I moved into a new place and put up a hummingbird feeder, but they dont come. They go to my neighbors about 12 feet away but ignore mine. I thought maybe the food went bad so changed it after 3 months and getting nothing, and also changed the location. Still nothing!
?
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If your neighbor's feeder is only about 12-feet away, I'm assuming you live in an apartment? Hummingbirds can be pretty shy and any high-traffic area is liable to keep them away, though they will, over time get used to the person who is providing their nectar. They are also very territorial, but 12' should be far enough away to satisfy that requirement.
As far as the food, it can go bad in as little as 3 days if the weather is hot. You have to change it often. If it's a large feeder, only fill it part way until the hummingbirds start coming. You'll notice it will get empty quicker and then you can increase the amount you put in. If you're making it yourself, refrigerate the solution that you don't use; it will last longer. The correct mix should be 1 cup sugar to 4 cups water. You should also bring it to a boil and then remove it from the heat, allowing it to cool. This takes care of the chlorine in the water (which might be an issue since you are living somewhere new) and will also kill any mold or yeast spores that might be in the sugar. Hummingbirds are pretty picky about what they eat/drink, and even the difference in chemicals in treated water can keep them away...or worse...make them sick. Ask your neighbor if they are using filtered water.
The type of feeder may also make a difference, except that you talk like you've used this feeder before, so that may not be the issue, though it is one to look into.
Hummingbirds also will avoid feeders that have ants or wasps or bees visiting them. I use an ant guard on all of my feeders.
Good luck. I hope this helps!
Anonymous
Sometime hummingbirds do not like the taste of certain kinds of nectar. Try making your own. I have found that to be the best. 1 part regular white sugar to 4 parts water. You can make 2 batches and store one in your fridge until needed. Also make sure to keep your feeder clean!
Bill
When you changed the food, did you clean the feeder? If you refill a dirty feeder, the new food will spoil quickly.
I plant Lobelia cardinalis (a perennial) so I don't have mess with sugar water and feeders. The Lobelia grows to about four feet tall, has beautiful red flowers, and hummingbirds cannot resist it.
http://www.theazaleaworks.com/images/animals/humbird.jpg
Karen L
After 3 months, the food was definitely bad. It was bad after 4 days at most, sooner if the weather was hot or the feeder was in the sun. Maybe that's why they aren't coming to your feeder.
wpanther30
grow flowers around it and maybe a little bush... humming birds are sometimes shy if area is too open