Hummingbirds typically take anywhere from a few minutes to several weeks to find and start using a new feeder, depending on various factors such as their familiarity with feeders, availability of natural food sources, and the feeder's location and appearance.
- Many hummingbirds will switch to a new feeder within minutes to a couple of hours, especially if you use a "bait & switch" method: hang the old feeder empty next to the new feeder filled with fresh nectar. This encourages them to explore the new feeder since they find the old one empty
- However, it can also take several weeks for hummingbirds to discover and regularly feed from a new feeder. This is because hummingbirds are creatures of habit and may be hesitant to try a new feeder or need time to learn how to use it
- If hummingbirds are already accustomed to feeders nearby, they may find a new feeder in as little as a few hours or days. But if there are plenty of natural food sources or if the feeder is introduced late in the season, it may take longer
- To attract hummingbirds faster, use bright red feeders, place feeders near flowers they like, keep nectar fresh and clean, and remove other feeders temporarily to encourage them to try the new one
In summary, expect a range from minutes to weeks, with two weeks being a reasonable waiting period before considering changes to attract hummingbirds to a new feeder
