I have questions about hummingbirds and unintended beekeeping.

[Niagara]

The seal of my regular hummingbird feeder broke back in June and I replaced it with an empty and clean 5 ounce Kikkoman jar. This was working splendidly until recently when the honey bees found my makeshift hummingbird feeder. Now, the hummingbirds are having a difficult time getting the food that I set out due to the bees.




Also, since the bees have found the jar, I'm replacing sugar water on the daily instead of every 2 to 3 days. I recently made a large batch of food and my plan is when this batch runs out, not to make anymore food and to stop putting the feeder up. My 1st question is, will the hummingbirds be alright if I take the feeders down a several weeks before they migrate? In my area, hummingbird season is generally over by mid August/mid September. My 2nd question is, once I take down the feeder, will the bees eventually move on if I stop feeding them?




Currently when the feeder is empty, the bees will buzz me while I'm deadheading my petunias. Once I fill it, they usually leave me alone. I recently learned that they can recognize human faces especially when they're getting fed. I will be getting a new bee proof hummingbird feeder for next year. Any recommendations for a nice feeder?

[Phoenix61]

1. Get one with perches. They burn a lot of calories flying

and the net calorie gain is higher if they can sit and eat. I like the one where the bee guards pop off. Makes it easier to clean. I’ve got one like this,

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HCGKHGK/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_imm_HND9AQ5TTF5WGYM2YN7Q

[Niagara]

4. Thanks.

I read the reviews and placed it on my wish list.

[Donkees]

2. I use the type of feeder having tiny slits, and don't have any problems with bees, ...

and there are plenty of bees, but then there are plenty of flowers to keep them happy. That type feeder is priced about $4

[Niagara]

5. Thanks.

I found a $4 one with tiny slits from Walmart. I placed an order and will give it a test run for the rest of this season.

[Ponietz]

3. It depends

If the feeder is visited by many hummers it means their territorial dominance instincts over food scarcity aren’t amped up on high, and you can probably remove it. But if it is controlled by one male with his mate and offspring, like mine is, food may be more scarce. I leave it up until I am positive they have departed in late September, or even later, since there are always late migrators.

[Niagara]

6. Thanks.

I ordered a new inexpensive feeder. Hopefully, it gets here soon so that my local hummers can consume the food that I put up for them.