When to Put Out Hummingbird Feeders In Indiana

Fernando Meyer

Home & Garden

Hummingbirds are some of the most delightful creatures to watch in the garden. They are especially attracted to nectar feeders. In Indiana, these tiny birds usually arrive in early spring and stay through late summer. So, it’s important to know when to put hummingbird feeders to attract them to your yard.

Timing is Everything

The timing of when to put out hummingbird feeders in Indiana is critical. The best time to hang your hummingbird feeder is when the temperature consistently exceeds 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, this is around late March or early April.

The Right Temperature

Hummingbirds are migratory birds that need warm weather to survive. You should never put out your hummingbird feeder when temperatures are below freezing. Doing so may attract the birds to your feeder and cause them to suffer from the cold.

Late Summer

In Indiana, hummingbirds typically stay through late summer before migrating south for the winter. To keep them returning to your feeder, continue filling it until late August or early September.

Early Arrival

If you’re lucky, you may spot a hummingbird as early as mid-March in southern Indiana. If this is the case, it’s safe to assume that other hummingbirds will be migrating soon, so go ahead and put out your feeder.

Regular Refilling

Hummingbirds have a high metabolism and need to eat frequently to survive. Refill your feeder every few days to keep it fresh and full. In Indiana, the birds typically consume around half their body weight in nectar daily.

Keep it Clean

Hummingbirds are attracted to fresh nectar but won’t drink from a dirty feeder. Make sure to clean your feeder regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

The Right Nectar Ratio

The nectar you put in your feeder should be a mixture of four parts water to one part granulated sugar. Don’t use honey, as it can cause fungal growth, and avoid using red dye, as it can harm the birds.

Attracting Males

To attract male hummingbirds, try putting out multiple feeders in your yard. Male hummingbirds are territorial and will fiercely defend their food source.

Safe Placement

Hummingbirds are vulnerable to predators like cats, so placing your feeder in a safe location is important. Hang it in a spot visible from your home but away from windows, and make sure it’s at least 10 feet away from any hiding spots for cats.

Natural Food Sources

Hummingbirds don’t rely solely on nectar from feeders. They also need insects, spiders, and other small creatures for protein. Planting flowers that attract insects can help supplement the hummingbirds’ diet.

Migration Season

Keeping your feeder up in late summer and early fall is important until you no longer see any hummingbirds. This is because some straggler hummingbirds may not leave until later in the season.

Enjoy the View

Hummingbirds are fascinating creatures to watch; putting out a feeder can bring them to your yard. Enjoy the view, but keep your feeder clean and full to keep the birds healthy and happy.

Avoid Pesticides

When attracting hummingbirds to your garden, avoiding pesticides is important. These chemicals can harm the hummingbirds and the insects they rely on for food. Instead, try using natural pest control methods, like companion planting or handpicking pests.

Migration Patterns

Hummingbirds typically migrate to Indiana from the south, following the blooming of flowers and other natural food sources. Monitor local birding reports to track their migration patterns and determine the best time to put out your feeder.

Cold Snaps

Indiana weather can be unpredictable, and cold snaps can occur even during the hummingbirds’ migration season. Suppose you have a sudden drop in temperature. In that case, it’s best to take down your feeder temporarily to prevent the birds from suffering in the cold.

Fall Migration

In the fall, hummingbirds will migrate south for the winter. To help them on their journey, ensure your feeder is up and filled until you no longer see any hummingbirds visiting. This will provide them with a much-needed energy boost for their long flight.

Enjoy the Variety

Indiana is home to several species of hummingbirds, including the ruby-throated hummingbird, rufous hummingbird, and Anna’s hummingbird. Putting out a feeder can attract a variety of these beautiful birds to your yard.

Watch for Aggression

Male hummingbirds can be territorial and aggressive towards other hummingbirds. If you notice any fighting around your feeder, try putting out multiple feeders to give the birds more space to feed without getting in each other’s way.

Taking Your Feeder Down

Once the hummingbirds have migrated south for the winter, removing your feeder and cleaning it thoroughly is important. This will prevent any mold or bacteria growth during the off-season.

Putting out a hummingbird feeder can be a great way to attract these delightful birds to your yard. By following these tips on when to put out your feeder, how to keep it clean and full, and where to place it, you can enjoy the company of hummingbirds throughout the spring and summer months in Indiana.

Fernando Meyer

Fernando Meyer

Fernando Meyer is a freelance writer and founder of F-Meyer website. His writing strengths include business, financial topics, and lifestyle. He uses his life experiences to inspire his detailed and informative style of writing.

Related Post