AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder Guide: Setup, Cleaning, Tips & More
Welcome to the Wonder: Your Complete AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder Guide
There's something magical about spotting your first hummingbird at a new feeder.
One moment your garden is quiet, and the next, a tiny jewel of the sky is hovering just outside your window. At Pop's Birding, we call moments like these Inviting Wonder—and that's exactly what your new AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder was designed to do.
Whether you're brand new to hummingbird feeding or a seasoned backyard birder, this guide will help you get the most out of your feeder from day one. From unboxing and setup to cleaning, maintenance, and attracting more hummingbirds, here's everything you need to know.
What's Inside the Box
When you open your AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder, you'll find:
- AspenPerch® feeder reservoir, 8 oz
- Feeder cover with feeding ports and integrated Polyperch® platform
- Threaded Brass Rod for hanging
- Feeder Box with Quick-start & care instructions
Before filling your feeder, we recommend giving all parts a quick rinse with warm water to remove any dust from packaging or shipping.
How to Open and Fill Your AspenPerch Feeder
Getting your feeder ready takes just a few minutes.
Step 1: Open the Feeder
To open your feeder, first ensure the brass rod is fully threaded into the opening of the feeder. Do not over tighten. Press down on the brass rod with one hand while gently lifting up on the cover with the other hand. Do not lift from the perch attachments rather the underside of the cover as pictured below.
Step 2: Add Nectar
Fill the reservoir with fresh hummingbird nectar, leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflow.
Step 3: Securely Close
Slide the reservoir back onto the base until snug. Avoid overtightening. If you have trouble aligning the cover it helps to look from above to line up the opening of the cover with the opening of the bowl. The cover must be lined up exactly to slide into place. This ensures a secure seal to prevent leaks and keep nectar fresh.
Step 4: Hang and Enjoy
To deter ants, fill the ant moat with water (open area in the middle of the feeder not covered). Hang your feeder in a location that's easy for hummingbirds to spot while offering some protection from intense afternoon sun.
For best results:
- Hang 5–7 feet above the ground, not too low to the ground (away from predators).
- Position near nectar rich flowers, shrubs, or natural cover.
- Keep feeders visible but away from heavy foot traffic.
- Choose a location where you can comfortably enjoy the view.
- Under roof eves or a shepherd's hook under a shaded tree are great locations.
- Hummingbirds should have easy access in and out to feed feeling safe.
Once you've found the perfect place and filled your feeder with fresh nectar. Sit back and watch the wonder unfold. But if you're new to bird feeding, be patient! It can take hummingbirds some time to get comfortable with your feeder and trust your food source. Continue to change nectar every few days, cleaning the feeder fully between refills.
The Best Nectar for Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds don't need dyes, additives, or preservatives. In fact, simpler is better.
For the healthiest feeding experience, use high-quality nectar formulated specifically for hummingbirds or just plain sugar & water works fine too!
Our Favorite Recommendation
Pop's Birding Hummingbird Nectarade & Nectarlyte
Benefits include:
- Easy-to-mix formula
- No harmful dyes or preservatives
- Added electrolytes help with hummingbird hydration
- Added calcium to support eggshell growth
- Convenient storage and preparation
Fresh nectar helps create repeat visits and keeps your hummingbird friends coming back day after day.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hummingbird Feeder?
Clean feeders are one of the most important factors in successful hummingbird feeding.
Even when nectar looks clean, bacteria, mold, and fermentation can begin developing—especially during warm or humid weather.
General Cleaning Schedule
Cool Weather (below 70°F):
- Every 5–7 days
Warm Weather (70–85°F):
- Every 3–5 days
Hot Weather (above 85°F):
- Every 1–2 days
If the nectar becomes cloudy, immediately empty, clean, and refill the feeder with fresh nectar.
How to Clean Your AspenPerch® Feeder
Regular cleaning keeps hummingbirds healthy and your feeder performing at its best.
Cleaning Steps
- Disassemble the feeder. First use the counter pressure on the rod to lift the cover up and empty any remaining water. Unthread the brass rod and place it on the counter.
- Wash the feeder bowl and cover thoroughly with warm water.
- Use a scrubbing brush to clean feeding ports and hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse completely. Ensure there is no left over soap or residue.
- Allow all parts to dry before refilling.
*Avoid using harsh chemicals or scented soaps, which can leave residues that may be harmful to birds.
Is the AspenPerch Dishwasher Safe?
Yes. The AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder is dishwasher safe (top rack only) for easy cleaning and maintenance.
For best results:
- Place components on the top rack only.
- Use a normal wash cycle.
- Allow parts to cool before reassembly.
While dishwasher cleaning is convenient, we still recommend periodically inspecting feeding ports and seals to ensure they remain clean and clear. You may still need to brush clean feeding ports and any small areas to prevent mold from occuring.
Keep Pests Away with HummGuard™ Nectar Tips
Nothing disrupts a peaceful hummingbird visit like unwanted flying insects!
That's where HummGuard™ helps.
Tips for Preventing Ants and Other Pests
- Keep your feeder clean and free of spilled nectar. A cleaner feeder means happier hummingbirds and fewer unwanted visitors.
- Regularly wipe down exterior surfaces.
- Replace nectar frequently.
- Inspect hanging areas for ant trails. Refill ant moat with water as needed to keep ants away.
- Use HummGuard™ nectar tips as an added barrier to keep flying insects from contaminating nectar. Install on the underside of feeding ports on cover.
Backed by Our Lifetime Warranty
At Pop's Birding, we build products to last because we know birding isn't just a hobby—it's a lifelong source of joy and connection.
That's why your AspenPerch® Hummingbird Feeder is backed by our Lifetime Warranty.
If you ever experience a manufacturing defect or product issue, our team is here to help. We stand behind every feeder we make because we care deeply about the birding community and the products that help create meaningful hummingbird encounters.
For warranty details or support, simply reach out to our customer care team.
Complete Your Hummingbird Sanctuary
Want to create a space hummingbirds will return to again and again? These customer favorites pair perfectly with your AspenPerch® feeder.
Hummingbird Nectar
Fresh nectar is the foundation of every successful feeding station. Keep extra on hand so you're always ready for refill day.
Hummingbird Swings
Give hummingbirds a place to rest, survey their territory, and show off their incredible personalities.
Many birders find that adding a swing near their feeder creates even more opportunities for observation and photography.
Wildflower Seed Mixes
Planting hummingbird-friendly flowers provides natural food sources while creating a beautiful habitat that supports pollinators all season long.
A combination of feeders, swings, and nectar-rich blooms helps transform your yard into a thriving hummingbird haven.
Welcome to the Pop's Birding Family
Your AspenPerch feeder is more than a feeder—it's an invitation.
An invitation to slow down.
To spend a few extra moments on the porch.
To share a little wonder with family and friends.
And to experience the joy that only hummingbirds can bring.
Thank you for choosing Pop's Birding. We're honored to be part of your birding journey, and we can't wait for you to experience the magic that's headed your way.
Here's to many unforgettable hummingbird moments ahead.
