Choosing the correct humming bird feeders is not as easy and simple as it sounds. One must take several factors into account, before making a decision. An ideal feeder should be easy to fill and clean, should be durable and have the right capacity, and have some extra functions, like perches for the birds and built-in ant moats to keep the creepy crawlies out. Sometimes some feeders also have mechanisms to direct rain away from the feeding ports, and this feature proves itself to be highly popular amongst consumers. Following is a list of several different types of hummingbird feeders based on the above details.
- Hanging dish feeder
This is a wonderful option. This feeder holds the nectar in the saucer, which is located below the feeding ports; therefore, no leakage issues are posed as a problem. It comes with in-built perch and an ant-moat as well, so that the birds may enjoy their drink with peace and without tiny invaders. Moreover, this model is easy to clean, with no complicated parts to first unscrew and separate.
- Bottle feeder
While some users do complain of leakage as a potential issue in the case of this style, it is not necessarily the case. It is undeniable that bottle feeders are more prone to such a problem than hanging dish feeders, but the latest editions of this type have significantly reduced the chances. Bottle feeders are more stylish, and usually come with ant-moats and perches too. Nectar is filled above the feeding port, and it lowers as the birds consume it.
- Oversized bottle feeder
This model is particularly useful for those who have many hummingbirds frequenting their gardens, and that too in a given time. It is oversized; therefore, it has a huge capacity. Moreover, its size also allows many birds to rest on the pole which goes around the saucer 360 degrees. This feeder is engineered such that it is made leak-proof, by installing a sealing ring. Its parts come off easily, and hence make it very easy to clean.
- Window feeder
It is easy to use and quite appeasing to the eye as well. What tops this is the fact that window feeders are very simple to use as well. They can be safely secured onto windows by the means of suction caps.
The filling of nectar is also not difficult, as it does not require the removal of the entire thing. One may just unload the feeder of its feeding tube/ tray, and add nectar to it, and then reload it.
There is not one perfect type- every bird lover has his/her own requirements, and therefore, generalizing that one kind is the best, is nothing less than unfair.
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