In Indiana, the best time to put out hummingbird feeders is generally around mid-April to early April. This timing prepares your feeder for the hummingbirds as they migrate north from Central America or southern Mexico. Since early April is when they start arriving in Indiana, having the feeder ready ensures they have a source of energy after their long journey, especially since there are still few flowers blooming or bugs available as natural food sources. Key points for Indiana hummingbird feeding:
- Put out feeders around April 1 to mid-April to catch the first arrivals.
- Hummingbirds migrate north and arrive in Indiana usually by early to mid-April.
- Feeders should contain a simple mixture of 1 part white cane sugar to 4 parts water (no red dye).
- Change the nectar every 4–5 days and clean feeders regularly to keep hummingbirds healthy.
- You may start as early as early April if you want to be ready for early migrants.
You can take down feeders in late fall or early winter, about two weeks after you see the last hummingbird, typically by December in Indiana. These recommendations are supported by local birdwatching experts and migration tracking data as of 2025.
