Feeding Hummingbirds
Keep your feeders clean. Putting out a feeders to attract hummingbirds, who need to feed frequently, especially during migration, is a very popular activity. However, using the wrong kinds of sugar solutions or leaving moldy feeders out can kill hummingbirds and their babies.
Use the right sugar solutions.
Perfect Hummer Food Recipe:
One part sugar to four parts water- stir until sugar is dissolved.
Measure examples:
- One cup of sugar to four cups of water.
- 3/4 cup sugar to 3 cups of water.
- 2 cup sugar to 2 cups of water.
Adding red food-dye coloring is unnecessary. Don=t use honey in our feeders, as this can kill hummingbirds.
Ant and Bee Control: An ant moat above the feeder will drown most ants. You can also spray cooking oil around the hanger but this makes a sticky mess and will have to be repeated throughout the year. The best way to avoid bees is to deny them access to the syrup. Feeders built to be bee and wasp-proof where the syrup level is too low for them to reach, but easily in range of the shortest hummingbirds tongue to work. Keep the bee guards on your feeders at all times.
Feeders: Choose feeders that are easy to clean such as the AHummZinger,@ Perky-Pets model 221 AHummingbird Oasis,@ or the Droll Yankee model L-F. It is essential that the feeder comes apart so that you can clean all surfaces thoroughly. Both the Hummziner and the Oasis have moats in the middle to hold water to keep the ants out. Another feature of these feeders is they provide unobstructed views of hummingbirds at the feeding ports on the feeders. To clean feeders use only vinegar and water. Do not use bleach or soap, traces left in feeders will harm birds.
SOURCES: BIRDS AND BLOOMS, KERN RIVER AUDUBON PRESERVE