hummingbird feeder

[Anonymous]

I am new to the area and am curious if any of you guys ever put out a hummingbird feeder. Is this the time of year for them? And do they attract other critters (rodents)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am new to the area and am curious if any of you guys ever put out a hummingbird feeder. Is this the time of year for them? And do they attract other critters (rodents)?

Yes. I put out my hummingbird feeder in April and I have seeing tons of ruby throat hummingbirds.

I use the saucer-style feeders from Wild Birds Unlimited (they are also available online from other vendors) as they are the easiest to clean.



Please do not use commercial mixes as the dye is harmful to them. Change the sugar water every 3 days so that it does not become moldy (as that can kill hummingbirds).
More info about sugar solutions, care of feeder etc is here - http://www.wildbirdshop.com/Birding/humfeed.html


I used to have problems with ants and wasps. I started using an ant moat and that took care of the problem with the ants. Keeping the feeder clean and changing the nectar often helps with the wasps as well. This was the most effective ant-moat I found because you do not have to refill it frequently.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much...appreciate your time. I'll make sure to use only the sugar/water mix without the dye. Thanks for the link and pics Going to put a feeder out this week!

[Anonymous]

I use the Perky Pet feeders, and a red Erva weatherguard. An ant moat or ant guard is necessary to prevent a procession of insects getting into the nectar.
Really any hummingbird feeder will work.
I use a 1:3 ratio of white sugar to water early in the season, and switch to 1:4 as the season progresses and flowers become available. Never let the nectar get moldy.
The best success comes from a combination of feeders and flowers suited for hummers. I have tons of salvias, cupheas, cardinal flowers, porterweeds, cannas and vines for them.
We have hummingbirds from the end of April to early October.