I enjoy having various kinds of birds visit my yard. If you feel the same, you might have bird feeders too. Many people put up hummingbird feeders because hummingbirds are delicate and lovely birds that people enjoy watching. But if you have a hummingbird feeder, it’s really important to clean it regularly. Forgetting to clean it can actually harm or even kill hummingbirds.
World of Hummingbirds recommends cleaning hummingbird feeders every three days. If a feeder isn’t cleaned well, mold and mildew can grow in the nectar. Hummingbirds are tiny and sensitive, so even a little bit of contaminated food can make them very sick or even kill them.
If you see the nectar in your hummingbird feeder looks strange, like it’s changed color or gotten slimy, you should clean the feeder right away. Take apart all the parts of the feeder and empty out the nectar. Rinse everything well with hot water. Use a small brush to make sure all the nectar is gone. You can use a gentle soap, but make sure you rinse it all off completely.
Once the feeder is dry, put it back together. Now you can fill it with fresh nectar, knowing that the hummingbirds will be safe when they come for a snack in your yard. Make sure to share this advice with anyone you know who has a hummingbird feeder, so we can all keep our hummingbird buddies safe and happy!