Hummingbird Feeder Heaters
| Suggestions by DNS members on how to keep your hummingbird feeders from freezing in very cold outside temperatures. |
| You can also download this 8-page document: DIYs & Pics for Hummingbird feeder heaters.pdf |
1) DNS member – this is the one we use that works great https://hummersheateddelight.com/
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2) DNS member – I very quickly made a feeder warmer using a standard clip-on aluminum work light like this one for a feeder like the one below:
It took 5 minutes to make.
I simply removed the clamp. I then poked 3 holes in the rim of the light with a hammer and standard nail. I passed some ribbon through each hole to make a short loop. I put 3 paper clips on the feeder “footholds” and simply slipped one twine loop into each paper clip. I ran an extension cord to a porch outlet. It’s easy to remove to refill the feeder.
I put a 75 watt bulb in it and it has kept the feeder water liquid all morning and birds don’t care about the light. We have two regulars–a male and a female Anna’s–who contentedly feed. We’ll see how it works in the evening when it gets really cold.
3) DNS member – Very simple – a coat hanger and a 60 watt bulb
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Links to online heaters: https://www.hummerhearth.com/ https://www.amazon.ca/heated-hummingbird-feeder/s?k=heated+hummingbird+feeder
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4) DNS member
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5) DNS member
6) DNS member – I use a heat lamp and the bird spends hours perched in the warm air around the feeder
Warmed feeders should be kept out and turned on all night. The Anna’s need to feed very early – at first light- after a long, cold night.
7) DNS member – rice cooker kept on warm. The cooker is on the lowest setting with water in the bottom…. seems the steam keeps things warm
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8) DNS member
For our window hummer feeder, made a heater from a beer can, some wire and put a tea light in it for heat source. Tea lights last about 3 or 4 hours
9) 7 or 15W incandescent bulbs are best
10) DNS member – clamp light and a 60 watt incandescent light bulb
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11) DNS member – I switched out the bulbs from 7 to 15 watts, and I’ve been keeping out both feeders all night.
I created a warming station by hanging one feeder under the overhang, and switching my LED light to a 100 watt incandescent lightbulb.
Last word from DNS member:
Birds in my yard are constantly going to my stream and birdbath for water. With this dry windchill they need it! I had to put an extra heater in birdbath to keep the water open for them, as this morning’s temps were beyond the one heater. I’ve had to chip ice out of my stream and put in some hot water to keep it flowing properly. Birds were lined up afterwards to get a drink from the stream as well!
Delta Naturalists Society 