Having fed these adorable visitors for over 40 years, I know a thing or two the do's and don'ts of hummingbird feeders. With sugar costing us more and more nectar is becoming more and more important to us. I will share the most common mistakes made while attempting to save your hummingbird feed budget.

1. Using Red Dye in Your Nectar

Red nectar might look nice, but it is not only unnecessary, but it can actually be harmful to the hummingbirds. They are attracted to the red parts of your feeder and do not need the nectar to be red. You can also protect the birds and save money by making your own nectar with just plain white sugar and water at a 1:4 ratio.

2. Mixing the Wrong Sugar Ratio

It's bad for hummingbirds and wasteful to use too much sugar. If a mixture is overly sweet, it can cause the nectar to ferment more quickly, which can hurt little hummingbirds livers. Always use the classic recipe of one part white sugar and four parts water. Do not use honey, artificial sweeteners, or brown sugar because they can hurt the little birds.

3. Filling Feeders to the Brim

I used to think filling my feeders to the top was the best way to be efficient. However, nectar can spoil in warm weather before the birds have a chance to drink it all. It is better to put out smaller amounts of nectar and then refill the feeders more frequently. This method provides fresh nectar and prevents waste. It is especially important to do this in the hot summer months since nectar ferments quickly.

4. Ignoring Leaks and Drips

Think of a leaky feeder like wasting your money, drop by sticky drop. Don’t wait until you have a bigger mess to check your feeders for signs of leakage. Simple fixes like replacing washers or tightening some parts can save you a lot of nectar from leaking. The drips create a mess on your porch and entice ants.

5. Feeders Placed in Direct Sunlight

Nectar spoils in the sun faster than milk does on a hot porch. Use shady spots to hang the feeders, like under eaves or tree branches. Nectar will last longer and the hummingbirds will enjoy feeding more in these spots! They prefer places with a bit of cover because they feel safer from predators.

6. Using the Wrong Type of Sugar

Hummingbirds may be harmed and spoiled food may result from using so-called "healthier" sugars like organic, raw, and natural sugars. In fact, plain white table sugar is what these birds need! It's the closest match to the natural nectar they get from flowers. Fancy sugars are just going to harm our tiny friends and waste your money.

7. Neglecting to Clean Feeders

The more dirty feeders are, the more wasted nectar they accumulate. They can even cause spoiled nectar inside feeders because birds won't drink from them. Clean your feeders every few days if it’s hot outside. If it’s cold, at least do it every week. In order to clean them, use a bottle brush and hot water, skip soap, as it leaves harmful residues.

8. Neglecting to Look Up Weather Conditions

The nectar in your feeder can spoil at different rates depending on the weather. In hot weather, you may need to change your nectar every day. During rainy days, make sure your feeder isn't collecting rain water which can dilute the nectar and make it less appealing to the hummingbirds and waste your sugar.

9. Taking water from the faucet without letting it stand

Birds might be uninterested in nectar if the water you used has chlorine in it. To prevent that, it’s best to let the tap water sit for a full day to let the chlorine evaporate. If you need to be quicker, filtered water works, but don’t use distilled water as it does not have the necessary minerals the birds would need.

10. Producing Overly Increased Quantities of Nectar

With time, even nectar stored in the fridge can start to grow mold or ferment. Instead of making a large quantity that can go bad, it can be done in smaller batches and done more often. I have found that making just enough for about 3 to 4 days of feeding is the best option to keep it fresh and is also convenient.

11. Using Decorative but Impractical Feeders

While beautiful feeders do look stunning in gardens, they are known to waste more nectar than simple feeders do. More elaborate feeders are also more complicated to clean, more likely to leak, and can make maintenance a bigger chore. It is better to have practical feeders that are designed well and are easy to clean and have feeding ports that are reliable.

12. Ignoring Ant Problems

Ants come to your feeder and spoil the nectar which makes the nectar go bad and causes you to have to change it more often. A good ant moat can be the difference between you having to refill your feeder every couple of weeks or every couple of months. Just fill the moat with water, and you will save gallons of nectar over ant spoilage.

13. Poor Winter Storage Practices

If you don't store feeders correctly, they may crack or leak during the off-season, meaning wasted nectar when you take them out again. Before storing, make sure to clean the feeders, let them dry completely, and put them in a climate-controlled area. This means no damage will occur that could result in wasted nectar.

14. Overcrowding Feeders

If you place feeders too close together, birds can get territorial and start knocking feeders over and spilling nectar. Place your feeders a minimum of 6 feet apart, and preferably in locations where you can see them from different windows. This will reduce the spill and make for more peaceful feeding!

15. Failing to Adjust for Seasonal Variations

As seasons change, so do the feeding habits of the birds in your area and not changing the amount of nectar you put out can lead to waste. While rates of feeding are higher, such as during migration, you will need to put out more nectar. During other seasons, you will need to reduce the amount that you put out. Be sure to keep track of the feeding habits in your area to best arrange your feeding.