How to Hang Bird Feeders

Find a spot to hang the bird feeder. Perky-Pet recommends a southeastern facing location that protects the feeder from the wind. Position the feeder toward the southeast because birds prefer eating in the sun, and this position will give them optimal sunlight. If you are hanging a hummingbird feeder, however, keep the feeder out of the sun's view because the sun can spoil the hummingbird nectar.

Keep the bird feeder safe from predators. Consider whether the feeder will have any obstructions overhead. Birds want to watch for predators and so will not like to eat anywhere that is obstructed from up top. Keep the bird feeder away from any trees so as to avoid squirrels and other predators jumping or leaping toward the birds as they eat. You may also want to consider adding a squirrel baffle, which will prevent squirrels from climbing down the wire you hang the bird feeder from. A pole will also keep squirrels off as long as you make sure it is tall enough (about 5 feet) and far enough away from any trees (about 10 feet).

Change any yellow parts of any commercial feeders that may contain sweet food (such as a hummingbird feeder) to red, or remove the part altogether. Hummingbirds.net recommends this because it has been found that bees, wasps and yellow jackets are attracted to the yellow color and will swarm feeders that have yellow on them.

Hang the bird feeder away from windows. Hummingbirds.net reports that some experts recommend this cautionary step because it may prevent any confused birds from crashing into the glass accidentally.

Hang the feeder near where birds are already found. If you have a garden of flowers that hummingbirds love, hang the feeder near there to get their attention.

Be patient. Just because birds are not immediately eating from your feeder just a few weeks after you hung it does not mean your location is bad. Wait for the birds to discover the feeder. Moving the feeder will delay birds finding it.