Tips on Keeping Tube-Type Hummingbird Feeders from Dripping
Compliments of Wild Birds Forever
Tube-type gravity fed hummingbird feeders have been around for a long time and are very popular with hummingbirds because they simulate the tube shape of many nectar-bearing flowers. However, because of their design, these feeders may occasionally drip.
How to stop the dripping? There is no perfect answer - feeders will drip occasionally. However, we do have several recommendations to minimize dripping, so that you can truly enjoy your feeder:
- Most importantly: always fill the feeder completely full with cool nectar. Insert the stopper and invert quickly to avoid any air entering the feeder. Tube feeders operate on a vacuum principle. Only if the feeder is initially filled completely full will the vacuum form!
- Hang your feeder in shade or partial shade. The cooler the feeder, the less likely it is to drip.
- Make sure to keep the feeder very clean by regularly cleaning with hot water and a bottle brush. Try periodically using a vinegar rinse to thoroughly clean your feeder and then rinse well with hot water.
- Dripping too much for you? Try one of our top-feeding feeders.
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