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Hummingbird Garden FAQ

Where should I put my hummingbird feeder(s)?

11 years ago

How Many Feeders and Where Should I Put Them?

Put out as many feeders as you are willing and, most importantly, are able to maintain. (It is even better if you also garden for hummingbirds.) Having more feeders/plants may help lessen the competition amongst hummingbirds, especially if the feeders are hung out of sight from one another (and the gardens are well-spaced). You may want to check this by thinking like a hummingbird... You may not be able to see both feeders from inside your house, but a highly territorial hummingbird will find the perch outside that overlooks both!

Experiment with feeder locations; once a hummingbird has discovered that a feeder is a reliable source of food, it will remember exactly where that feeder is. Go ahead and hang a feeder right up close to your house or even on a window. (Just be aware of the potential for window collisions on unprotected, reflective glass and with screened porches and other large screened-in structures.) Hummingbirds are rather fearless, and don't mind being observed close at hand if you don't make any sudden moves.

Note: The sugar solution in feeders in full sun may spoil more rapidly than that which is in shaded feeders.

Feeder and Feeding Facts ALG and GARDEN WEB. Please reference these sources if you use the above information as presented here in any form or media other than for personal, individual use.

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hummingbirds - when to put feeder?
Q
Comments (3)
Olya, it also depends on the individual hummers...and how much plant nectar they slurp up in one day. Sometimes, they will start out on the flowers then switch over to the feeders. I've had them feed at both plants and feeders many times. And you can control the feeders, by moving them slowly away from the flowerbeds (where they should be placed until they begin to be used) and closer to your observation area. You can eventually move them right up onto a porch or next to a window and have up close and personal viewing from inside the house! As to how long to keep them out, it used to be put them out in February (here in CENTRAL Florida) and take them down in early fall. But lately, more and more hummers are being spotted during the late fall and winter, so many gardeners and birdwatchers are leaving the feeders out all year long. I'm reading that they have gotten great results with extended viewing hours in many locations. I would suggest trying the traditional months, at least, and then deciding whether or not to continue offering food all winter, based on the results you have gotten. Good luck!! Marcia
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Have you put up your hummingbird feeders yet?
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Comments (20)
They must've remembered from last year Vickie. I believe they return to the same spot every year. I bought a few plants for the hummingbirds. Orchlein's in Republic had hanging baskets of red verbena on sale for $7.50. I got one for my mother and one for myself. Wal-Mart and Lowe's in north Spfd both had annual red salvia on clearance so I got a couple six packs of that too. I couldn't find any 'Lady in Red' like I got there last year. I think they like it better than the common salvia splendens that they always have. Hoping they'll get some in later. If anyone sees 'Black and Blue' anywhere, let me know. I'd like to get one of those. Lowe's had it last year but they were out already when I checked.
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Should I take down my hummingbird feeder?
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Comments (8)
I took down all of my hummingbird feeders temporarily because there are so many flowers right now, including an especially prolific bromeliad that the birds like. I only have the feeders up when there are not enough flowers, but since I have them hanging in the apple tree, it helps when there are fewer leaves on the tree. During the winter, I keep four feeders in the apple tree, and I have not noticed them being belligerent to the point of killing or even maiming each other. I took down feeders this spring because they were not being used that much and were getting mold. In the winter I had to refill them often, but in the spring, the birds went to the flowers instead. I have a lot of aloes and succulents that bloom in the winter, but I guess they do not supply enough food for the birds - at least not compared to the other flowers I have blooming now. Lars
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Hummingbirds left my garden after installation of new feeder
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Comments (1)
I think I found the "problem". I had not looked in my larger garden plot until this afternoon, to discover that my crocosmias have bloomed and the hummers are over there, checking them out. Nearly bounced one of my forehead when I went out to take a look! I think that might explain everything.
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