The Big Mistake You Don't Want To Make With A Hummingbird Feeder

Hummingbirds need to eat a lot thanks to all the energy they use up while flying around. Filling your garden with hummingbird snacks doesn't just help the little birds, however. It can also make your garden more lively and vibrant and allow you to watch their entertaining antics. While there are a lot of hacks to attract hummingbirds to your garden, one of the most important things to consider is your hummingbird feeder (or feeders') location. 

Making the mistake of putting your feeder in the wrong spot can result in fewer birds visiting, because you to have to do more work to keep your feeder clean. It can even result in health issues for visiting hummers. When looking for an ideal location, consider the important factors of plants, lighting conditions, and the amount of space between feeders.

What trees, flowers, and other plants will be nearby is an important consideration when looking for the perfect spot to put up your feeder. Locating your feeder near flowers that easily attract hummingbirds is always a good idea. Red flowers and those with tubular blooms are best. Don't forget to check if there are good spots for hummingbirds to rest nearby, as well. While the area directly around the feeder should be relatively open, placing the feeder near trees and perches makes it easier for hummingbirds to take a break between snacks.

Another major factor to consider when deciding where to locate a hummingbird feeder is sunlight. While you need to clean your hummingbird feeder regularly regardless of where it's located, nectar spoils more quickly when it's in full sun. Putting your feeder in a shadier area may allow you to only clean it every three days or so. Be sure to check your feeder regularly to make sure the sugar water solution hasn't become cloudy or dirty. Feeders that aren't cleaned often enough can cause hummingbirds to get sick or even die.

If you have multiple hummingbird feeders or have nearby neighbors who also enjoy feeding the little birds, it's important to leave enough space between the different feeders. Because hummingbirds can be quite territorial, you should space the feeders about 10 feet or more apart. This will stop one dominant bird from preventing others from visiting all the feeders.