Jul 13, 2026
What Should a Beginner Buy to Start Feeding Hummingbirds?
Quick answer: Start with just three things: one feeder, nectar to fill it, and a comfortable spot to hang both. A swing isn't strictly required, but it's a low-cost addition that gives hummingbirds a comfortable place to rest right by the feeder, where you can see them. Skip multiples of anything until you know your yard's traffic, and skip red-dye nectar entirely. Everything else — a second feeder, wildflower seed, extra accessories — can wait until you see how your first setup actually performs.
It's easy to overthink a first hummingbird setup, especially once you start browsing and see how much is out there. The good news: getting started genuinely doesn't take much. Here's exactly what to buy, in order of importance.
Start With Just Three Things
1. One feeder. A single, good-quality feeder is all you need to begin. Look for a saucer-style design (more leak- and insect-resistant than bottle-style), an 8 oz capacity or similar (right-sized for a first setup), and easy cleaning — since how easy a feeder is to clean directly affects whether you'll actually do it consistently. Our full buying guide breaks down exactly what to look for if you want to compare options.
Shop the feeder
AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder, 8 oz
Everything this guide asks of a first feeder: a saucer-style, leak-proof open bowl, an 8 oz size that's right for one setup, a built-in ant moat, and two pieces plus a brass rod that go in the top rack of the dishwasher. Its Grandview™ perch placement lets hummingbirds sit while they drink, so you see their faces, not their backs. Made in the USA with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Shop AspenPerch® →2. Nectar. You have two paths here: mix your own (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, no dye, no honey; our nectar ratio guide has exact amounts) or buy a premade option. If you'd rather not measure anything for your first setup, a ready-to-use option removes that step entirely. If you want to understand the reasoning behind either choice, our homemade vs. premade nectar comparison lays out the honest trade-offs.
3. A good spot. This one's free, but it matters as much as anything you buy. Aim for 4–6 feet high, morning sun with afternoon shade, and a safe distance from windows. Our placement guide covers this in full.
That's genuinely enough to get started. Everything past this point is optional — helpful, but optional.
Can You Buy Hummingbirds?
No. Hummingbirds are wild birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so they can't be bought, sold or kept as pets. What you can buy is everything that invites them in: a feeder, fresh nectar, and a comfortable perch nearby.
Do You Need a Swing Right Away?
Not strictly, but it's worth considering from day one rather than as an afterthought. Hummingbirds spend about three-quarters of the day perched when food is plentiful, and as little as about a fifth when it's scarce. The closer and richer their food, the more they sit. A comfortable perch about a foot from your feeder puts that resting time where you can see it, so you get to watch them sit still, not just zip in and out. It's a genuinely low-cost addition, and adding it at setup is easier than retrofitting it in later. If you're deciding whether to include one, our research on how swings actually work explains what it does and doesn't do, and Where to Hang a Hummingbird Swing covers placement.
Shop the swing
Original Hummingbird Swing™, Onyx
A first swing that's easy to get right: hang it about a foot from your feeder, at the same height, with the included 'S' hook, and hummingbirds get a comfortable perch right where you can watch them rest. The perch is our patented Polyperch®. Made in the USA and backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Shop the Original Swing →What Not to Buy First
- Multiple feeders. It's tempting to buy two or three right away, but hold off until you've seen how much traffic your first feeder gets. If one dominant hummingbird ends up guarding it, that's the point to add a second, spaced well apart.
- Red-dye nectar. Skip anything with artificial coloring — it serves no purpose for the birds and isn't something you want to introduce on day one out of habit.
- A large bag or bottle of nectar "to save money." Until you know how quickly your feeder empties, a smaller size avoids waste from nectar that spoils before it's used. How Long Does Hummingbird Nectar Last? explains why.
- A pile of accessories. Ornaments, charms, and extra decor are fun once you're settled in, but they don't affect whether hummingbirds actually show up — save them for later.
Sized for a first feeder: one 8.5 oz bag of Nectarade® Ready to Use fills an 8 oz feeder in one pour, with nothing to measure or mix and almost nothing left over to spoil. Pure cane sugar, no dyes.
Shop Nectarade® Ready to Use →The Simplest Way to Start: A Bundle
If choosing pieces individually feels like more decision-making than you want for a first setup, a bundle solves that in one step — a feeder, nectar, and often a swing, already paired together so you're not guessing whether everything works well as a set. It's also frequently a better value than buying the same pieces separately. Whether it's a gift or for your own yard, a bundle is the lowest-effort way to get a complete, working setup on the first try.
What to Add Later, Once You're Hooked
Once your first setup is running and you've got a feel for your yard's hummingbird traffic:
- A second feeder, at least 10–15 feet from the first and out of its sight, if you're seeing territorial guarding
- Hummingbird-friendly wildflower seed, to supplement feeders with a natural nectar source
- A hook or mounting solution suited to wherever you're expanding to — a second spot in the yard, a balcony, or a window
- Charms or ornaments, purely for the fun of it at that point
Starting on a balcony or small patio? The same basics apply, with a few twists: wind, no-drill mounting, and smaller batches of nectar. What Hummingbird Products Work Best on a Small Patio or Balcony? walks through the small-space setup.
Your First Setup, At a Glance
| Item | Priority | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Feeder | Essential | Saucer-style, ~8 oz, easy to clean |
| Nectar | Essential | Homemade (1:4) or premade, no dye |
| Placement | Essential (free) | 4–6 ft high, morning sun/afternoon shade |
| Swing | Recommended | A place to rest where you can see them |
| Second feeder | Wait and see | Add only if traffic/territorial guarding calls for it |
| Wildflower seed, hooks, decor | Later | Nice additions once the basics are working |
Key Takeaways
- A first setup really only needs three things: one feeder, nectar, and a good spot to hang it.
- A swing is optional but worth adding at the start rather than retrofitting later.
- Avoid multiple feeders, red-dye nectar, and oversized nectar purchases until you know your yard's actual traffic.
- A bundle is the simplest way to get a complete, tested-to-work-together setup in one purchase.
- Everything else — a second feeder, wildflower seed, decor — can wait until your first setup is up and running.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum I need to start feeding hummingbirds?
One feeder, nectar (homemade or premade), and a good spot to hang it 4–6 feet high with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Do I need a hummingbird swing as a beginner?
It's not required, but it's a low-cost addition that gives hummingbirds a comfortable place to rest right by your feeder, where you can watch them, and it's easier to include from the start than to add later.
Should I buy homemade or premade nectar for my first feeder?
Either works well. Homemade is cheapest and gives full control; premade removes the mixing step. Both are safe as long as premade options are dye-free.
Can you buy hummingbirds?
No. Hummingbirds are wild birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so they can't be bought, sold or kept as pets. What you can buy is everything that invites them in: a feeder, fresh nectar, and a comfortable perch nearby.
How many feeders should a beginner start with?
Just one. Add a second only if you notice one dominant hummingbird guarding the feeder and preventing others from visiting.
Is a bundle a good option for a first-time setup?
Yes. A bundle pairs a feeder, nectar, and often a swing together, removing the guesswork of whether individual pieces work well as a set.
Summary
Getting started with backyard hummingbirds doesn't require much: one good feeder, nectar to fill it, and a thoughtfully chosen spot to hang it. A swing is a smart, low-cost early addition, but multiples of anything, oversized purchases, and decor can all wait until your first setup proves itself. If you'd rather skip the decision-making entirely, a bundle gets you a complete, working setup in a single purchase. And if your first visitors are slow to show up, Hummingbirds Not Using Your New Feeder? Here's Why walks through what helps.
Ready to get started? Shop starter bundles, or build your own with the AspenPerch® Feeder and Pop's Nectar.
Shop Your First Setup
The three things this guide says to start with, plus the simplest way to get them all at once.
Pete Stankovich is the Director of Business Development for Pop's Birding, where he has helped grow the company's mission of connecting people with hummingbirds and the natural world since 2020. A lifelong outdoorsman, outdoor educator, and conservation advocate, Pete brings decades of field experience to his work. For 12 years, he served as a Boy Scout leader and merit badge instructor, teaching Bird Study, Nature, Fish and Wildlife Management, and other outdoor-focused programs. He also spent 5 years on a search and rescue team, developing expertise in outdoor safety, wilderness awareness, and Leave No Trace principles. Pete holds a B.A. in Business Communication from Chapman University and a Strategic Marketing Management certification from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
