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Hummingbird Garden

Feeder problem killing hummers

17 years ago

hi all, I saw my very first hummer recently nectaring on my coral porterweed and the excitement just hasnt gone away. So, here I am on your forum. I searched your old posts and did not come across this aweful feeder issue and thought maybe i should bring it up.

the hummer web site below alerts those who use certain feeders to a design flaw that kills the poor hummers. it seems you can modify your feeder, but they are so inexpensive it would be easier to buy a new one. here is a link, but to those sensitive like me....there is a sad photo.

http://www.hummingbirds.net/best1mod.html

i think i will stick to plants just to be safe.

michelle

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Comments (5)

jenny_in_se_pa
17 years ago
Michelle - the subject has come up several times in the forum, eg., here and in some of the posts that discuss feeders in general like this. The draw for that brand is because the company is one of the few if only that offers large quantiy bottle feeders (>16 oz like 72 oz and originally, 96 oz) for those who live where hummers mass in situ in the hundreds at one time, thus reducing the number of refills per feeder per day.

However it is definitely good to bring it up again for newbies!
wildlifegarden
Original Author
17 years ago
thank you jenny, I am so relieved this has already been addressed.

thanks!
michelle
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Adding more feeders may help but the unfortunate death is mother nature at work. Often the aggressive ones will try to protect as many feeders as they can but eventually there is a point of diminishing returns and they will keep to within a certain area or starve trying to protect all of their food sources constantly. You might consider putting other feeders out of immediate sight of the ones being fought over so it doesn't get immediately noticed by the aggressive ones trying to add more to their territory.
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Donna-- Do you know at one time today there were 5 hummers on the possible 6 ports of the window feeders. I assume you are referring to the strawberry feeder. Some of those are hanging type and some are window and the suction cups and brackett come with those. You can find them online. Do a search for "artline window feeders" and you can find it. The heart shaped one is also an artline. If you dont want to order offline you might find one in a boxstore. Yes I have been having a lot of activity here this past week, but not surprising since all the courtship activity that took place earlier this year . August should really be something for last year thats when I had the most activity.
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gw:jimmy-jojo
17 years ago
It's a good idea to remind people to only buy quality feeders and not the crap I see some retailers (ie.WM,HD)selling. Some have steel flowers riveted on to a tin bottle for crying out loud!

And please for Pete's sake don't use the red dye!
goldfishjunkie
17 years ago
I use only glass feeders... are these ok?

yeah, im a newbie!!!
penny1947
17 years ago
Glass bottle feeders are fine. I used a reasonably priced feeder that is sold at walmart but it is made here in Rogers Ark. I thoroughly checked it out and took it appart before I bought it. It is made by First Nature and I have used it for two years now including the winter months and keep a close eye on my hummers when they use any of my feeders. There have never been any problems using this feeder and it is extremely easy to clean and refill. I also use a saucer feeder that I designed myself and test tube feeders for the juvies when they appear. I do not use their nectar as I make my own and always have.

Penny

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