For hummingbird enthusiasts, watching these tiny birds zip around your yard or garden can be quite thrilling. If you’re thinking about adding a hummingbird feeder to your outdoor space, go for it! Not only will it attract hummingbirds, but it will also provide them with essential food. However, choosing the right hummingbird feeder can be tricky. While bigger feeders may seem like a good idea, they can lead to mold and wasted nectar if not used efficiently.
It’s important to select a feeder of the appropriate size to attract hummingbirds to your garden. Hummingbirds eat a lot of food daily, but they also feed on flowers and bugs. A large feeder may be suitable for a larger hummingbird population, but for smaller groups, a smaller feeder might be more appropriate. You can always add more feeders during peak migration season if needed.
Too large of a hummingbird feeder can lead to spoilage and harmful growths
Having a large hummingbird feeder can result in too much nectar for the birds. It’s essential to change the nectar every few days to prevent spoilage and mold growth. Mold can develop in warm weather and attract insects, increasing the risk of disease transmission to hummingbirds. Cleaning the feeder each time you refill it is crucial to maintain a healthy environment.
The bottom line when choosing the right size for a hummingbird feeder
When shopping for hummingbird feeders, opt for sizes that are suitable for your garden. A feeder exceeding 32 ounces may be too large unless you have a large number of hummingbirds visiting daily. Starting with a 12-ounce feeder is a good idea for up to 10 hummingbirds. Choose a feeder with three to six feeding ports to avoid overcrowding. Also, ensure the feeder has red colorings to attract hummingbirds. Homemade nectar is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for future use, eliminating the need for a large feeder that can lead to wasted nectar.
