CopperHummingbird

In 2006, I invented my bee-proof, drip-free hummingbird feeders for use in the hummingbird aviary at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, AZ where I was a zookeeper (for 22 years!)

Hummingbird feeders used by zoos must be able to withstand a great amount of abuse since the food is changed out 2 to 3 times daily with the feeders being washed and sterilized each time. Additionally, bees can present problems by monopolizing feeders. These factors led me to create a feeder that would stand up to "industrial use" (bee-proof, extremely easy to clean and sterilize, almost indestructible).

For several years I only made feeders for zoos and other animal keeping professionals, but I received so many requests for purchase from the public, that I decided to give it a go. I am proud to say that it has been a success.

Simply fill the food-grade plastic insert with a sugar-water mixture at a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, place it in the copper holder and enjoy! (Complete usage instructions come with each feeder.)

Note: My feeders are smaller than the average hummingbird feeder. Here's why:
In order to be effective at deterring bees and wasps there must be NO sugar water on the outside of the feeders where the insects can get to it. Sometimes hummingbirds are a little messy and will drip food while feeding and the easiest way to be certain that there isn't a build-up of the sweet stuff on the feeder tops is to change the food containers DAILY.
Larger containers would result in wasted sugar water.
All this being said, if there are no bee issues, most people find that 1-3 birds will go through one container in 2-3 days...which is how often any hummingbird feeder should be changed to ensure that the food is of optimum quality for the birds.