Hummer feeder care while away?

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Hi - looking for advice on what to do about my 6 hummingbird feeders while I’m away for a bit more than 2 weeks this month & don't have a feeder sitter option! Do I bring them in a few days ahead of leaving? Leave just a couple or all 6 out with a fresh partial fill so they go empty before nectar goes bad? I know that when I return I'll need to wait to see the activuty level go back to what I see now but at least there's lots of blooming going on in my zone 8 now & it's not winter!

Featured Answer

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

4 years ago

^^^ I'm not sure it makes any difference. I sometimes will overlook the need to replenish depleted feeders and my birds will go elsewhere. But as soon as the feeders are filled, they will be back!! There are so many blooming plants available right now that the hummers appreciate and visit (and even more going forward) that the little birds are not deprived of anything. And they will routinely visit the same areas where they once found a bountiful nectar supply so even if you let your feeder go empty for a few days to a week, they WILL be back!

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Comments (6)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
4 years ago
I'd maybe leave a partial fill and call it good :-)) I might even go with a full fill since it is not likely to be hot enough anywhere in our area to cause nectar fermentation while you are gone, provided feeders are not in all day sun.

And since hummers reside year round here, there are plenty of other feeders nearby and lots of flowering plants (even now) and insects to keep them happy. They will be back :-)
KW PNW Z8 thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
KW PNW Z8
Original Author
4 years ago
@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) Thanks much! I feed these guys year round so am invested in their care! And I’ve had some migrating Rufous visits too over last week so my feeders are well used.
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socks
4 years ago
Why not taper off over time instead of just having them run out?
Gardenia Flowers
4 years ago
Feeder fresh nectar defender will make it last 2 weeks even in hot weather, ita safe and effective, made by sapphire labs.
KW PNW Z8 thanked Gardenia Flowers
KW PNW Z8
Original Author
4 years ago
Taking me a long time to catch up since that road trip last month! I did as @gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) suggested & left feeders clean & full & drove off into the sunrise! I missed the record breaking 7” of snow we got here in southern WA by just a couple days, but I imagined those little birds were happy then for anything left in feeders. It did take tnem more than a few days to return in full force but they are back! @Gardenia Flowers I haven't heard of feeder fresh nectar defender but will search for it to check out. I must admit I'm reluctant to use anything with preservatives or chemicals in it for the hummers food.