Q&A for How to Clean a Hummingbird Feeder

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Question

How often should you change the nectar?

Jeff Jones
Bird Specialist
Jeff Jones is a Bird Specialist based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the writer of BirdOculars, a website dedicated to helping people become better birders. He has over 18 years of experience and specializes in feeding birds and wildlife. Jeff experiments to find ways to encourage birds he wants to study and his website help others to do the same.

Jeff Jones

Bird Specialist

Expert Answer

Check your hummingbird feeder each morning and evening, and change the nectar if it looks yellow or if there are dead bugs in it. Otherwise, change it every 3-5 days.

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Question

How often should you clean your feeder?

Jeff Jones
Bird Specialist
Jeff Jones is a Bird Specialist based in Nashville, Tennessee. He is the writer of BirdOculars, a website dedicated to helping people become better birders. He has over 18 years of experience and specializes in feeding birds and wildlife. Jeff experiments to find ways to encourage birds he wants to study and his website help others to do the same.

Jeff Jones

Bird Specialist

Expert Answer

Clean it at least once a month with a 10% bleach solution. You can also use vinegar.

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Question

Can I keep extra hummingbird nectar in my refrigerator?

Community Answer

Yes, but I would not recommend keeping the nectar for more than one week.

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Question

Can you recommend a feeder that is reachable and easy to clean?

Community Answer

I recommend the First Nature 3051 Hummingbird Feeder. I have lots of these and I have had a very easy time cleaning them. The birds love them too.

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Question

Will bleach bathroom cleaners work?

Community Answer

No. Those could pose a risk to your hummingbirds if not properly rinsed off, so it's best to avoid them entirely.

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Question

Are feeders supposed to leak?

Community Answer

No. If you are experiencing a leaky feeder, it's most likely a crack or broken piece.

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Question

Can I clean the feeder in a dishwasher?

Community Answer

Yes, if it is a glass one, such as a glass bottle with metal and a hard plastic bottom. I have one like that and run it through the dishwasher.

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Question

Should I bleach the sink after cleaning hummingbird feeders in it?

Community Answer

No need to unless it is moldy. If you had mold in your feeders, using bleach as a cleaning agent should disinfect and destroy the mold.

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Question

How do I keep sugar from crystalizing in the feeder?

Community Answer

Boil your nectar (and cool well), then fill the feeder. I use plain white sugar dissolved well in very hot tap water (or boiling if preferred). Just make sure it's cooled well before hanging out for the hummers.

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