Size matters. This is the largest feeder I have yet to find. I mix up one cup of sugar in 30 oz of boiled water in a mayonnaise jar (6 at a time, actually) and fill my six feeders every day. They only need to be cleaned thoroughly about every 10 fillings. For that I use a bottle brush I got from a laboratory supply company. Same for base. If you let the feeders go empty for more than a few hours they will get yucky, sticky, and need more frequent cleanings. And, if you don't head off the ants at the pass you will have even a bigger mess. These problems plague all feeders I have ever owned. The 30 oz Perky Pet is the only one I use now. I am told that I have about 120-150 birds feeding on my six feeders. I would say that those people who don't have enough time to properly care for their feeders shouldn't tempt the birds. Who are they doing this for, anyway...the birds or themselves? Hope they don't have babies and then leave their diapers unchanged for two or three days. shame shame, no no