A really idiotic and offensive question re: hummingbirds

rainbowgardener · Mod Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Posts: 6147 Location: Ohio, USA

If you put out a feeder they will find it, but if you haven't had one before, it may take a few weeks. You have to patiently keep changing the nectar on faith, even though you haven't seen one yet....

applestar · Mod Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 5730 Location: nj

@Earl K

There are three basic designs:
(1) A bottle filled with 20~25% white sugar water solution to which a base with feeding ports are screwed on and then the whole "feeder" is turned upside-down to gravity fill the well
(2) A bowl filled with the solution to which a lid with feeding ports are friction snapped on.
(3) A single tube or globe filled with the solution, capped with rubber or cork stopper to which a bent tube is attached. The tube and globe are hung singly or in multiples so that the stopper is angled downwards.

Of the three, I've used (1) and (2) and find that the hummers seem to prefer (1) feeder but (2) feeder is MUCH MUCH easier to keep clean -- the sugar solution is prone to black mold which is toxicto the hummers. Speculation is the (1) feeder is more widely distributed and the hummers tend to recognize it better. Once they realize that (2) feeder has sugar water too, they do use that regularly. (3) feeders, especially ones made from artglass globes are beautiful, but I don't know how functional they are. As much as I drool over them in catalogs and websites, I avoid them because I'm afraid of broken glass in the garden.

Some feeders are designed with perches and some are not. I think the hummers appreciate being able to rest and sip. Other features to look for are wasp excluders and ant moats (there are instructions on-line for making ant moats from spray can lids) Don't hang the feeder where you don't want the sugar water dripping and attracting ants and bees/wasps.

Honey and raw/brown sugar should not be used due to botulism (honey), faster mold formation, etc. and red food coloring/dye is unnecessary.

vintagejuls · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:35 pm Post subject:

Around here, it seems like the feeder attracts them to the flowers. I see more of them when I have my feeder up. They love my Agapanthas... which are ending their blooming period Sad

_________________
~ Julie

Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well... Emerson

rainbowgardener · Mod Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Posts: 6147 Location: Ohio, USA

The number 3 ones from applestar's post tend to drip all the time. Very pretty, but less functional...

a0c8c · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:21 pm Post subject:

I'm not so sure about them always coming when a feeder's hung up, even after weeks of waiting. It depends on where you live and other houses around you. We've had a feeder for months and I've only seen on hummer, where as my wife's grandmother has one and theres always a hummer around, if not two or three but she also lives by a lake and we live in town.

hendi_alex · Posted: Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:49 pm Post subject:

I think part of it depends upon the competition. Even with feeders out, we see very few hummers during April and May. I think that it is because we live in the country and honeysuckle and other flowing wild plants are blooming throughout the wet areas. Once that bloom is over and the wet areas dry a bit in early summer, we start seeing a good bit of hummingbird activity. Our friends who live about a mile and a half from us, have a pond by their home. They always have a dozen or more hummingbirds. Even with feeders, we never have more than five or six birds and more often it is two or three at a time.
_________________
Eclectic gardening style, drawing from 40 years of interest and experience. Mostly plant in raised beds and containers primarily using intensive gardening techniques.
Alex

vintagejuls · Posted: Fri Sep 04, 2009 1:00 am Post subject:

It depends too on where you hang it... although, if you're in the country, Alex is right, they'd rather get the natural stuff. Razz

Although, when my mom lived in a very rural area of Central California she had 2 to 3 large feeders and approximately 75 hummers - no kidding!!! It was amazing. Surprised

I wish I would have recorded it but didn't have the tech then. She probably has some still photos though... Cool

Her yard was mostly evergreen types of vegetation; not really any flowering plants. So maybe that is why. Confused

Feeding Solution - 3 parts water to 1 part sugar.

I use a large glass feeder with the red plastic base which holds several yellow flowers where they dip their beaks; and use 3 cups water to 1 cup sugar
_________________
~ Julie

Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well... Emerson

tomf · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 7:27 am Post subject:

They like the color red alot, this brings them in.

Earl K · Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:38 pm Post subject:

So I bought a feeder for them today.Throughout the day I ask significant other if she saw any birds--She says no it has not been a couple days as I told her it would take(was hoping the would come immediately)NOT.Well i'll see what happens. Very Happy

_________________
Florida porchgrown veggies
USDA zone 9

vintagejuls · Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 5:05 pm Post subject:

Yes, they do like the color RED Surprised

What kind of feeder did you buy? Does if have the red base with yellow flowers?

And, where do you have it hanging?

I put mine back up yesterday after having it down for a couple of weeks and have only had 1 hummer. So, it does take time to attract them.

Keep us posted Earl K.... Wink

_________________
~ Julie

Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well... Emerson

Earl K · Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 12:05 am Post subject:

I bought a cheapie to start with,It does have a red base with yellow flowers.I hung it along my back fence about one foot from the top? where there is all kinds of other bird activity due to all the trees in the rear neighbors yard.I thought i read that it will take a while for them to find it at first but once they know they will come back.None yet Laughing

_________________
Florida porchgrown veggies
USDA zone 9

Kaye · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 1:32 am Post subject:

Yes, they will definitely come if you feed them! I have feeders front and back. This year had no less than 8 hummers! That included some offspring. And if you think the humminbird is little, you should see the babies!
I agree with the other posters about watching the acrobatics when they start protecting the feeders. They are a lot of fun to watch.
My cats know they cant catch them, so don't even worry!
I have found that they love Rose of Sharon bushes as well as petunias. But they prefer the feeders...
I keep watching them, but have yet to see the nests!
Maybe next year...

rainbowgardener · Mod Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Posts: 6147 Location: Ohio, USA

All the hummers have been gone from here for a month or so, not to be seen again until June-ish.... so sad.

Kaye · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject:

I know.....I always hate it when they leave. Our last male left in mid September. We always add extra sugar starting in the beginning of Sept, like we do in the start of spring, when the llittle guys are on the move.
We have a nice long hummer season, typically April to Sept!