Hummingbird feeders - how often to change the water

[oldguy]

I just got my first hummingbird feeder set up outside my office window and i have 2 or more visiting drinkers visiting frequently throughout the day, but it don't seem to be lowering the water level much at all.

I know for my birds you need fresh water or you get nasties growing in the water (especially in hot weather) but what about these feeders.

At this rate a single filling will last for weeks or months.

How often should i clean?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
I'm assuming you mean (nectar) sugar water for hummingbirds? In warm weather probably need to change every day or two. You don't want anything growing in it that will hurt the hummingbirds. If you are worried about waste just don't fill so full. You can store extra in the fridge for a week or two. Clean everytime you change the nectar. If you resident hummers than you can go a long time in the winter before changing.

Imp

 

[ChickBond 007]

I have 3 hummingbird feeders. I really enjoy watching these birds, they are amazing. Rule of thumb, when you see one hummer, there are 4 at your feeder (so if you see 4 at once, you have 16). I change my nectar weekly until the daily temp rises above 85. Once above 85 during the day, you need to change more often (every couple-3 days). I use 2 parts boiling water to 1 part granulated sugar, and I add the red even though I've been told it's not necessary.
Hummers are very territorial and will guard "their" feeder. The fights between males are very entertaining.
Enjoy your feeder -- you've gotten it out at just the right time!

 

[oldguy]

thanks guys, I'm in Arkansas and i read that we have like 7 or 8 different varieties that visit here. I'm seeing a red throated one and a smaller greenish gray one

and i never knew how enjoyable it could be watching them. I work several hours a day online and there they are just outside the window

I'm about 3.5 feet from the window and the feeder is about 5 feet from me, i think i will move it close to the window for better viewing

going to clean the water now

 

[John RM]

thanks guys, I'm in Arkansas and i read that we have like 7 or 8 different varieties that visit here. I'm seeing a red throated one and a smaller greenish gray one

and i never knew how enjoyable it could be watching them. I work several hours a day online and there they are just outside the window

I'm about 3.5 feet from the window and the feeder is about 5 feet from me, i think i will move it close to the window for better viewing

going to clean the water now

I've been feeding Hummers for several years. Fun to watch. It's good to not put the feeder too close to the window. If they get startled they could fly into the reflection on the window. A couple years ago I took an old 8 track tape and taped a single piece of the tape (about 10-12 inches long) on the window on either side of the feeder to help prevent them from flying into the window. I tape it top and bottom and leave it a little loose for any breeze to slightly move the tape so they will fly away from the window. I did not know about Hummer's migration. I read this spring that they migrate to Mexico every winter. Then back in the spring. They travel alone and fly around 500 miles over water. A lot of them fly over the Gulf of Mexico so there is no stopping for them unless they can find something to sit on I guess.