 and 32 ounces of nectar.
Here are some common hummingbird feeder sizes and their benefits:
| Size | Nectar Capacity | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 12-24 ounces |
|
| Medium | 24-48 ounces |
|
| Large | 48+ ounces |
|
A medium 24 to 48 ounce feeder is likely the best size for most homes. However, consider your specific needs – if you only have room for smaller feeders go for a 12-24 ounce size, and if you have tons of hummingbirds get an extra large feeder.
Pick a Size Based on Your Hummingbird Population
Consider how many hummingbirds usually come to your yard when deciding what size feeder you need. The more hummingbirds you get on a regular basis, the larger your feeder size should be to accommodate them.
Here are some feeder size guidelines based on number of hummingbirds:
| Number of Hummingbirds | Ideal Feeder Size |
|---|---|
| 1-2 | 12-24 ounces |
| 3-5 | 24-32 ounces |
| 5-10 | 32-48 ounces |
| 10+ | 48+ ounces |
If you only see a couple hummingbirds regularly, a small 12 ounce feeder should suffice. But if your yard is buzzing with 10 or more hummers at peak times, go for a large 48+ ounce feeder or multiple medium feeders to make sure they don’t leave any hungry.
Get a Size That’s Easy to Refill and Clean
While it’s ideal to get a large enough hummingbird feeder size to avoid constantly refilling it, you also want to be sure it’s a size you can easily handle for refilling, cleaning and hanging up. An extra large feeder may sound good in theory, but if it’s difficult for you to carry when full, or a struggle to scrub clean, it may do more harm than good.
When considering size based on manageability, think about:
- How heavy will the feeder be when filled with nectar?
- Will you be able to lift and hang the feeder?
- Can you comfortably fit your hand inside to clean and scrub it?
- Is the feeding port wide enough for you to easily refill?
Aim for the largest size you can manage given your own strengths and limitations. Getting a feeder hanger can help make larger sizes easier to deal with. Select a feeder designed with large openings or feeding ports to make refilling and cleaning as simple as possible.
Match the Feeder Size to Your Space
Make sure to pick a hummingbird feeder size that fits appropriately in the space where you want to hang it. Feeders come in many shapes, so even small capacities may be too large in certain spots. Measure the space and get a feeder scaled to fit.
Considerations for feeder size and space:
- How much hanging room is there? Don’t get a feeder that’s taller than the space.
- For small yards or porches, opt for more compact narrow feeders over wide styles.
- Make sure there’s clearance so hummers have room to hover and feed.
- Will the feeder hang over walkways or seating areas? Give hummers and humans enough clearance.
While you want your feeder to be visible to attract hummers, make sure it’s positioned so it’s not obstructing pathways or getting bumped into. Hanging multiple smaller feeders may work better than one massive option if space is limited.
Get Durable Materials for Larger Sizes
The durability of the hummingbird feeder also matters more if you opt for a large size, which will be heavier when full. Make sure to select a feeder made from sturdy materials that can withstand weather elements and the daily use of hungry hummers. Glass and metal feeders tend to be sturdier than plastic.
Key factors for durability:
- Thickness – Thicker plastic or glass is less prone to cracking
- Metal parts – Look for reinforced metal ports, hooks, and hanger wires
- Sealing – Tight seals prevent nectar leaks leading to damage
- Brand reputation – Choose top brands known for quality and longevity
The larger your feeder size, the more care you’ll need to take in selecting one built of lasting materials. Skimping on a cheaply made oversized feeder often leads to breakage, leaks and wasted nectar.
Factor in Special Features
Many hummingbird feeders now come with special features that may impact what size you choose. For example, some feature perches to let hummers rest, built-in ant moats to keep insects out of the nectar, or decorative elements like flower accents or hummingbird cutouts. If certain features are must-haves for you, ensure you pick a feeder size that offers them.
A few features to look for include:
- Multiple feeding ports
- Perches or resting areas
- Bright colors
- Wide top openings for easy filling and cleaning
- Leakproof sealing
- Built-in ant moats
- Dishwasher safe materials
- Decorative accents
While these features are nice to have, don’t sacrifice size and quality just to get certain extras. Focus first on an appropriately sized durable feeder, then see which feature options are available in your ideal size range.
Conclusion
Picking the right hummingbird feeder size involves factoring in your hummingbird population, yard space, convenience of filling/cleaning, and special features. While medium 24-48 ounce feeders work well for most homes, take your specific needs into account. The ideal feeder size for you may be small and compact, or extra large to accommodate an abundance of hummers. Carefully weigh these considerations to find the perfect feeder size to make your backyard a hummingbird haven.
