Some Critical Hummingbird Feeder FAQs You Must Know

Hummingbirds are fascinating birds that are common in North, Central and South America. They are found nowhere else in the world. Their shimmering colors and acrobatic flight make them a joy to watch.

These are tiny and elegant birds, and feeding them is always great fun; using the hummingbird feeder is, therefore, one way of doing so.

But as much as feeding hummingbirds is a good activity, there are some questions for a beginner when feeding them. Here are some hummingbird feeder FAQs that people who want to encourage the presence of hummingbirds in their homes have been asking for.

1.  Is it necessary to purchase specialized food for my hummingbirds?

Buying commercial nectar is never recommended, as it has preservatives and dyes. But it is easy to make your own nectar. Hummingbirds do not require anything but sugar dissolved in water to cater to their nutritional requirement. The recommended ratio is 4:1, that is 4 parts water to 1 part white granulated sugar.

2.  Should I add red dye to the nectar in the feeder?

Never add red dye or anything else to your nectar. Even though hummingbirds are attracted to bright and especially red colors, this dye offers no benefits, and is likely detrimental to the bird's well-being.

3.  Do hummingbirds prefer feeders that are red or brightly colored?

They are attracted to bright colors. Feeders come in many forms, and whereas they are diverse in color, red color is the most popular since it is generally known to attract these birds. When choosing a feeder, selecting one with a red or bright color will make them come around.

4.  Can I use brown sugar, honey, or molasses instead of white sugar in the nectar?

Only white granulated sugar must be used when preparing nectar for the hummingbirds. Never feed them brown sugar, raw sugar, organic sugar, or molasses, as they contain high amounts of iron, which is toxic to hummingbirds. Do not use honey as it can cause a fatal fungus infection. Therefore, there are no substitutions for making nectar, and the easy-to-remember ratio is four parts of water is mixed with one part of white sugar.

5.  How frequently should I clean and refill the hummingbird feeder?

The nectar also exposes the hummingbirds to a risk of spoilt food because nectar ferments very fast. Clean your feeders based on temperature. General guidelines:

70-84 degrees – Clean every 3 days

85-89 degrees – Clean every 2 days

90 and over – Clean every day

However, it is recommended that one always check the feeder for spoilage. If it’s cloudy, that’s bacteria, if there are black spots, that’s black mold. Both are deadly to hummingbirds. The feeder's cleanliness helps keep the food safe; and will help keep your hummingbirds healthy.

6.  When is the best time to set up my hummingbird feeder?

They prefer artificial feeders to be put up a few weeks before their appearance, but when they are available depends on the location. In most of the regions of North America, this is usually in early spring, especially in March or April. Since the goal of the feeder is to feed the first birds to arrive, it's essential to put it early.

7.  When should I remove the feeders during the fall season?

Removing the feeders in the fall depends on the climate in your region and the birds' migratory patterns. In general, leaving the feeders out for two weeks after the last sighting of a hummingbird in your locality is necessary. If you are in some warmer parts of the world where these are present all year, then keeping the feeders in place all year is possible.

8.  Will leaving the feeder out too long make hummingbirds delay their migration?

No, they will not delay their migration if you leave out your feeder. They migrate based on the length of daylight, not on the availability of food. The feeder left out can benefit the late migrators because it has a steady energy supply.

9.  If hummingbirds are present year-round in my area, is it fine to keep feeding them throughout the year?

If these birds remain in that region throughout the year, then there is no harm in offering them food all year round. Ensure that the nectar is fresh and that if you use a heated feeder, ensure that it is during the year's cold months. Feeding throughout the year helps them mainly in the wintering grounds, particularly in regions with a relatively mild climate during the colder season.

10.  What should I do if my hummingbird feeder isn't attracting any birds?

If you realize you have obtained a few takers from your feeder, ensure you renew the nectar and clean the feeder properly. Place the feeder in a quiet and shady area close to the flowers to hinder the stressing of birds and enhance its Visibility by anchoring colorful items around the feeder. They may not come to you asap, but most likely, they will come at one point in their lives.

11.  If a hummingbird stays past the migration period, how should I adjust my feeding practices?

If it remains behind the migration, ensure that you replenish the fresh nectar and even use a heated feeder to ensure that it does not freeze. Observe the health status and behavior of the bird. If the bird appears weak, sick, or distressed, or you are uncertain how to proceed, refer to a regional wildlife specialist. You can often find a rehabber at: Animal Help Now – ahnow.org

12.  I have a hummingbird in my area past migration time and I'd like to feed it as long as it stays around. What do I need to know?

To feed a hummer after migration season, you should see that the nectar is not frozen and has not gone bad. Take the feeder indoors if there is frost, and observe the bird's health. If you find any problems, you should seek a recommendation from a local ornithologist.

13.  How can I make my yard more hummingbird-friendly?

Some ways include planting or having a hanging basket of tubular red flowers rich in nectar, adding a water feature, such as a shallow bird bath, fountain, or mister, and adding hummingbird feeders. Eliminate using pesticides that kill the insects that hummingbirds eat, and may also harm hummingbirds.

14.  How can I prevent pests from accessing my hummingbird feeder?

Exclude ants and insects such as bees and wasps by putting ant moats at the top of the feeder, choosing feeders with bee guards, and constantly cleaning the feeder. If necessary, move the feeder. Avoid feeders that have yellow flowers, as bees are more attracted to yellow. Put out a shallow dish of plain water for bees.

15.  What should I do if I see a hummingbird with unusual behavior or health issues?

If you find a sick or slow-moving hummingbird, take the feeder off for some time and replace the nectar with fresh food-grade water; you can then consult a wildlife rehabilitation center or avian-specialty veterinary. There could also be stress or injury if one tries to handle the bird without consulting a professional.

16.  Can I use a hummingbird feeder with a camera or other tech enhancements?

A hummingbird feeder with a camera enables the birds to be observed from close range without interfering with their activities. Check that the camera's location is safe for the birds and does not attract the attention of predators. When used appropriately, the technology-incorporated feeders can be fun and, at the same time, provide insight into the actuality of the hummingbird.

Concluding Lines

Feeding the hummingbirds requires you to be very aware of factors such as the quality of nectar you provide, the cleanliness of the feeder, and its location. Regardless of whether you have hummingbirds that migrate, or ones that stay all year round, ensuring that your feeder is clean with fresh nectar and in excellent working condition will guarantee that hummingbirds have everything that they need. With the hummingbird feeder FAQs mentioned above, you can enjoy of these magnificent birds and keep them heathy.