Tips in Using Hummingbird Feeders

The very first and actually most important tip to start everything off is by choosing the ideal material and appearance of the hummingbird feeder. Probably the best way to attract hummingbirds is by using a red hummingbird feeder that is made of plastic. The red color gives a vibrant glow that attracts eager hummingbirds passing by, especially during summer. Secondly, an important thing to consider is to make sure that the feeder does not absorb the rays of the sun in any way. The sunlight tends to fade the color of the plastic, as well as encourage the growth of certain mold species. If these molds are allowed to proliferate, they will only end up scaring the hummingbirds off. Another thing to remember here is to put these feeders where the birds can clearly examine their surroundings. Hummingbirds are very territorial creatures. Usually, only groups of one to three hummingbirds will share one feeder, so it is necessary to place at least two or three feeders that are a little far apart from each other.

After placing the hummingbird feeders, the next tip to consider is preparing the nectar. The best recipe for this kind of nectar is by mixing one part of sugar with four parts of water. Then, the mixture should be properly boiled to kill off harmful microorganisms. It must be placed in a small-neck glass and refrigerated until it cools. Then, the feeders must only be half-filled with the prepared nectar. Half-filling feeders will have a lower risk of attracting molds, and this will also save a lot of water. Some people add red dye to the mixture, but this is actually harmful for the hummingbirds. However, adding some charm can be achieved by adding red balls or by tying red ribbons on the feeder.

The last thing to remember here is all about maintenance. People should always consider that these birds do not rely solely on nectar for nutrition. Insects such as ants, spiders, wasps and bees should also be available for the hummingbird’s diet to be complete. To attract these critters, attractive red flowers like geranium may be used. Feeders must also be cleaned thoroughly every 3 or 4 days to remove mold and bacteria from the water and the containers. The cleaning medium may be prepared with one part white vinegar and five parts water.

Using hummingbird feeders properly requires an equivalent amount of preparation, handling and maintenance. These tips are sure to attract hummingbirds as soon as possible.