Pros & Cons Of Using Plastic Hummingbird Feeders To Attract Feathered Friends

Hummingbirds can be interesting little characters when they're feeding. Some sit for a while, others hover endlessly even when a perch is available, and many appear to be waging war over the source of nourishment, giving them the energy to fuel their fight. They'll drink from plastic feeders and those made of other materials without giving it another thought. On the other hand, you may be trying to avoid using plastic in your home and garden as often as possible. Even so, knowing that hummingbirds don't discriminate, should you buy a plastic one? Once you know more about the pros and cons of plastic feeders, it's easier to make a choice.

For instance, if you're just getting into feeding and viewing hummingbirds as they vie for a drink of nectar, buying a basic plastic hummingbird feeder might be a good choice to give it a try. After all, you'll need to monitor the nectar, change it out frequently, and clean the feeder every time you do to avoid making harmful DIY hummingbird nectar mistakes. You can always switch to another type later if you find the reward is worth the time spent caring for a feeder. And, of course, you'll want to consider all the good and bad points about plastic hummingbird feeders as you decide.

If you shop around online, you'll find there are several types of plastic hummingbird feeders you can purchase for under $10 each. When you're looking for a budget-friendly hummingbird feeder, that's a good reason to opt for plastic. Depending on the style you choose, though, the price can be a bit higher.

Plastic saucer- or pan-style hummingbird feeders can sell for more depending on where you buy them. The advantages these plastic feeders offer are numerous, including the option to fill them half full to discourage wasps from drinking the nectar. They also offer high perches, so hummingbirds are more visible, and many have clear bases so you can see the hummingbird's long tongue dip into the sugar water as they take a sip. The design is also more aerodynamic so that wind flows around it and rarely blows down, even in stiff breezes.

All types of plastic hummingbird feeders, including those with the nectar well above the feeding ports, are safer for use on patios and around pools where broken glass may be a concern, just in case they do get knocked about or blown down. They can also be quite durable, so even if you invest in a more expensive one, you shouldn't have to replace it frequently. Some birding specialty stores also provide warranties on their plastic hummingbird feeders and may even offer a limited lifetime guarantee, so that's worth looking into when you're making a purchase.

One of the biggest concerns is that, in comparison to glass models, mold tends to form more easily on plastic feeders, and ingesting it can be very harmful to hummingbirds. Cleaning your hummingbird feeder to remove mold and other grime is one of the most important things you can do to keep your little feathered friends healthy. Since glass hummingbird feeders are easier to clean than plastic ones, that's something else to consider if time is a consideration. It's also essential to ensure a plastic feeder isn't made of unsafe material containing BPA that might allow chemicals to leach into the sugar water, as it can sit for up to a week in cooler weather. Sugar can also eat away at the surface of some types of plastics as it sits, offering another drawback. 

While less critical but still important from an aesthetic perspective, plastic hummingbird feeders can be a bit boring to look at when compared to many artsier glass versions. The durability of plastic means the feeders won't break as easily. Still, they do sometimes get brittle and crack or change color in the sunlight, warranting replacement anyway, especially in hot climates. Now that you know more about the pros and cons, you can decide if a plastic feeder is the right choice for giving your hummingbirds the nourishment they need to thrive.