It starts with one, then two, then three, four, and five – but where will it end? Is it possible to have too many hummingbird feeders? The answer will vary for every hummingbird lover.

Pros and Cons of Multiple Hummingbird Feeders

As you add more nectar feeders to your bird-friendly buffet, there are pros and cons to consider. While any feeding station can be expanded or contracted as desired, it is always important to keep the birds’ best interests in mind.

Pros of More Hummingbird Feeders…

As you add extra nectar feeders, you will notice some changes in your hummingbird dynamics and can have even greater enjoyment of your hummingbird flock.

• More nectar feeders will feed more hummingbirds with ease, without needing more frequent refills of the same feeder.
• There can always be at least one feeder available for hungry hummers, even if other feeders are removed for cleaning and refilling.
• Because there are more food options, hummingbirds will tend to be less aggressive as they feed together around multiple feeders.
• More feeders will provide more views and angles for you to watch hummingbirds for careful identification, population counts, or photography.

Cons of Too Many Hummingbird Feeders…

It can be possible to have too many feeders once you start to notice different problems developing at your various feeding stations.

• More time will be required to clean and refill more feeders, which takes away the time you could spend just watching and enjoying hummingbirds.
• Every feeder requires an initial purchase, and more feeders will be more expensive to keep filled with fresh, clean nectar.
• Small problems such as leaks, drips, or insects may be greatly magnified as you add more feeders to the feeding station.
• Too many feeders may become a spectacle and attract more attention than you want from other wildlife as well as neighbors or community members.

So, How Many Feeders Is Too Many?

Ultimately, the exact number of hummingbird feeders that are acceptable or that cross the line into “too many” will vary for every birder. Each person will have a different tolerance for the potential problems of nectar feeders, and everyone will have different time they can commit to cleaning and refilling feeders. Furthermore, every yard will have different space and layout concerns that may limit how many feeders can practically be used.

There are signs, however, that you may have too many hummingbird feeders. If spills, pests, or the time commitment to care for the feeders is developing into a problem, it may be best to remove a few feeders. Similarly, if nectar is spoiling before any seems to have been drunk from some feeders, there may be more feeders available than strictly necessary. Finally, if your passion for hummingbird feeders may start to attract unwanted attention – such as through a homeowner association violation or citations from a city council – it may be time to remove some feeders.

No matter how many feeders is the right number for your hummingbird feeding station, be sure you are able to care for them properly, keep the nectar fresh and refilled, and enjoy the birds that visit and you will never have too many.