Should I remove my bird feeder?

Question

I love watching birds and I have been successful in attracting most of the species that I like to see and hear to my small apartment balcony.... However, I have had trouble keeping the Hummers around. They will visit for a hot second and Whossh!.... they're gone the minute another bird arrives. Should I move the other birdfeeder or just alternate the days that I feed them? Does anyone have more advice on how to attract birds to a feeder?

Nancy Hatcher · Answer

If it was me I would definitely move the hummer feeder. If you alternate the days you run the risk of loosing your 'visitors' to someone who feeds consistently on a daily basis.
You could try putting one in the front and the other in the back or opposite ends of your balcony. If you don't have any place else to put your feeder you more than likely need to choose between hummers and seed eating birds.

Vetsy · Answer

Nancy I thought about making that choice and it's a hard one because I do like my daily visitors, It's just that I didn't get to see hummingbirds much when I lived in Michigan.. So I'm extra excited when I see just one now that I live in South Carolina..... Never-the-less I'll have to make a decision ....... Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me...

Sharon Geyer · Answer

You will need to make the choice of what birds you want to see the most. Hummers are intimidated by other birds and need their feeders farther away from regular bird feeders. I live in Michigan and see hummers constantly. I keep my hummingbird feeders near my home and the other bird feeders away from the house.

Theresa Shaut · Answer

My hummer feeder is only a few feet away from the other feeders and right by the birdbath. I think moving it to the very end of your railing it may be just the space they need. Maybe if you put a plant between them will also help.

Vetsy · Answer

Theresa Shaut..... Thanks Theresa.... I'll try that also....

Karen Petersen · Answer

Definitely move the hummingbird feeder about 6ft or more away from the other birds feeders. I am able to do both successfully on my fence line. Hummers are very skitterish and will run from anything that moves in their direction. Hope this helps.

Carolyn Bennett Ford · Answer

I have my hummer feeder hear my kitchen window, also a window box there with flowers. About ten feet away I have a area where I put my regular feeders for other birds. This seems to work and I get the pleasure of seeing a nice variety!!! I also have a huge rock way out in the back yard and I poor seeds on it and the ground squirrels get to eat there and bask in the sun!!!

Kathy Morling · Answer

i love feedings birds of all kinds also. the hummers will not compete with other birds so the little darlings will not visit when larger birds are around. i would also suggest getting a second hummer feeder, also not placed together, to see more visitors. males hummers are very aggressive and will chase off any other hummers that come near them. but he can not monopolize 2 feeders at the same time. here is something most people dont know. hummers do perch. if you string a wire or put up a patch of wire fence they will perch and 'hang out' more. we have a wire panel that has morning glories growing up it and they feel secure enough to sit amongst the leaves. after a while you'll be able to stand out on your balcony and spot little peepers cooling themselves in the shade of leaves and taking their passes at the feeder.

Kathy Morling · Answer

one last note, do not dye your nectar red. it is unnessesary.

Vetsy · Answer

Sharon and Nancy..'Yes..It's probably going to come down to that ( feeding One or the other because there is No way! that I'm going to manage both on a small patio... I tried to make it work ..Silly me..LOL!

Karen, Carolyn, Kathy, Thank you for those tips! I'm Making notes for my future home. This way as you all have stated....... I can enjoy them all!

Nancy Hatcher · Answer

Kathy - I actually had a 'bully' male hummer that decided he could control 2 feeders at one time. It was just too funny watching him wear himself out chasing everyone away. I finally move the two feeders farther away from each other so the little guy would have time to actually eat instead of being too busy chasing the other hummers.

Vetsy · Answer

Nancy these little guys have big egos! Lol! I guess it's because of their territorial nature.

LaVerlle McKee · Answer

...We have had remarkable success in placing the feeders for our hummers closer to the windows facing on a covered porch...The secluded area does not appeal to the more aggressive birds, whose feeders are positioned outside/away from this area...We have had less success in feeding those bird friends due to the numerous aggressive, hungry/greedy squirrels who inhabit our area..They have no shame in their refusal to share habitat....

Vetsy · Answer

Laverlle... Thank you.... I'm getting a better understanding about their habits thanks to you and our other follow hometalk bloggers. Those darn squirrels never give up! I'd like to place them all on a little rocket and ship them to the moon!

Denise Breton Gendreau · Answer

Add red flowers too like fuschia. They will go from one to the other. When they're nesting, T. They get aggressive and possessive.

Should I remove my bird feeder?

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Should I remove my bird feeder?

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