|
|
Post by Dorenda on Jul 23, 2013 16:34:28 GMT -5
I have a Perky Pet Cobalt Blue Hummingbird Feeder that my daughter bought for me. I've had it up for about a month and I haven't seen one hummingbird feed from it however they are all around my back yard feeding on my firespike and black/blue salvia. I have tried everything. And I keep it cleaned and filled every other day.  ???Maybe they don't like blue bottles with metal flowers. I don't know. Is there a feeder that they will love? help |
|
|
|
Post by Joe M on Jul 25, 2013 6:42:16 GMT -5
Dorenda,
I'm partial to the 'saucer' type feeders, if for no other reason then they are easy to clean. Aspects Inc. makes a line all with the 'Hummzinger' name which I have used for decades, with success. Will admit that I get some 'testors yellow model paint and color the port area to make them look a bit more like real flowers.
Stick to 8 oz. feeders about 1/2 full of solution until you have birds feeding from the feeders. Hummers aren't checking the price tags, and some of the $1.99 variety work as well as the $30 designer types that are a pain to keep clean. Also have two or three styles of feeders, to put out. They don't have to be expensive
In FL I would rinse and change the solution at least every three days. If the water gets cloudy or worse yet shows signs of mold it can be deadly to the hummers.
Vinegar is the best cleaning solution for the hard to get at nooks and crannies (I don't use soap), and don't forget the feeder ports. A pipe cleaner is ideal for the ports that a lot of people neglect to clean.
The hummers will eventually find your feeders, just have patience and enjoy.
Joe M.
Sturbridge, Ma (for the summer)
|
|
|
|
Post by Joe M on Jul 25, 2013 7:05:56 GMT -5
This is a photo of a couple RTHU's feeding on a HummZinger on a cloudy, misty morning. Looking through the vertical's, through the windows. Have 2 others that use this feeder but all hell breaks out if a 3rd tries to use it at the same time. These two share but the other two are trouble makers. Joe M. Attachments:
|
|
|
|
Post by Debbie on Jul 25, 2013 7:29:34 GMT -5
Joe, for painting the ports of a plastic hummingbird feeder would you use testors acrylic or enamel paint to be safe for the birds and longlasting? Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Post by Joe M on Jul 25, 2013 8:14:17 GMT -5
Debbie,
Both hold up well, I have used both but I like the acrylic better.
Don't think either would pose any harm to the birds and in addition there is no need to use the paint "inside" the port. The parts I embellish are the molded petals that surround the feeder port.
Joe
|
|
|
|
Post by Debbie on Jul 25, 2013 9:43:04 GMT -5
Thank you, Joe. I have a saucer feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited that the Hummers tend to ignore, whereas they will go to the cheaper feeders with colored flowers. I think I will try to paint the upraised pattern around the ports to see if they will find the feeder more enticing. Thanks again.
|
|
???Maybe they don't like blue bottles with metal flowers. I don't know. Is there a feeder that they will love? help
