It is a common food source for hummingbirds because it gives them the energy they need to fly and maintain their high metabolism. Sugar water is a solution made by dissolving granulated sugar in water. This post will discuss how to make sugar water for hummingbirds, including the right proportions of sugar and water and how to clean the feeder. Feeding hummingbirds is a fun and rewarding activity, and one of the easiest ways to attract them is by providing sugar water in a hummingbird feeder. They are one of the smallest bird species, with the Bee Hummingbird being the smallest of all, weighing just 2.6 grams. Hummingbirds at feeder photo by Laura Taylor.Hummingbirds are exquisite creatures found throughout North and South America. Hopefully these suggestions will ensure a fun-filled feeding experience and keep the birds safe and healthy! Never add ANY Chili oil or powder to your hummingbird nectar! Finally, if you prefer to leave your feeder hanging in the yard, use a tall shepherd pole equipped with a Tough Bird Feeder Guard or a good raccoon baffle. Another method is to mount a hanger under a porch roof or off of a wall where it is away from post and railings the raccoons might climb. You can bring the feeders inside each night, a lot of trouble but most effective. You basically only have three ways to go. They are everywhere, they are great climbers and they love sweets. Raccoons – These crafty critters present a unique problem.Many other birds will stop and take a drink from the liquid in the moat, so poisons and repellents are a big No! Some people put cooking oil in moats which may not be harmful, but when rain or shaking spills the oil it definitely creates a big mess to clean up. Never put anything other than plain water into any ant moat device. Keep it filled with plain water and the ants will not be able to reach the nectar. Ants – The Cole’s Hummer High Rise feeder has a built-in ant moat.Some very small flying insects will squeeze their way inside but will not hinder feeding by the birds. Bees – The Cole’s feeder does not drip so large bees can’t get to the sweet stuff.Now that the feeder is clean and filled with proper nectar, how do you keep the bees, ants and raccoons from helping themselves? How to make sure your feeder only serves hummingbirds: Hummers are strictly sweet nectar and insect-eating creatures – anything else might even cause them to quit using your feeder. Chili Oil or Powder – While not harmful to hummers if ingested, Chilies are not part of the normal hummingbird diet and therefore should be avoided.Honey or Molasses – When mixed with water, honey and molasses create a great breeding ground for potentially fatal bacteria and mold to grow.Artificial sweeteners – Hummers do not need to watch their sugar intake, so never use any sweetener other than regular sugar when making nectar.If you think yours is not red enough, simply add a red ribbon to the hanger or place your feeder near a colorful flower bed. ![]() Most hummingbird feeders are already predominantly red so as to entice hummers to visit.
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