How To Feed And Enjoy Hummingbirds

Here are a few hummingbird feeder tips that will hopefully help someone along the way. I’ve enjoyed watching hummingbirds for years now. They’re adorable and very fun to watch. There are a few tricks to learn about the hobby.

Make Your Own Hummingbird Food

1. Use 4 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar (use 8 oz cup).
2. Boil the water and sugar together.
3. Refrigerate afterwards. A clean milk jug will do.
4. Don’t use red dye in the water because it isn’t necessary.
5. Replace solution in feeder about twice a week.

Decide How And Where To Hang Your Feeder

I used a 9-inch swivel bracket, like a plant hanger — Stanley Hardware V2650 9-Inch Swivel Bracket, Black. This has worked out very well for me. The feeder hangs on the hook effortlessly and dangles in the breeze.

I attached a small piece of rubber hose on a hanger that touches the wood against the window frame. This acts as a buffer when the wind blows, so the feeder doesn’t bang into the window. Yes, I hung the feeder right in front of a window. There were two screws with the bracket. I just attached the screws adjacent to the window. It swings perfectly in front of the window. Take into account that the wind usually blows from west to east.

I hung the feeder on the north side of the house because there’s more shade during the day. I plan on hanging another feeder on the east side of the house soon.

Clean The Feeder

One needs a bottle brush to clean the feeder with — Brushtech B122C Hummingbird Feeder Cleaning Kit. Just scrub with a bottle brush and rinse with plain water. Toothpicks come in handy sometimes.

Keep The Ants Off Of The Feeder

Take your finger and put a dab or two on the hanger, away from the hook — Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly, 13-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3). This kind works well on babies and other skin uses. It keeps the ants away because they can’t stand it. Hopefully you won’t get ants this summer.

Keep The Bees Away

Apply around the flowers where the feeding takes place — Crisco Pure Vegetable Oil, 64-Ounce (Pack of 3). Do not get inside of the flower part and obstruct it, or get in the food. Hopefully the bees won’t be a bother this year.

Choosing A Hummingbird Feeder

This is a personal choice. Just about any feeder will do, and it may take a couple to find one that is suitable — Hummingbird Feeders.