I received this feeder a week ago and now all I seem to see is fighting hummingbirds. My old feeder only had one and very little fighting. What gives?
1105995
I have the same problem. the feeders are great with plenty of room for everyone but they seem to fight now matter what kind of feeder I use. But eventuallu they all get fed:)
1105996
Are you in a migratory path? If so, you may be experiencing a fluctuation in the number of migrating hummingbirds. Hummers are *very* territorial, so fighting over precious food is expected. An expanding population around your feeder(s) simply makes the bickering more observable. Mine settle down and are more accepting of sharing once they realize that squabbling with 20 other hummers is a waste of time and energy.
1105997
I agree with all of the responses before mine. I think you should put up one or two more feeders though. That will not eliminate what you are seeing, but more can feed because you apparently have lots of hummers! Lucky you.
1105998
I have been watching these birds for about 40 years and I have noticed that they fight over the food source. They are always buzzing each other. I have 2 feeders in the back and one bird tries to own both of the feeders. Needless to say, sometimes he can't keep the other birds from eating before he notices them. Could be a her, I don't really no which is which.
1105999
WeHave the same issue. Four are fight over this feeder and a few a fighting over the other one in the front of our house. We have had feeders for years and we always see fighting. We thought it was normal.
1106000
As a general rule hummingbirds do not get along. It is sad but true. Don't be discouraged however, all the fighting rarely results in bodily injury to the birds.
1106001
The fighting is not because of the feeder. It's the time of year. What you are seeing are Hatch-year (HY) birds doing what they do best - hassle each other. The earlier birds were - more than likely - adults who knew that this is time to bulk up for migration - not fight. Your juvies will figure that out pretty soon. Oh, and isn't it great to be able to SEE the birds.
1899431
My suggestion is to try to contact Hummingbird here http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Company/Contact-Us/ . I don't know where are you from, may be there is a Hummingbird dealer nearby. Check here http://www.humminbird.com/Category/Support/Find-A-Dealer/ Good luck.
2106599
Where I have mine, I do not see hummingbirds. However, the other birds like it as it circulates the water.
1904935
I re-filled the feeder 2-days ago and there were small dead flies inside, but I have never seen bees at the feeder. bees fill up at bird bath. the opening is to small for small wrens that fed at my old feeder
76754
Sorry Patti, can't help you with this one. Have had my feeder only three months and everything is working find for me. Good luck with your problem
618348
I haven't had too much trouble with bugs. The way its built seems to make it hard for them to get into there. The feeder came with little inserts you can use if you have bug problems--the hummingbird is supposed to be able to get into it just fine, but the bugs can not. I haven't tried this since I haven't had much trouble. There is also a little "moat" in the center to keep ants from climbing down the support, and it seems to work. I have had to refill the moat before the feeder needs filled because of evaporation, but have had no trouble with ants reaching the feeding ports. One of my feeders is actually hanging in a tree, and I don't have trouble with bugs or ants in it either. I haven't had too much trouble with bugs. The way its built seems to make it hard for them to get into there. The feeder came with little inserts you can use if you have bug problems--the hummingbird is supposed to be able to get into it just fine, but the bugs can not. I haven't tried this since I haven't had much trouble. There is also a little "moat" in the center to keep ants from climbing down the support, and it seems to work. I have had to refill the moat before the feeder needs filled because of evaporation, but have had no trouble with ants reaching the feeding ports. One... » Read More I haven't had too much trouble with bugs. The way its built seems to make it hard for them to get into there. The feeder came with little inserts you can use if you have bug problems--the hummingbird is supposed to be able to get into it just fine, but the bugs can not. I haven't tried this since I haven't had much trouble. There is also a little "moat" in the center to keep ants from climbing down the support, and it seems to work. I have had to refill the moat before the feeder needs filled because of evaporation, but have had no trouble with ants reaching the feeding ports. One of my feeders is actually hanging in a tree, and I don't have trouble with bugs or ants in it either. « Show Less
1904932
I've had this feeder for about a week and it constantly has bees in it. They stick their head in there and all I see are bee butts. I actually came back here looking for "feeder tips" or some kind of screen!
1243455
I actually bought the feeder as a gift for my brother, and I don't believe he has mounted it yet. I also believe that he eventually intends to wire hang it, so I guess I can't be that much help. What I can tell you is that the feeder is very handsome, and appears to be well made (despite some comments I had read from other buyers who thought it was flimsy). As someone who has been feeding birds my whole life, I was struck by the unique architecture and one of a kind look of this feeder. Very different design and very pleasing to the eye. I personally think it would look just fine on a post mount, as long as you protect the feeder from squirrel attack! I actually bought the feeder as a gift for my brother, and I don't believe he has mounted it yet. I also believe that he eventually intends to wire hang it, so I guess I can't be that much help. What I can tell you is that the feeder is very handsome, and appears to be well made (despite some comments I had read from other buyers who thought it was flimsy). As someone who has been feeding birds my whole life, I was struck by the unique architecture and one of a kind look of this feeder. Very different design and very pleasing to the eye. I personally think it would look just fine on a post... » Read More I actually bought the feeder as a gift for my brother, and I don't believe he has mounted it yet. I also believe that he eventually intends to wire hang it, so I guess I can't be that much help. What I can tell you is that the feeder is very handsome, and appears to be well made (despite some comments I had read from other buyers who thought it was flimsy). As someone who has been feeding birds my whole life, I was struck by the unique architecture and one of a kind look of this feeder. Very different design and very pleasing to the eye. I personally think it would look just fine on a post mount, as long as you protect the feeder from squirrel attack! « Show Less
1611514
Feeder is for hummers only but I have seen several small birds on my feeder.
130906
Many of the feeders that use gravity to fill attract bees. I have about 4 separate feeders this is the ONLY ONE that is not attracting the Yellow Jackets that appear in August in my area. I have year-round Hummers in Washington State and I am buying another one of these. My other feeders are useless until the bees go away. Do invest in a tiny bristle brush for the feeding holes the rest cleans up by hand.
235418
Not sure, but I have seen the condition you refer to in many feeders I have previously owned. I bought mine as a gift for someone, and can ask them to keep an eye on the condition for me. Don't think they've owned it long enough to have seen this condition yet.
435642
One of the wonderful features of this feeder is that bees and wasps can't reach the nectar! The red top of the feeder where the birds sit and feed, just pulls up leaving the glass bowl which you fill to the marked line with sugar water. When full, you just place the lid back on. The feeder hangs by a brass hook that is embedded in the glass bowl. NO spilling when you try to remove the lid and refill!! Hummingbirds feed from the top and it seems that bee proboscises cannot reach the nectar below! While the hummingbirds drink, the water in the glass bowl vibrates as their long tongues reach into the sugar water. It's fascinating to observe. One of the wonderful features of this feeder is that bees and wasps can't reach the nectar! The red top of the feeder where the birds sit and feed, just pulls up leaving the glass bowl which you fill to the marked line with sugar water. When full, you just place the lid back on. The feeder hangs by a brass hook that is embedded in the glass bowl. NO spilling when you try to remove the lid and refill!! Hummingbirds feed from the top and it seems that bee proboscises cannot reach the nectar below! While the hummingbirds drink, the water in the glass bowl vibrates as their long tongues reach... » Read More One of the wonderful features of this feeder is that bees and wasps can't reach the nectar! The red top of the feeder where the birds sit and feed, just pulls up leaving the glass bowl which you fill to the marked line with sugar water. When full, you just place the lid back on. The feeder hangs by a brass hook that is embedded in the glass bowl. NO spilling when you try to remove the lid and refill!! Hummingbirds feed from the top and it seems that bee proboscises cannot reach the nectar below! While the hummingbirds drink, the water in the glass bowl vibrates as their long tongues reach into the sugar water. It's fascinating to observe. « Show Less
675318
We put ours up in mid-May, and had no hummingbirds nest, though I think we probably put it up too late in the year. It's still in the same place, so I guess we'll find out come spring/summer if we've got 'nesters'.
2143727
I have two Audubon and one Aspects. For reasons which are not clear to me, hummers seem to prefer the Audubon which has faded to dull pink.The other Audubon has remained bright red as has the Aspects. I prefer feeders smaller than one quart as nectar spoilage is reduced though requireing more frequent cleaning and filling.
1304399
The hummingbirds are accustomed to narrow openings and will still drink the nectar without the flower. I agree with an other respondent who said it is cheaper to replace the feeder, though save the top part because it will come in handy.
674685
I had one that did the same thing that I finally had to throw away and buy a new one. Thankfully they don't cost to much. Anyway's just be sure the cap is screwed on tight and maybe pour out some of the nectar so there's not so much overflow. If it keeps leaking then it's just the cause of a bad feeder and you will have to buy a new one. I've had about 5 of them and I only had one that leaked bad. Goodluck!
1498213
I don't know. I would call hummingbird customer service. They would be able to help you.