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Dripping feeders (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter ehrodz
- Start date
Bird_Bill
Well-known member
Hi Ehrodz,
When first hung, physics are similar to priming a pump. A single dispensing orifice, a finger can be held over the opening as its inverted. Then bee guard replaced. Mine, I turn over quick and wipe off with a wet towel, because they're old 4 way feeders.
If the loss of nectar is bothersome, a tray feeder like below is an option
http://www.hummingbird-guide.com/images/ASPECTS367.jpg
When first hung, physics are similar to priming a pump. A single dispensing orifice, a finger can be held over the opening as its inverted. Then bee guard replaced. Mine, I turn over quick and wipe off with a wet towel, because they're old 4 way feeders.
If the loss of nectar is bothersome, a tray feeder like below is an option
http://www.hummingbird-guide.com/images/ASPECTS367.jpg
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For dish-type feeders (like the Aspects HummZinger) there is another reason, especially here in the hot southwest. The nectar I make is stored for a few hours in the refrigerator. I then put the nectar into the feeders and place the feeders outside where it is 100 degrees F. The nectar warms and expansion occurs. Some nectar spills over the edge. Not sure if you would see the same effect with bottle feeders, unless they are completely full.
For this reason I don't fill my dish-type feeders completely full.
For this reason I don't fill my dish-type feeders completely full.
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I don't think you can prevent all drips. For this reason I hang the feeders out away from the house, over natural ground, and not over porches or paths. I don't hang them too far away because I want to see them from the windows. Ants have a knack for finding the drips on the ground but they haven't, as yet, found their way up the nearest tree, out onto the correct branch, and then down the rope.
Bird_Bill
Well-known member
I've assumed many have seen the tips and info in link below from Cornell & Audubon's AllAboutBirds, it covers some of the problems seen various types of feeders
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1181
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/page.aspx?pid=1181
Feeding birds is, generally, a messy endeavor. Even feeding the other birds has its mess. It's the small price we pay. About twice a year I have to shovel and cleanup under the other bird feeders. The seed chaff and husks accumulate, especially under the finch feeders. But none goes to waste -- there are always birds and small mammals on the ground picking thru the debris.
P
pusser_uk
Guest
I purchased a feeder like this one, the brand name was "Perky Pet". I find it a good feeder until it rains. the heavy rain we get in North Carolina, often refills the feeder hence watering down the nectar, unless it is under cover. I also find that insects get inside it easily and can't get out which means a more regular cleaning routine that my other feeders. The one I have found to be the best and it doesn't drip too much was the cheapest $1 feeder from Walmart.
I have covers over my four dish-style feeders. They have several functions:
(1) When it rains, less water gets into the bowls so the nectar is less diluted.
(2) They provide some additional shade, although three of my four feeders are hung beneath trees.
(3) Keeps perching birds from crapping all over the feeders. Aside from keeping the nectar cleaner, longer, it keeps the feeder itself cleaner.
Bird_Bill
Well-known member
I normally have three hopper types up, on both the north and south of the house, hung from the eaves in shade and protected from rain, but offset from windows to minimize or avoid any glass strikes. This year added a forth hung from a walnut tree, ants quickly became a problem. That one is now hung from a pipe stand, and is exposed to weather. Will find out if rain is a problem. Other than hummers, only had a Downy woodpecker actually on the feeder. A few times during movements, have had Cape May warblers looking interested. Have a mulberry tree, and those warbs seem to love sweet stuff. If they have to soil my feeder, that's fine, it will be cleaned up quickly.
