Do Hand-held Hummingbird Feeders Actually Work?

Yes, hummingbirds love them, but they will not use them immediately if you just stand outside holding one. Because these birds are highly cautious, they must be trained to associate the hand-held feeder with food.

How To Get Hummingbirds To Use Your Hand-Held Hummingbird Feeder

1. The Bait Phase: Place the mini handheld feeder directly next to, or even resting on top of, your established hummingbird feeder. Leave it there for a few days so the birds get used to drinking from the feeders port.
2. The Substitution: Once they are feeding from the mini feeder confidently, choose a time when they are actively visiting (usually early morning or late afternoon). Take down your main large feeder completely, step into its exact spot, and hold the mini feeder right where the larger feeder used to be.
3. Stay Frozen: Stand entirely still. Avoid making sudden eye movements, blinking rapidly, or smiling, as showing your teeth can look like a predator baring teeth to a tiny bird.
4. Be Patient: Bolder birds (like Anna's Hummingbirds) may zip down to try it within minutes, while shyer species might hover and inspect your hand multiple times before finally landing.

A Critical Safety Reminder

Because these small feeders hold a tiny amount of nectar, they heat up rapidly in the sun. You must wash them with hot water every 2-3 days. Fermented sugar water fosters a nasty fungus that causes a hummingbird's tongue to swell, which is fatal because it prevents them from eating.

Ready to try it yourself? Browse our handmade hand-held hummingbird feeders — each one is crafted from recycled glass and designed to bring hummingbirds right to your hand.