If you’re like me and love spending time outdoors, especially enjoying the sights and sounds of nature, you’ve probably considered adding a hummingbird feeder to your yard.
These tiny, vibrant birds are a delight to watch as they flit from flower to flower, and providing them with a reliable source of nectar can make your garden or patio even more appealing.
Recently, I came across the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder, and after spending some time with it, I’ve got a few things to share. Spoiler alert: it might not be the best option out there.
Before I jump into the details, if you’re already convinced that you need a hummingbird feeder and are shopping around, I recommend checking out trusted retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or your local garden center.
These places usually offer a variety of feeders, so you can compare options and find the one that’s right for you.
What Is The Sherem Hummingbird Feeder?
The Sherem Hummingbird Feeder is marketed as an upgraded 2024 model, designed with a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The idea behind this feeder is to attract hummingbirds quickly with its bright colors and unique wind chime design while also providing a safe and enjoyable feeding experience for the birds.
Here’s what Sherem promises:
- Leak-proof design: No one likes sticky, sugary messes on their patio, right?
- Sturdy and lightweight: Easy to hang anywhere, whether on your porch, in the garden, or on a tree.
- 30 feeding spots: Plenty of room for multiple birds to feed at once.
- 12 oz capacity: Large enough to hold plenty of nectar, so you’re not constantly refilling.
- Easy to clean: Because let’s be honest, no one wants to spend too much time scrubbing bird feeders.
Sounds good on paper, right? But as with most things, the real test is how it performs in the wild—or in your backyard.
My Experience With The Sherem Hummingbird Feeder
When I first got the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder, I was excited to set it up and see if it would live up to the hype. The setup was straightforward, and I appreciated how lightweight it was, making it easy to hang in a convenient spot on my porch.
The feeder’s design is indeed attractive, with vibrant colors that caught my eye, and I figured they would catch the hummingbirds’ attention too.
However, after a few weeks of use, some flaws became apparent.
Pros of the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder
Let’s start with the positives because there are a few aspects of the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder that I did appreciate.
- Attractive Design: The wind chime and feeder combo is a unique touch that adds a bit of whimsy to your outdoor space. It’s a conversation starter, for sure.
- Easy to Hang: As advertised, the feeder is lightweight and easy to install. I had it up and ready within minutes.
- Multiple Feeding Spots: With 30 feeding spots, there’s plenty of room for more than one hummingbird, which is great if you have a lot of these little visitors.
- Affordable: The price point is reasonable, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
Cons of the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder
Unfortunately, the cons started to outweigh the pros pretty quickly. Here’s where the Sherem feeder fell short for me.
- Leakage Issues: Despite the claim of being leak-proof, I found nectar leaking from the feeder after just a couple of days. This led to a sticky mess on my porch that was a pain to clean up and attracted ants—definitely not what I wanted.
- Durability Concerns: The plastic material, while lightweight, doesn’t seem very durable. After a few weeks, the feeder started showing signs of wear and tear, and the hook didn’t seem as sturdy as it should be.
- Difficult to Clean: Contrary to the product description, I found the feeder challenging to clean. The design has a lot of small crevices where mold and residue can build up, making it difficult to thoroughly clean.
- Attractiveness to Hummingbirds: Surprisingly, the feeder didn’t attract as many hummingbirds as I had hoped. I’m not sure if it was the design or the placement, but the birds in my area didn’t seem particularly interested in it.
Tips For The Sherem Hummingbird Feeder
If you already own this feeder or decide to try it out despite the cons, here are some maintenance tips that might help you get the most out of it.
- Clean Frequently: I recommend cleaning the feeder at least twice a week, especially during hot weather. This will help prevent mold buildup and ensure the nectar stays fresh.
- Check for Leaks: Keep an eye on the feeder for any signs of leakage. If you notice any, try tightening the lid or adjusting the placement of the feeder to minimize the mess.
- Protect from Ants: Since this feeder seems prone to leaking, you might want to consider adding an ant moat or placing the feeder in an area where ants can’t easily reach it.
- Monitor Wear and Tear: Given the durability concerns, it’s a good idea to regularly check the feeder for signs of damage. If you notice any cracks or weakening of the hook, it might be time to replace the feeder.
Comparing Sherem With Other Hummingbird Feeders
Now, let’s talk about how the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder stacks up against other popular options on the market. Here’s a quick comparison of some key factors:
| Feature | Sherem Hummingbird Feeder | Perky-Pet Glass Feeder | First Nature Feeder | Audubon Hummingbird Feeder |
| Material | Plastic | Glass | Plastic | Glass |
| Capacity | 12 oz | 16 oz | 32 oz | 20 oz |
| Feeding Spots | 30 | 4 | 10 | 4 |
| Leak-Proof | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ease of Cleaning | Difficult | Easy | Easy | Moderate |
| Durability | Low | High | Moderate | High |
| Price | Affordable | Moderate | Affordable | Moderate |
Alternatives To Consider
Given the issues I experienced with the Sherem feeder, you might want to consider some alternatives that are better suited for long-term use and are more reliable overall.
- Perky-Pet Glass Hummingbird Feeder: This is a classic choice for a reason. The glass construction is durable, easy to clean, and less prone to leaking. It might be a bit pricier than the Sherem, but you’re likely to get more value in the long run.
- First Nature Hummingbird Feeder: This plastic feeder is similar to Sherem in terms of material but offers a much larger capacity and better durability. It’s also designed to be leak-proof and is easy to clean.
- Audubon Hummingbird Feeder: If you’re looking for something with a bit more prestige, the Audubon feeder is a great option. It’s designed with input from the Audubon Society, ensuring it meets high standards for bird safety and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Sherem Hummingbird Feeder has some appealing features, but overall, it falls short in terms of durability, ease of cleaning, and leak-proof performance. If these factors are important to you, you might want to consider other options.
The best hummingbird feeder depends on your specific needs. If you’re looking for durability and ease of cleaning, glass feeders like the Perky-Pet are a great choice. For a larger capacity, First Nature’s feeder is worth considering.
The Audubon Society recommends feeders that are easy to clean, durable, and designed to provide a safe feeding environment for birds. They often suggest glass feeders with multiple feeding ports and ant moats to protect the nectar from pests.
Glass hummingbird feeders are generally better in terms of durability and ease of cleaning. They are less prone to absorbing odors or colors and are typically more resistant to UV damage. However, plastic feeders are usually more affordable and lightweight, making them easier to hang in various locations.
Conclusion: Should You Buy the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder?
After spending some time with the Sherem Hummingbird Feeder, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend it.
While it has some appealing features, like its attractive design and affordability, the cons outweigh the pros, especially if you’re looking for a feeder that will last and provide a good experience for both you and the hummingbirds.
If you’re set on trying it out, make sure to keep a close eye on it for leaks and durability issues. However, if you want a more reliable option, I’d suggest looking at alternatives like the Perky-Pet or First Nature feeders.
In the end, the best place to buy your hummingbird feeder might depend on what you value most—price, durability, or ease of maintenance. For me, I’ve found that spending a little more upfront on a higher-quality feeder has saved me time, money, and frustration in the long run.