Have you ever seen a tiny, fast bird with bright colors? That might be a hummingbird! These birds love to drink sweet nectar. A hummingbird feeder is like a special bird house that gives them food. In North America, many people love watching hummingbirds in their yards. But how do you pick the best hummingbird feeder? This guide will help you choose the right one.
Why You Need a Good Hummingbird Feeder
Hummingbirds are very small birds. They need to eat often—about every 10-15 minutes! A good feeder keeps them coming back to your yard. The best hummingbird feeder should be easy to fill, easy to clean, and safe for the birds.
What Makes a Good Hummingbird Feeder?
1. Performance: How Well It Works
The most important thing is that birds can drink from it easily.
- Easy to fill: Look for feeders with wide openings. This makes adding nectar simple.
- Good nectar flow: The feeder should let nectar flow slowly. If it flows too fast, it makes a mess. If too slow, birds get tired.
- Ant and bee guards: Bugs like the sweet nectar too. Good feeders have small covers to keep bugs out.
- Red color: Hummingbirds love red! Most feeders have red parts to attract them.
In cold northern states, pick feeders that don’t freeze fast. In hot southern states, pick feeders that don’t get too hot in the sun.
2. Price: How Much You Should Spend
Hummingbird feeders come in different prices:
- Cheap ($5-$15): Simple plastic feeders. They work, but may break fast. Good for trying out.
- Medium ($15-$30): Better materials like glass or strong plastic. Last longer. Most people pick these.
- Expensive ($30+): High quality with special features. Good if you want a feeder that lasts many years.
The best hummingbird feeder for you depends on your budget. But remember: very cheap feeders might need replacing soon.
3. Durability: How Long It Lasts
North America has different weather. Your feeder must handle your local weather.
- Plastic feeders: Light and cheap. But sun can make them weak over time. Good for short seasons.
- Glass feeders: Stronger and don’t change color in sun. But can break if dropped. Best for most places.
- Ceramic feeders: Very strong. But heavy and can break if hit.
In places with cold winters (like Minnesota), glass works well. In hot places (like Texas), pick UV-resistant plastic.
4. Brand: Who Makes It
Some brands make better feeders:
- Aspects: Makes the “Delphinium” feeder. Many people say it’s the best hummingbird feeder for keeping ants out.
- Perky-Pet: Popular brand with many styles. Good for beginners.
- First Nature: Makes simple, strong feeders. Good value for money.
Big brands often have better customer service if something breaks.
5. What Users Say
People who buy feeders share what they think. Here’s what they often say:
- “I love my red feeder! Hummingbirds come every day.”
- “The cheap one broke in two months. I wish I spent more.”
- “Glass is better. Plastic got cloudy and looked dirty.”
- “Easy to clean is most important. I clean mine every 3 days.”
Most users agree: the best hummingbird feeder is easy to take apart and put back together.
Which Feeder Is Best For You?
If You’re New To Hummingbirds
Start with a medium-price feeder ($15-$25). Pick one with clear instructions. The Perky-Pet Window Feeder is good for first-timers. You can watch birds up close!
If You Live In A Hot Area
Choose a feeder with a wide base. This stops it from tipping in wind. Glass feeders stay cooler than dark plastic ones.
If You Have Ant Problems
Pick a feeder with an ant moat. This is a small water cup that ants can’t cross. The Aspects Hummingbird Feeder has this feature.
If You Want To Save Money
Buy one medium feeder instead of many small ones. Hummingbirds don’t need lots of feeders. One good hummingbird feeder is enough for most yards.
How To Use Your Feeder
- Make nectar: Mix 1 part sugar with 4 parts water. No red dye!
- Fill feeder: Put nectar inside. Don’t overfill.
- Hang it up: Place in a shady spot. Direct sun makes nectar go bad fast.
- Clean often: Change nectar every 3 days in summer. Clean with warm water and a soft brush.
Final Tips For The Best Hummingbird Feeder
- Easy cleaning is key: If it’s hard to clean, you won’t do it often. Dirty feeders make birds sick.
- Size matters: Big feeders are good for many birds. Small ones are better if you have few hummingbirds.
- Location: Hang 4-5 feet off the ground. Near flowers but not too close to windows (birds might hit glass).
- Season timing: Put up your feeder when hummingbirds return in spring. Take it down when they leave in fall.
Remember: the best hummingbird feeder is one that you will use and clean regularly. A clean feeder keeps birds healthy and coming back!
Conclusion
Picking the right hummingbird feeder is easy when you know what to look for. Think about:
- How easy it is to clean
- What your weather is like
- How much you want to spend
- What other users say
Start with a simple feeder. When you learn what you like, you can try different ones. The most important thing is to enjoy watching these amazing little birds!
The best hummingbird feeder isn’t the most expensive one—it’s the one that works best for YOU and your backyard friends.
References: – Hummingbird Society – Feeder Guide – Audubon Society – How to Attract Hummingbirds – Cornell Lab of Ornithology – Hummingbird Facts
