is a male Rufous Hummingbird (Selasphorous rufus), a feisty, territorial feeder, and the most widely distributed hummer in North America. But hummingbirds of ALL types will love THE HUMMTM! For other photos of hummers and THE HUMMTM, click on photo
Please REFRESH the Plastic Beverage
Bottle Nectar and Bottle Cap Feeder Every 3-5 Days.
FAQs
Q: How is THE HUMMTM different than other hummingbird feeders?
A: Hummingbirds need fresh nectar and a clean feeder; otherwise mold and bacteria can build up, which can drive hummingbirds away, or be harmful or even fatal to the birds. To prevent mold and bacteria buildup, experts recommend that nectar should be changed and feeders cleaned at least every 3 to 5 days, which is a time-consuming, dirty, messy task. So, many people do not clean their feeders regularly.
--
With THE HUMMTM, there IS NO BOTTLE CLEANING: Simply throw the used plastic beverage bottle into the recycling bin every 3 to 5 days, and NEVER CLEAN A BOTTLE AGAIN!
--
COMES WITH 2 DISHWASHER-SAFE FEEDER CAPS, YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CLEAN FEEDER ON STANDBY TO CHANGE OUT EVERY 3-5 DAYS.
Q: Can I use pre-packaged red nectar in THE HUMMTM, or add red food coloring to
the nectar I prepare, to attract hummingbirds?
A: Experts recommend against using red food coloring or red dyes in nectar, and with THE HUMMTM, the bright red hanger naturally and safely attracts hummers! Plus, the red hanger acts as a shade against sunlight which can promote mold and bacteria growth.
-- Look
in the Products section of this website and inside the red hanger for a safe, quick, easy, and inexpensive nectar recipe which avoids all use of red dyes and preservatives, and uses only pure white granulated sugar and water.
Q: What do I do if my feeder is dominated by an
aggressive hummer?
A: Hummingbirds by
their nature tend to be quite territorial and aggressive, so they may try to
dominate a feeder. To attract more birds, try putting multiple feeders in your
yard, outside of visual contact from the others.
Q: Is a perch really necessary on a hummingbird feeder?
A. While hummingbirds will of course drink from a feeder (or a flower) without a perch, consider this:
the sugar-rich nectar in feeders can account for up to 90% of a hummer's daily diet (insects and pollen make up the rest; see below); hummers may return to a given feeder 5-10 times per hour, and the wings of a Rufous or Ruby-throated beat about 53 times per second, so they expend tremendous amounts of energy finding and consuming food and water. A perch helps them save some of that precious energy, gives them a well-needed rest, and gives the birder a great view. And when they are not feeding, hummingbirds spend much of their time perching in nature.
Note: The Humm's perches are removable and should be removed in COLD WEATHER FEEDING (Pacific Northwest/West). Due to the high metabolism of hummingbirds, they can get hypothermia and even die if they perch for too long period of time while drinking from any feeder in cold weather. KEEP THE BIRDS SAFE! Simply Remove The Perches for Cold Weather Feeding!
Q: What else can I do to create an environment which
not only attracts hummingbirds, but is safe for them?
A. As mentioned above, hummingbirds can depend upon liquid nectar in feeders for up to 90% of their daily diet, but they also need pollen and insects, which provide necessary protein. For pollen, there are MANY plants which hummingbirds prefer, including: azalea, trumpet honeysuckle, trumpet vine, butterfly bush (buddleia), hummingbird sage, and bee balm (monarda), among several others. Please don't use pesticides around hummingbird-friendly plants, as they can kill the very insects that hummers depend upon.
--Also, try hanging overripe banana peels near your feeders to attract fruit flies which hummers can eat.
--Hummingbirds like to bathe frequently, so consider a birdbath, fountain or other sources of water.
