Want Healthy Happy Hummingbirds? Use This Simple 5-Step System To Clean Your Feeders

OUR FASCINATION WITH HUMMINGBIRDS

There is something just fascinating about watching hummingbirds, isn't there? The way they hover in one spot; the way they shimmer in the sun; the way they appear to be one color and then turn into something else?

The best way to see hummingbirds up close and personal is to be sitting in a garden with flowers all around you, or maybe to put up some hummingbird feeders. However; if you are going to venture into hummingbird feeder territory, it's extremely important that you don't do more harm than good.

ARE PROVIDING HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS A GOOD FIT FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE?

If you are not going to be able to tend to the feeder promptly, clean it regularly, and provide your hummingbirds with the right source of nectar, it's best to just stay away from feeders, and enjoy them when you can. You can hurt hummingbirds and even cause their death if you don't take care of your hummingbird feeders properly.

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If you feel that you're going to be able to make a commitment to caring for the bird's feeders, then let's talk about how to clean them.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANING YOUR HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER

Because you're dealing with nectar, you're going to have a sticky mess on your hands. If you are looking for a safe and easy way to care for your feeders, all you need is two simple ingredients you may already have in your home. It's HOW you use them that's important, so read on!

According to House Digest, you'll need the following:

• Baking Soda
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Warm Water
• Cleaning tool - like a sponge
• Basin or Sink

You will want a ratio of one part baking soda to two parts white distilled vinegar.  KEEP THEM SEPARATE.

A SIMPLE METHOD OF CLEANING HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS

STEP 1 -Dust your hummingbird feeder with dry baking soda, and scrub. The baking soda will bond with the sugar, and start lifting off of the feeder.

STEP 2 -Combine Equal parts vinegar and warm water in the sink or basin. Let the hummingbird feeder parts sit in the mixture for 20 minutes completely submerged.

STEP 3 After the 30-minute soak, scrub the hummingbird feeder parts again completely, and then rinse with clean, warm water.

STEP 4 -Let the hummingbird feeder parts dry completely before you reassemble.

STEP 5 -Clean your hummingbird feeder BEFORE you refill it, every single time.

In hotter weather, you may want to clean your feeder twice a week, while in cooler temps you may only have to do it once a week.