Hello George, Thank you for contacting More Birds. It is normal for a little bit of nectar to spill out when filling and hanging the feeder, or when it is tilted. I find it helpful to fill the feeder upside-down and then flip it right-side-up once outside. When the bottle is tightly secured to the base and the feeder is turned upright quickly to create a vacuum, it should not leak after the feeder is hung. If you still experience leaks from your hummingbird feeder, it is very possible that your feeder has a crack. Check for any cracks on both the feeder and feeding ports. Additionally, placing your feeder in direct sunlight can cause leakage because the sunlight will expand the plastic. It is recommended to place your feeder in partial sunlight. If you have any additional questions about leaks coming from your hummingbird feeder, please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-352-9164 or email us at consumerservices@classicbrands.net and any one of our Customer Service Reps will be happy to assist you. Our hours are 7 am - 4:30 pm Mon-Fri (EST).