How Do You Get Hummingbird Feeders Unstuck? (Fix)

If a hummingbird feeder has become stuck, there are a few different ways to get it unstuck. The most important thing is to not force the feeder open or you risk breaking the glass and injuring yourself. Use one of these methods to free your feeder:

Hummingbird feeder stuck and not dispensing, fix for Airlock

Takeaways
Getting hummingbird feeders unstuck can be challenging.
Applying heat to the stuck parts can help loosen them.
Using lubricants like vegetable oil or petroleum jelly can aid in unsticking the feeder.
Tapping or gently twisting the feeder can also help release the stuck parts.
If all else fails, seeking professional assistance or replacing the feeder may be necessary.

Use Apple Cider Vinegar

This method is the most effective, but also one that requires more work on your part. To get your hummingbird feeder unstuck with vinegar, you will need:

A plastic spray bottle

Apple cider vinegar

Once you have all of these items, follow these steps:

Fill up the spray bottle with warm water and pour in apple cider vinegar until it’s full (about 1/3 full). The apple cider vinegar should be at room temperature when you use it so that it doesn’t shock the hummingbirds when they try to drink from their feeder.

If there isn’t enough room for both ingredients in your container, just fill up another bottle or jar for storing any leftover mixture (see step 5).

Spray this solution onto your feeder using a plastic spray bottle with a nozzle on top so that you don’t make too much of a mess on yourself when trying this method out!

You want to cover every inch of plastic hanging from your feeder by spraying slowly but steadily until everything becomes saturated; this includes both sides as well as anywhere else where there may be crevices where ants might hide out inside those parts of their home.

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Hot Water

The easiest way to get your hummingbird feeders unstuck is by using hot water. You can use any type of pan or bowl, but it needs to be large enough for the feeder and its contents to fit in comfortably.

First, fill your container with hot water from the tap until it reaches a temperature of about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Then place your feeder inside and let it sit for about 10 minutes (up to 30 minutes if you want).

Afterward, remove the feeder from the pan/bowl and check if any glue remains around its base; if so, clean it off thoroughly with soap and water before re-hanging your feeder outside again!

Use	Benefit
Cooking	Speeds up cooking process and aids in food preparation
Cleaning	Helps remove tough stains and grease more effectively
Hygiene	Kills germs and bacteria, promoting cleanliness
Relaxation	Relieves muscle tension and promotes relaxation
Pain Relief	Provides relief for sore muscles and joint pain
Medicinal Purposes	Assists in soothing congestion and respiratory discomfort
Brewing Beverages	Essential for making tea, coffee, and other hot beverages
Laundry	Enhances the effectiveness of detergent for cleaner clothes
Home Maintenance	Facilitates tasks like melting ice or defrosting frozen pipes
Skincare	Opens pores for deep cleansing and can soothe skin conditions

WD-40

The answer to how do you get hummingbird feeders unstuck is WD-40. WD-40 is a penetrating oil that works by dissolving the glue and gunk that holds your feeder in place.

You can spray it directly on the rim of your hummingbird feeder, or on a rag or paper towel and use that to wipe down around the rim.

This will dislodge any dirt or grime that has built up over time, allowing it to move more freely when you next hang your feeder up again. While you’re at it, now may be a good time to clean off any dust from your other outdoor surfaces as well!

Barkeeper’s Friend

The best way to remove the suction is by using Barkeeper’s Friend.

Barkeeper’s Friend is a cleaning powder that you can find at most grocery stores and hardware stores.

It’s made of potassium carbonate, which works as an acid scrubber and removes stains from metal surfaces such as glass or stainless steel (or hummingbird feeder bases).

The white powder acts as an abrasive when added with water and rubbed on the surface of your hummingbird feeder base where it will then help remove any built up dirt or mold that may be causing your feeder to stick in place.

You can use either a sponge or cloth to apply this product onto the base of your hummingbird feeder; however, we recommend using a soft cloth so that you don’t scratch up any part of its surface while cleaning it off later down the road!

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Tea Tree Oil and Vinegar

If you’re not up to drinking or eating tea, go ahead and use the same method with vinegar. What is vinegar? It’s just a liquid that comes from fermenting fruit juice, like apples or grapes.

Once you’ve bought some vinegar, add it to the hummingbird feeder in a small amount—maybe 1-2 tablespoons for every cup of water—and then wait for 24 hours before trying to remove the feeder again.

Vinegar will be less effective than tea tree oil because it’s not as strong and won’t have as much impact on the glue holding your glass together.

However, if all else fails and you can’t get your hummingbird feeder unstuck with this method either, there are always other options available!

Use	Benefit
Skincare	Tea tree oil helps treat acne and vinegar balances pH levels
Cleaning	Vinegar acts as a natural cleaner and tea tree oil fights germs
Hair Care	Tea tree oil helps with dandruff and vinegar adds shine
Nail Health	Tea tree oil combats fungal infections and vinegar strengthens nails
Household Disinfection	Vinegar and tea tree oil create an effective natural disinfectant
Odor Elimination	Vinegar neutralizes odors and tea tree oil adds a fresh scent
Pest Control	Vinegar repels insects and tea tree oil deters pests
Foot Care	Tea tree oil treats athlete’s foot and vinegar helps with odor
Natural Remedies	Tea tree oil aids in treating cuts, burns, and skin irritations
Cooking	Vinegar adds flavor and tea tree oil is not typically used for cooking

Rubbing Alcohol

If you’ve tried the above methods and your hummingbird feeder is still stuck, then it’s time for some stronger measures.

Rubbing alcohol can help dissolve the residue around the feeder ports, but be careful—it will also dissolve plastic parts of a feeding station. If using rubbing alcohol, always use a spray bottle with one part water and two parts alcohol to dilute the solution.

It’s important to make sure there are no fumes from the mixture in your garden as these can harm birds. Spray each port area with this mixture for about 30 minutes before rinsing them thoroughly with warm water afterward.

Got a broken hummingbird feeder? Don’t worry! Find out what to do with broken hummingbird feeders and explore options for repairs or replacements to keep your hummingbirds happy.

Coconut Oil

If you’re not sure which side of your hummingbird feeder is the right one, just flip it over. The suction cups should be facing upward.

Use a spoon or knife to gently loosen the suction cups from whatever surface they may have attached themselves to. The hummingbird feeder will likely be stuck much more firmly than you expect, but with some effort and patience, you’ll be able to pry it off easily enough!

To loosen up any remaining gunk in your feeder base and make sure that no residue remains behind after you pull out your hummingbird feeder, apply a liberal amount of coconut oil along all sides of the base before reattaching its suction cups again.

Let this sit for at least an hour—the longer, the better! Once this has had time to soak into everything properly (and give things plenty of time for all those hungry hummers), rinse off any excess oil with warm water and wipe dry with paper towel or cloth towel before putting back onto window ledge/porch rail/backyard tree branch etcetera where they belong!

A Spoon or Knife

Use a spoon or knife to pry the feeder open.

Never use a sharp object, as this could damage the feeder.

Use a flat edge and gently pry open the feeder by applying pressure on opposite sides of where it’s stuck. This should be done in short bursts, so that your hummingbird doesn’t get frightened off by too much noise or movement.

Continue until the feeder opens up enough for you to slide out its tray or bottle base.

Keeping your hummingbird feeder clean is crucial for their health. Discover easy tips for cleaning a hummingbird feeder and maintaining a safe and hygienic feeding station for these tiny, vibrant birds

Soaking in Vinegar and Baking Soda

If your hummingbird feeder is stuck, there are a few things you can try. First and foremost, if it’s been sitting on the ground for a while and has gotten wet and dirty, take it inside and give it a good cleaning with soap and water.

If you don’t want to do that yourself, consider washing it in your dishwasher instead of by hand—you’re less likely to break any parts since they won’t be as delicate as if they were made out of glass.

If that doesn’t help much (or at all), try this method: Fill a small bowl with about 1-2 inches of vinegar and add about 1 teaspoon baking soda; put your hummingbird feeder in the bowl so that the bottom of it is submerged in the solution.

Leave overnight; then rinse thoroughly under running water before putting back outside or refilling with nectar solution

Commercial Cleaners

You can use a commercial cleaner to remove the buildup of dirt and grime that may have accumulated between the feeder’s ports. A gentle detergent is best; avoid harsh chemicals or those containing bleach or alcohol, as they may damage your hummingbird feeder.

It’s important to choose a clean that has been tested by wildlife experts to ensure it is safe for hummingbird feeders.

You should also look for cleaners that work well at removing dirt from hummingbird feeders without damaging their plastic components.

Cleaner Type	Uses
All-Purpose Cleaner	Suitable for various surfaces and general cleaning tasks
Glass Cleaner	Specifically formulated to clean glass surfaces
Bathroom Cleaner	Effective for removing soap scum and bathroom grime
Kitchen Cleaner	Designed to tackle grease and food stains in the kitchen
Floor Cleaner	Specifically formulated for different types of flooring
Disinfectant Cleaner	Kills germs and bacteria for a hygienic environment
Carpet Cleaner	Removes stains and refreshes carpets and rugs
Stainless Steel Cleaner	Provides shine and removes fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces
Furniture Polish	Enhances the appearance of wood furniture
Oven Cleaner	Removes baked-on grease and grime from ovens
Multipurpose Degreaser	Effective for removing tough grease and oil stains
Mold and Mildew Remover	Eliminates mold and mildew from various surfaces

Lemon Juice and Salt Paste

This method works really well in a pinch, but be sure to clean the feeder thoroughly with rubbing alcohol after doing this.

If your hummingbird feeder is really stuck, this can sometimes take a few days for the feeder to come unstuck. If you find that lemon juice and salt isn’t working for you, try this next method as well!

Mix together some lemon juice and salt until they form a thick paste

Apply the paste to your stuck hummingbird feeder
Let sit for 30 minutes or more (as long as it takes)

Boiling Water with a Spray Bottle or Pour Spout

If you’ve tried all of the above and still can’t get your hummingbird feeder unstuck, it’s time to bring out the big guns. This trick is best used during the winter when there are no hummingbirds around to drink from it.

Boil some water on your stovetop (or use a hot plate if you have one).
Place the hummingbird feeder in a pot or other container large enough to hold it and fill with boiling water until it reaches just below where your feeder sits in its holder.
Spray down any part of the feeder that isn’t submerged with boiling water until everything is clean and shiny.

Wondering how close your bird feeder should be to a window for optimal viewing? Explore our guide on placing a bird feeder near a window to find out the best distance and enjoy the enchanting sight of birds up close.

Conclusion

Once you’ve found a way to get your hummingbird feeder unstuck, you can clean it and refill it with nectar.

Try to keep the same ratio of sugar and water as before, since this will help the hummers recognize their usual food source.

You should also replace any old parts of your feeder that need replacing. Bees, ants, or other insects may find their way into your new setup if they are not careful!

FAQs

Can hummingbird feeders be left out overnight?

Yes, it is safe to leave hummingbird feeders out overnight. Hummingbirds are known to feed early in the morning and late in the evening, so having the feeder available overnight can ensure they have access to nectar when they need it.

How often should I refill my hummingbird feeder?

The frequency of refilling a hummingbird feeder depends on the weather and the activity level of the hummingbirds in your area. On average, it is recommended to refill the feeder every 2 to 3 days, or more frequently in hot weather or high hummingbird activity.

What is the best location for a hummingbird feeder?

The best location for a hummingbird feeder is in a shaded area that offers protection from direct sunlight. It should also be placed where it is easily visible and accessible for both you and the hummingbirds.

How do I prevent ants from getting to the hummingbird feeder?

To prevent ants from reaching the hummingbird feeder, you can use ant moats or traps, which are filled with water and create a barrier that ants cannot cross. Placing the feeder on a pole with an ant moat or applying an ant guard can help keep ants away.

Should I use red dye in the hummingbird feeder?

It is not necessary to use red dye in the hummingbird feeder. In fact, it is recommended to avoid using artificial dyes or food coloring as they may be harmful to hummingbirds. The bright red color of the feeder itself is usually enough to attract hummingbirds.

Dr. Hellen James (Vet)

I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.