Hi,

I am considering getting the perky pet four fountain 8 oz feeder for next year. However, I noticed that the bee guards have the central opening blocked. Why do the manufacturer's do that?

thanks,
Suchie

Suchie, the Perky-Pet 'Four Fountains' is the most favored feeder at my place. However, it is not without flaws. The design of those bee guards is a function of the 'injection molding' manufacturing process. It doesn't make a lot of difference though because the birds prefer it if they are not used. The bee guards are only marginally effective at deterring bees and they are dangerous to the birds. Connie Sale showed some truly gruesome images of hummers with their bills woven through the mesh.

Because this model is a favorite of the hummers as well as orioles and House Finches, I always keep one out MINUS THE BIG RED FLOWERS THAT CATCH SPILLED NECTAR AND ALL KINDS OF DIRT AND MINUS THE BEE GUARDS. When bees become a problem, I switch to a different kind of feeder.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nancy L Newfield
Casa Colibrí
Metairie, Louisiana USA
USDA Zone 9

Nancy,

Thanks so much for the very informative response. This year, I only used the hummzinger (the birds did take to it) and the walmart feeders(birds prefer it, but a huge bee problem).

I was afraid that the bee guards might pose a problem and hence queried the experts. Since I was contemplating it mainly for the bee guards, I am going to stay away from it.

Suchie

Suchie I love Perky Pet feeders but stay away from the ones with bee guards. Those have not worked out well for me.

Dianne
Southeast Alabama
Heat Zone 8
Sunset Zone 31