The takeaway: Depending on where you live, it may make sense to put your smart bird feeder away for the winter. This blog explains more and provides tips.

Depending on where you live, winter is either here or on its way. The cold months of winter may be a good time to winterize your FeatherSnap smart bird feeder–but it all depends on where you live. This blog walks you through the decision making process and provides steps to follow to get your feeder ready for winter.

Should You Take Your FeatherSnap Down for the Winter?

There is no hard rule about whether to keep your feeder up or take it down for the winter. What you decide to do depends more on where you live.

The FeatherSnap feeder can be left up year round–its operating temperature ranges from -20F to 130F (-29C to 54C). Risks from leaving your feeder out when its colder than -20F or hotter than 130F include battery and camera problems, material stress or cracking, seed spoilage and clumping, frozen nectar, and reduced solar charging efficiency.

What You Should Do Depending on Where You Live

The right approach can change based on whether you are in a cold and snowy, a cold and dry, a rainy, or a desert climate.

→ Does the temperature where you live drop below -20F/-29C? If so, consider taking the feeder down during the coldest period, and remove or empty the seed or nectar before the cold snaps. Store the feeder indoors and inspect it after for cracks or damage.

→ Do you live in a place that’s cold and snowy? Keep the feeder up, but fill it with high-fat, high-energy seed or suet to help birds when natural food is scarce. Consider a heated bird bath nearby. Check the feeder frequently for spoilage or damage. 

→ Do you live in a rainy location? Keep the feeder up, but keep an eye on moisture as wet seed can mold. Regularly clean and dry the feeder.

→ Do you live in an arid or desert-like location–one that may be chilly but otherwise dry? Keep your feeder up, and check frequently to make sure it’s clean and has enough seed–your feeder will likely be busier in the winter than it is in the summer due to wintering birds in the area.

How to Store Your Feeder If You Take It Down for Winter

If you remove your feeder for the winter:

  • Empty out all the seed and throw any leftovers away

  • Remove any detachable parts, including the camera

  • Wash the feeder thoroughly with water, disinfect it with a mild bleach solution, rinse it well, and let it dry completely

  • Reassemble the feeder then store it indoors so that cold, moisture, or animals don’t disturb it

  • Here are specific instructions on how to clean a smart hummingbird feeder.

Ongoing Winter Maintenance If You Keep Your Feeder Up

  • Check the seed frequently for dampness, clumping or mold

  • Throw away any wet or spoiled seed immediately

  • Wipe snow, ice, or moisture from the feeder roof and seed tray

  • Keep the lens and camera area free of snow or ice

When You Take It Out in the Spring

After winter storage, there are a few things you should do before rehanging your feeder:

  • Clean it again quickly

  • Reassemble it

  • Refill it with fresh seed

  • Remount the camera

  • Recharge the battery

  • Perform a quick test to make sure it’s on and transmitting imagery