Why aren't the Hummingbirds using my feeder?

Question

Every year I've put the same hummingbird feeder in the same spot with the same mixture of sugar and water, but this year we aren't getting any hummingbirds to stop at the feeder. We would usually have so many that you'd have to dodge them when walking out on to the deck. I have seen 2 or 3 hummbirds stop by the feeder this year, but none have stayed. The liquid in the feeder has only dropped about 2 inches since spring. Is there something I could do to attract more hummingbirds?

Answer 1

Hi! As with all of the other responses, the first thing that needs to be done is a thorough cleansing of the feeders. Everyone thinks their answer is "the answer" but I can only tell you what has worked for me. First of all, never ever put red food coloring in your mixture. Studies have shown this stunts the growth of the babies and is not necessary to attract the hummers. If you desire the red color, purchase feeders that are red instead of clear, there are many available. Second, never use any type of soap to wash the feeders. The hummers can taste and/or smell the soap and will not return to the feeder. I use a solution of hot water and white vinegar. This is something I found on the internet. I also found using water and bleach but I didn't feel comfortable using the bleach, no matter how small amount. The vinegar works like a charm. It eats away all the black moldy stuff. Lastly, depending on where you are, the hummers prefer the natural nectar of blooming honeysuckle, trumpet vine, etc...so if flowers are in bloom in your location, you will surely see a decline in the visits to your feeders.

Good luck and I hope those little beauties are buzzing your feeders again soon!

Answer 2

those other answers are correct: color red (or bright), clean feeders, and all that. hmm, have you changed any planting patterns? added something new? any flowers attracting butterflys more than usual? bees? you said that the liquid level has dropped only about 2" since spring. it is july 27 that i am reading this and, dave, you have got to take your feeders down; nothing is drinking; it's all evaporation! just like in my bird bath! do wash them very thoroughly and put a new mixture. honey, those feeders need to be washed and renewed every 3-4 weeks -at the very least!
there aren't too many birds that will go to the hummingbird feeders. hummers like the feeders because they cater to their long bills. it is the same with flowers such as trumpet vines, honeysuckel and the like. most of the birds i see here in east Texas seem to enjoy both eating out of feeders (closed type), and open (platform). the only ones that i have seen having a definite preference are the cardinals. they will go to the open platform type feeder, or to the ground, where they will still find ample of their favorite sunflower seeds.
you just google a plant, a bird, whatever and i'll hope to catch up with you another day!
~joice~

Answer 3

Make sure your feeder is very clean. If I do not wash and rinse mine thoroughly every time I refill, the number of birds really drops. Ask others in the area if their numbers have dropped. Maybe there aren't as many where you live this year.

I adore hummingbirds! Good Luck!

Answer 4

I have under no circumstances considered a butterfly at a hummingbird feeder. My sister planted what she said as a butterfly backyard a lengthy time period lower back, the position she planted all sorts of plant life that for the period of particular attracted butterflies. they choose particular sorts of plant life that produce nectar and that are variety of cone formed. yet, the openings on a hummingbird feeder are frequently too massive for a butterfly to apply.

Answer 5

Daveypa22,

You gave a clue in your description. You need to change the water. Hummingbirds will not drink if the water is not refreshed, the water will go bad. In your previous years, you must have been refilling at least weekly, so did not notice this problem.

Answer 6

try painting the openings to the feeder orange or yellow it seems to attract more hmmingbirds

Answer 7

humming birds are attracted to the color red. so what you do is put red food coloring in the water so it attracts them. it works for us all the time. well good luck!

Answer 8

I need to know if humming birds population in penna

Answer 9

Clean it and change the food; not much else you can do.