Hummingbird Feeders & Supplies
The hummers will start arriving early in Spring so have your feeders out, supplies in order and be ready for them! If you place your feeders close to bright flowers, they will discover them faster. You will soon find that one is not enough as more and more hummers find your feeders.
It is also a good idea to keep your feeders up long into the winter months as they will be used by migrating hummers and those birds unable to make the long trip. You can take the feeders down after you are sure there are no birds "wintering" over.
Hummingbird feeders should be placed in a shady area to discourage bacteria and mold from spoiling the nectar. Even if you still have nectar in your feeder, you should replace it at least once a week.
It is wise to clean your hummingbird feeder every 2 - 3 days, especially in hot weather. Nectar tends to "ferment" in the hot weather and harmful bacteria will form. (this will happen even if the feeder is not in direct sunlight) You should clean feeder with a mild soapy solution (no harsh chemicals) and bottlebrush. Be sure to rinse very well in clear water to remove all traces of soap residue!!
You don't need a lot of supplies for hummers but one of the most handy is a good bottle brush! It sure makes things a lot easier when cleaning the feeders!
To avoid pesky ants in your feeders you can coat hangers with Vaseline. The sugary nectar also attracts unwanted bees so it is best to get hummingbird feeders with bee guards.
It is also a good idea to keep your feeders up long into the winter months as they will be used by migrating hummers and those birds unable to make the long trip. You can take the feeders down after you are sure there are no birds "wintering" over.
Hummingbird feeders should be placed in a shady area to discourage bacteria and mold from spoiling the nectar. Even if you still have nectar in your feeder, you should replace it at least once a week.
It is wise to clean your hummingbird feeder every 2 - 3 days, especially in hot weather. Nectar tends to "ferment" in the hot weather and harmful bacteria will form. (this will happen even if the feeder is not in direct sunlight) You should clean feeder with a mild soapy solution (no harsh chemicals) and bottlebrush. Be sure to rinse very well in clear water to remove all traces of soap residue!!
You don't need a lot of supplies for hummers but one of the most handy is a good bottle brush! It sure makes things a lot easier when cleaning the feeders!
To avoid pesky ants in your feeders you can coat hangers with Vaseline. The sugary nectar also attracts unwanted bees so it is best to get hummingbird feeders with bee guards.
