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Leslie from Texas please do not put red
food coloring in the hummers food. It can cause the birds to get tumors
and it will kill them. they will drink the uncolored food as fast as the
colored food. I also use a 4 to 1 mixture after the first feeders. When
the feeder goes out in early May for the first time I make it 3 to 1 as
they need the extra energy after the long flight north to Canada.
Nancy in NB
May sound like a silly request, but does anyone
have "recipe" for the nectar to go into a hummingbird feeder? My daughter gave
me a beautiful hummingbird feeder for Mother's Day but I'm not sure how to
prepare the nectar. I know there has to be enough sugar in it to keep them
coming back. Some folks think that it's the color red that attracts the little
birds to start with and that's why most feeders have a lot of red on them. I've
also been told the the nectar itself should be red in color. I don't suppose
adding vegetable based food coloring would be harmful in any way to the bird. My
feeder is made of very thick pale green glass (sort of like the old Coca Cola
bottles) and has two small red glass flowers on each side for the birds to drink
the nectar through. Is that enough red, or should I also put red dye in the
water to attract them? I hope the glass is not too thick for the color to be
visible. Any hummingbird experts out there that can help?
Gail in LA
Hummingbird Food
It's a 4 to 1 mixture. One cup sugar, to four cups of water. I boil the
water (rolling boil), then carefully add the sugar and stir until it's
completely dissolved. Cool, and fill CLEAN feeders. I always wash in soap
and water, or a bleach solution to kill the bacteria, or the earwigs or ants
that have found their way in there.
I hope this helps, and is the info you were looking for.
Mary in Oregon
This is my recipe for
Hummingbird food.
Orlena in Illinois
Hummingbird Food
1 part cane sugar/ 4 parts water ( no chlorine or fluoride) Measure and add
sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. Let cool and store
excess in refrigerator until ready to use.
Fill one-third of the container and be sure to change the mixture twice a
week. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and
a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit bacteria/mold. Rinse thoroughly
before refilling with water syrup.
I also want to Thank Janet in PA for the web sites in Ohio for Our Amish
visit.
Hi Nancy, one of your guests
on Thursday August 25 asked about feeding Hummingbirds. I bring to a boil
and dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 4 cups water. (1 part sugar to 4 parts water)
Be sure to let the mixture cool. If you have extra mixture store the
remainder in the refrigerator. Hope this helps...my "hummers" love it. Fran
Hi Nancy and those precious
little kitties and of course all the great people out there, I have an
answer for Sally who wanted to know if there was something she could make
for her hummingbirds {8/25 newsletter}
It is really easy to maka a nectar for them....the ratio is 4 to 1 as: 1 cup
water and 1/4 c. sugar. Just heat the water till it boils, add the sugar,
stir and let cool enough to pour into your feeder. I have been making it
this way for yrs....Some people add some red food coloring, I don't as there
is red on my feeder and that is what attracts them...Hope this helps.
D in florida
In your Thursday, August 25th
newsletter, Sally requested a homemade recipe for hummingbirds. I've been
using the following recipe for over 20 years newspaper.
Boil 2 cups of water, stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, return to
boiling, then cook, uncovered. Store in fridge.
Stick to the 4 parts water to 1 part sugar proportions - don't be tempted to
make your nectar sweeter, as more sugar may be harmful to hummers. And never
use honey, it can make the birds sick. Keep your nectar feeder immaculate to
prevent formation of molds. Wash, rinse and refill feeders often, at least
every 2 or 3 days. Once a week, scrub feeder using a mild vinegar solution
and a small bottle brush to reach into crevices that may harbor mold.
We so enjoy our hummers and look forward, every summer, to their return.
Joann in SC
Making your own Hummingbird
food:
4 parts water / 1 part sugar
Bring water to a boil and stir in sugar. Boil for 2-3 minutes. Let cool.
Excess nectar / hummingbird food can be stored in a tightly covered jar in
refrigerator for one week.
Do NOT substitute honey for sugar!!
Lisa
There were many messages on
making humming bird nectar. It seemed to have all the information that was
sent in by our members.
Thanks to Elaine in Rancho Cucamonga, Bette Hiatt, Lou, Fl., Alex, Renie
from Mass., Pat in North Carolina, Nancy from New Brunswick Canada, LaVerne
- Alabama, Janet in Oregon, Vicki in Houston, SherryR in WV, Krukewitt,
Makie from Mich, Cat in Oklahoma, Nancy D in Vancouver, BC, Dee in Florida,
Betty, Tom, Sue, Linda, Dee in Florida and Patsy, Deb from Ga.,
Greatgran11, Sandee in West TN, Joyce, in TX , Doris/Clayton-Ohio, Elaine
in Oh, Shirley from Michigan for their responses.
Homemade Hummingbird Nectar
By George Steiner and Judy Steiner
HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPE
We love hummingbirds and love to watch them throughout the day, especially
after a long day, relaxing in our backyard nature retreat.
We have 4 feeders that are strategically located throughout our gardens. The
red, hummingbird nectar feeders ( red attracts hummingbirds) are placed in
areas that are naturally defined “territories” ( as you know, hummingbirds
are very territorial) which helps cut down on the fighting.
Our recipe is derived from the old standard recipe, but please be aware that
a lot of research has gone into making sure that we are providing the most
beneficial source of hummingbird food replacement.
Our recipe starts with cane sugar. As you know, there are two sources of
sugar: cane sugar and beet sugar, of which 70% of the world’s supply comes
from cane sugar. Both are chemically “sucrose” and fall into the
carbohydrate family. Carbohydrates are easily digested and provide the
immediate “energy boost” that hummingbirds need to sustain their incredibly
high metabolism. (Comment: I guess if we humans had that kind of metabolism
we wouldn’t be facing our obesity crisis! Wow…what a concept …more exercise
…increased metabolic rate …burn more calories …less fat).
Sorry! Back to the topic…the second constituent our hummingbird food recipe
is water. Ever thought about the type of water you use for your hummingbird
food? We have. The hummingbird’s source water comes from the naturally
occurring water sources available: dew, rain water and deposits of rain
water, people provided (bird baths), and finally that provided in the
hummingbird’s diet.
We use our tap water which is supplied from our well. The water’s chemical
composition is generally hard ( contains calcium and magnesium) but has a
TDS ( Total Dissolved Solids) of 275 ppm with no measurable concentrations
of lead or arsenic. Its safe for us to drink so the hummers get the benefits
of some added minerals. We feel its better than using distilled or purified
water in our hummingbird recipe.
Now, if you’re a city dweller, you may have chlorine or flouride added to
your water. I’d recommend boiling that water to flash off the chlorine or
flouride, 5 minutes of boiling should be sufficient.
Next ingredient ….RED COLORING….No way!
Lets look at it from a hummingbird’s perspective. They like red and are
attracted to the color due to genetics and environmental stimuli … flowers.
If your hummingbird feeder is red… why do you need more?
Naturally occurring nectar is clear and odorless ( Hummingbirds are not
attracted by scent). So why buy these colored or scented mixes?
The red coloring (Red #40) has been banned in countries due to its mutagenic
properties ( can cause cancer). Why would you want to introduce chemicals
into the hummingbird’s diet that are foreign to their digestive system?
Several experienced, licensed wildlife rehabilitators have reported seeing
disturbing damage in hummers that were known to use dyed syrup, including
tumors of the bill and liver.
Here is our researched hummingbird food recipe:
1 part cane sugar/ 4 parts water ( no chlorine or fluoride) Measure and add
sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. Let cool and store
excess in refrigerator until ready to use.
Fill one-third of the container and be sure to change the mixture twice a
week. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and
a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit bacteria/mold. Rinse thoroughly
before refilling with water syrup.
Hope you enjoyed the article!
George Steiner
www.hum-ming-bird.com
George and wife Judy are empty nesters (ah ha no wonder the affinity for
birds!) who enjoy the outdoors, stained glass and eagerly awaiting for the
truckloads of laundry that their two college daughters bring home. Of
recent, the internet has played an integral part in George's lengthening "To
Do" list and Judy's search for a internet rehabilitation center.
1 part cane sugar/ 4 parts water ( no chlorine or
fluoride) Measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of
water. Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.
Fill one-third of the container and be sure to change the mixture twice a
week. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and
a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit bacteria/mold. Rinse thoroughly
before refilling with water syrup.
Ricci in PA
I found the next two articles too.
Thought the information might be helpful to others.
Nancy
For the Birds: Selecting and Placing a
Bird House
By Scott Kirchoff
Bird watching brings enjoyment to many people. Selecting and correct
placement of bird house can attract many birds to your yard. The correct
bird house can bring enjoyment and viewing pleasure from the comfort of your
own home.
Selecting the correct bird house or feeder is important to attracting birds
to your yard. There is a wide variety available from very decorative to
functional. With the right selection you can have an attractive addition to
your yards landscape and give your feathered friends a functional place to
nest.
When selecting a bird house there are many factors to consider. Robins will
nest in an enclosed bird house but prefer an open area such as a nesting
post. Wrens and other similar small birds prefer an enclosed boxed
structure. Many bird houses have small openings suited to birds like wrens.
Many birds will not nest in a house that has multiple chambers preferring a
single box structure. You can select a decorative structure to add beauty to
your yard while giving your area birds an attractive place to nest.
Placement is important in attracting birds to your structure. Do not place
your house near a feeder but try to place it near convenient cover for the
birds. Near by bushes or trees will give the nesting birds a place to dart
to when they sense danger. Many birds will not nest in an area where there
are other birds or back yard animals like squirrels and rabbits. Feeders
will attract many animals other than birds.
Nesting birds will seek areas away from the commotion of feeders and bird
baths but these structures will aid in attracting nesting birds. Convenient
water and food sources in another area of your yard will provide an easy
source of needed sustenance for the birds that have selected you bird house
to nest.
Do not face the opening of your bird house to the South or East. The direct
sunlight from these directions will cause your bird house to be to warm in
the morning and mid-day hours.
Try to mount your bird house on a pole or post rather than hanging it from a
tree. A post will protect your nesting birds from back yard predators.
Keeping your bird house clean is very important to the health of birds that
have selected your structure and to your family. Clean your bird house every
spring. Remember to wear gloves and a face mask when cleaning your bird
house. Cleaning will not only protect the health of the birds but will
ensure your bird house can be an eye catching element of your landscape for
many years.
Make sure to keep your feeders and bird baths clean and full of food and
water. You may have to fill you water source a couple times throughout the
day.
With thought, planning and a little maintenance the addition of a bird house
can bring birds to your yard every year to give you viewing pleasure in your
own back yard.
Scott Kirchoff manages news and information for
http://www.sekwholesale.com, an
online supplier of home décor, gardening supplies, and exceptional gifts
(including a huge selection of bird houses).
About Hummingbirds and How to
Attract Them to Your Garden
by Lesley Dietschy
Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving from
flower to flower in search of the tasty nectar within. These beautiful and
tiny birds weigh about 2 to 20 grams and are found in a wide variety of
environments from the high Andes to lowlands, and from dry desert areas to
rainforests. They have slender beaks, extensible tongues, ten primary
feathers, and tiny feet suitable for perching but not walking.
Hummingbirds can fly straight up, straight down, backwards, left, right, and
even upside down. While most birds obtain their flight strength only from
the down stroke, hummingbirds have power on the up stroke as well.
Most hummingbirds flap their wings about fifty times a second and have a
very fast heartbeat and high body temperature. They feed every ten minutes
or so throughout the day and typically consume two-thirds of their body
weight in a single day. Their source of nutrition is primarily nectar from
flowers, as well as sources of protein from insects and tiny spiders.
The key to attracting hummingbirds to your garden mainly consists of the
right type of flowers and places where they can perch and rest during the
day, such as trees or large plants. Hummingbirds are guided by visual means
and are particularly attracted to certain shades of red. According to The
Hummingbird Society, there are several possible explanations for their
preference of red blossoms. Given that insects also see nectar, they can be
regarded as competitors. Nearly all insects see well in the visible and
near-ultraviolet light but poorly in the red end of the spectrum. Also, a
red blossom may appear nearly black and unattractive to a number of insects,
but not to the hummingbird, which can see the full visible spectrum but also
some in the ultraviolet. This makes it less likely that an insect has taken
nectar from a red flower. Another likely explanation is that during
migration, red blossoms effectively contrast with a green environment more
than other colored flowers do.
Hummingbirds are welcomed guests to nearly all gardens. By planting
flowering shrubs and plants that are their favored food source, we can
easily attract them to become regular visitors to our gardens. Below is a
short list of their preferred flowering plants by common name, separated by
region:
Southeastern United States:
• Butterfly Bush • Cardinal Flower • Coral or Trumpet Honeysuckle • Cypress
Vine • Native Trumpet Creeper • Texas Sage
Southwest United States:
• Indian Paintbrush • Lantana • Lily of the Nile • Mexican Honeysuckle •
Texas Sage • Western Coral Bean
West Coast United States:
• Beebalm • Bottle Brush • Cape Fuchsia • Colombine • Salmonberry • Woodland
Orchard
Northeastern United States:
• Blue Lobelia • Cardinal Flower • Hollyhock • Red Morning Glory • Salvia •
Scarlet Sage
Midwest United States:
• Coral Bells • Coral Honeysuckle • Foxglove • Hosta • Impatients • Lilac
Even though flowers are the natural means to attract hummingbirds to your
garden, man-made feeders filled with a mixture of water and sugar (sucrose)
are an essential alternative. Sugar, whether from a flower or a feeder, is a
necessary nutrient in a hummingbird’s diet. Tests have shown that
hummingbirds favor sucrose in flower nectar more than other sugars such as
fructose and glucose. Therefore, with the proper ratio of ingredients, your
feeder becomes a good substitute to the flowers that hummingbirds like best.
The formula for the mixture used in hummingbird feeders is 4 parts water
(not distilled) to 1 part table sugar. Boil the mixture for one to two
minutes, then cool and store in refrigerator. The mixture can be stored in
the refrigerator for up to one week. Do not use red food coloring, honey, or
artificial sweeteners in your mixture, as this could be harmful to the
hummingbirds.
If one of your goals is to attract hummingbirds to your garden, a visit to
your local nursery is a great starting point. Find an experienced employee
who can tell you which species of plants grow well in your area and have a
history of successfully attracting hummingbirds. Most importantly, be
imaginative and have fun planting and growing your garden to attract
beautiful hummingbirds.
Lesley Dietschy may be contacted at
http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com
lesley@homedecorexchange.com
Lesley Dietschy is a freelance writer and the creator/editor of The Home
Decor Exchange and the Home & Garden Exchange. The Home Decor Exchange is a
popular home and garden website featuring resources, articles, decorating
pictures, free projects, a shopping marketplace, and more. The Home & Garden
Exchange is a unique link exchange directory dedicated to home and garden
websites. Please visit both sites for all of your home, garden, and website
needs.
http://www.HomeDecorExchange.com
http://www.HomeGardenExchange.com
Nancy....can't tell you how much we
love the recipes from your newsletter. . After many years of the art of
cooking we still enjoy many of the recipes friends have sent to the
newsletter.
For the hummingbird food mixture. our family of hummers return every year.
they usually leave our area by September 15th. for I don't no where. Here is
the mixture. 2 cups of tap water to 1/2 cup sugar. bring to a boil and when
cool fill the feeder. Just thought of one thing . our tap water is from our
own well-hope that does not make a difference. One important thing to know
is to never wash a feeder.with anything like soap or chemicals. I brush
clean ours with plain water and a old toothbrush. have used our feeders for
many years.
L.uv your newsletter, jw
Hummingbird Food Recipe
2 cups water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
Boil the two until the sugar is entirely dissolved, let cool and then fill
your hummingbird feeder with it. There is no need to add red food coloring,
as your hummingbird feeder should already have red in it. This mixture will
last for up to a week in the feeder (in the shade) before starting to
ferment. When you go to replace it, make sure you clean the feeder well.
Linda in NM
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