Hummingbird Feeder Tube Test: Glass or Plastic?

As long as there have been test tube hummingbird feeders, the most frequently asked question is; “Should I use glass or plastic tubes?” Is there a difference in attracting hummingbirds? Does one material last longer than the other and is it easier to clean?

The most obvious difference in these materials is that glass breaks more easily than plastic. If you drop a glass tube instead of a plastic tube, it will probably break. However, a plastic tube scratches very easily. When placed outdoors in the normal elements, such as sun and rain, a plastic tube will turn a dark yellow color, while glass tubes are more resistant to weather conditions.

Cleaning the two different types of tubes can also be a challenge. The hummingbird nectar solution of water and sugar quickly turns into a sticky molasses-type compound. Removing this sticky nectar is more difficult with plastic tubes than glass. Many people use brushes or pipe cleaners specifically designed to get inside test tubes and clean them. These same hard-bristled brushes are necessary to get to the bottom of hummingbird feeders, but they tend to scratch softer plastic tubes. Glass tubes are clinically developed products that can withstand the constant cleaning required for all hummingbird feeders. Remember, the cleaner the feeder, the more hummingbirds you will attract to your backyard.

Even the red caps on the ends of test tube feeders need to be considered when making test tube decisions. Red caps that fit inside the rim of the tubes are easy to install, but more difficult to remove than red caps that are designed to go on the outside of the tube ends. After the nectar solution adheres to the inside surface of the test tube hummingbird feeders, it also forms a glue-like bond on the red lids. If you buy just the red caps that fit on the outside of the tubes, you won’t have that sticky joint problem. Simply run warm water over any stubborn tubes and properly designed red lids will pop right out of the test tube hummingbird feeders.

The most overlooked part of this style of hummingbird feeder is the copper wire. Many crafters, or anyone who wants to make their own tube feeders, use the wrong thickness. Copper is extremely flexible, which makes it prone to weakness in weather conditions. If you use the thinnest copper wire to hold the test tubes in place, you’ll discover your tubes on the ground in a very short period of time.