Susan's Hummingbird Gardens

Hummingbird at hummingbird feeders

Who knew hummingbird feeders were so complex!

I suppose they have to just to keep up with all the high-tech toys cluttering up our busy lives these days. The “high-tech” aspects of the really well designed hummingbird feeders address the needs of hummers as well as the “filler-upper” (you and me). For instance… eliminate competition from ants, bees, and wasps; provide secure, comfortable perches; be easy to clean; and accommodate as many hummers as you want to feed. I’d also add another feature: replaceable parts.

See if you agree…

World’s Best Hummingbird Feeder, 5 Critical Design Features!

The most critical designs on the world’s best hummingbird feeder will involve the human element. Unlike birdseed feeders, nectar feeders must be completely cleaned at a minimum of once per week. Hummingbirds are attracted to fresh liquid, nectar that most closely resembles the natural nectar flowers provide. Unused nectar quickly turns to a molasses-type mixture that can not be easily removed.

The world’s best hummingbird feeders are designed with humans in mind, as well as hummingbirds. If a feeder is too complex or impossible to come apart, most people will not clean it properly. Adding fresh nectar to remnants of old nectar will create a spoiled mix for hummingbirds to drink. These small birds can immediately taste the stale nectar and will leave your feeders alone.

There are two standard types of hummingbird feeders, gravity fed and dish. Gravity fed hummingbird feeders consist of a chamber above a feeding base. You fill the chamber with fresh nectar and then attach a base that contains feeding ports. As the hummingbirds drink from the base, gravity from the chamber above constantly fills the base. The most critical part to clean will be the base. If you can not disassemble it, there are specially fitted brushes designed to get into the tiny feeding holes to remove all traces of old nectar. The world’s best hummingbird feeders have bases designed to come apart for easier cleaning.

Dish-style hummingbird feeders are flat with no chamber above. The hummingbirds feed directly from the base, or dish, where the nectar is stored. These styles usually consist of two pieces that are easily disassembled for complete access to the old nectar.

When you shop for the world’s best hummingbird feeder, here are some insider’s tips:

1.) Bee Guards & Ant Moats

Bees and ants are attracted to the same sugar-water mixture as hummingbirds, creating a nuisance to feeding birds. In fact, when ants craw into the nectar and die, they release formic acid, fouling the solution. Hummingbirds will taste this and leave your feeder. Stop ants by putting a barrier, such as a water filled moat, between the ants and nectar. Bees and wasps have short mouthparts, so bee guards over the end of the feeding holes interfere with their reach. The world’s best hummingbird feeders incorporate these important design elements.

2.) Capacity

Choose a feeder that matches the number of hummingbirds available to feed in your area. In New England, it is more appropriate to have many, small capacity feeders than one large feeder. East of the Mississippi River, there is only one kind of hummingbird, the ruby-throated. This bird is extremely territorial and will refuse a spot on a feeder for any other ruby-throated, even it’s mate. Don’t forget, no matter where you live, you must empty and clean your nectar feeders at least once per week, more often in hotter climates. Reduce waste and save time by only purchasing the world’s best hummingbird feeder made for your region.

3.) Perches

Hummingbirds are so acrobatic they can eat on the fly. A perch is not required in order to dine. However, a perch may offer an incentive to hang around for a little while. The world’s best hummingbird feeder will allow birds to rest while eating.

4.) Cleaning

Hummingbird feeders are usually made of plastic or a combination of glass and plastic, the variable being the nectar container. Glass containers are more durable and scratch resistant, but plastic won’t shatter if it hits the floor. You will be doing lots of filling and cleaning, so make sure you can take the feeder apart easily to reach all parts to scrub thoroughly. Hummers do not find dirty feeders appealing, and old nectar can be dangerous to their health. 

5.) Solution

Fill the feeder with a solution of one part sugar to four parts of water, a ratio that approximates the sugar content in many flowers favored by hummingbirds. Never use honey or artificial sweeteners in place of sugar. It is not necessary to add red food coloring because there is sufficient red on most feeders to attract the birds’ attention. Place different hummingbird feeders out of view of each other, increasing your odds of more birds.

Our world’s best hummingbird feeder has consistently outsold any other brand of nectar feeder 10:1. Nothing else even comes close. Once you own it, you’ll never go back to your old style of hummingbird feeder. If you can not find a hummingbird feeder with the 5 simple design elements described above, you can visit http://www.wildbirddepot.com from the comfort your home. 

Our world’s best hummingbird feeder has consistently outsold any other brand of nectar feeder 10:1. Nothing else even comes close. Once you own it, you’ll never go back to your old style of hummingbird feeder. If you can not find a hummingbird feeder with the 5 simple design elements described above, you can visit http://www.wildbirddepot.com from the comfort your home.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_P._White

 Granted, the article was a bit commercial… but it still made some good points. Have any of you had any experience with hummingbird feeders like this?