- *Attracting and Caring for Hummingbirds
HOW TO KEEP HUMMINGBIRDS HAPPY
PAGE CONTENTS:
1. Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar
2. Hummingbird Feeders
3. Hummingbird Feeder Location and Ant Moats
4. Hummingbird Feeder Maintenance
5. Hummingbird Environments
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Hummingbird and the Heron |
1. Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Never ever use premixed solutions!
* ESPECIALLY do not use any product with red dye in it.
* It's unnecessary and may harm the birds.
* At best it is useless.
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*HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR IS A ONE TO FOUR MIXTURE -
*1 PART SUGAR TO 4 PARTS WATERI REPEAT -
Use one part regular white granulated cane sugar (NO substitutes, except plain white beet sugar) to four parts cold or room temperature tap water (filtered water is preferred - and is a must if you're drinking water has fluoride, chlorine, or is not of good quality).
* This is the most widely accepted solution.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
EASY NECTAR RECIPE - STEP #1
Take off label and thoroughly rinse empty bottle with clean, filtered water. Use a funnel and put 1½ cups of plain white granulated sugar into bottle. * You can use plain white cane sugar or beet sugar. Beet sugar looks and tastes the same, but is less expensive. I've been using it for years. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER KIND OF SWEETENERS!
EASY NECTAR RECIPE - STEP #2
Fill the bottle with room temperature filtered water to the top of the blue Ocean Spray logo. (Or measure 4 parts water to 1 part granulated sugar in another type of plastic bottle). Put the top on and shake the sugar and water until dissolved. (It will look cloudy at first.) And you are done! This nectar mixture can be refrigerated for up to two weeks! (Although around here it rarely lasts a day.)
Keeping up with so many hungry hummers is a challenge and a joy. Here's some photos of my Hummingbird Nectar Operation. The first photo shows my supplies and empty Ocean Spray juice bottles. I now prefer them over soda bottles because they are heavier weight plastic, (#2) which is recyclable here, while most soda pop and water bottles are not - (#4 or no number). The squarish bottles fit nicely in the fridge and I love their new cranberry juice products! Since I have over a dozen feeders, it does take some time to clean and refill them everyday. See how nice the bottles (3 gallons worth) fit in my rather small refrigerator. The nectar will stay for up to two weeks there. And I'll give testimony to how much the gang loves a fresh cold drink on a hot summer day!
* This is the most widely accepted solution.
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* This mix approximates the average sucrose content of flowers favored by North American birds.
* Do not make it sweeter as it may harm the birds.
* There is no need to boil the water! It is best to use a water filter (such as Brita or Pure) to filter your tap water or use bottled water. (Unless you have had your water tested recently, I highly recommend using filtered or bottled water. Even municipal water may have lead, chlorine or fluoride in it. Old private or municipal systems may have lead in the pipes which can be activated by hot water.)
* I repeat, use only room temperature filtered water or cold tap water (using hot tap water may activate contaminants). Dissolve the sugar by stirring or add it directly to the bottle (see my *SSuper easy bottle recipe below) and shake well. If you feel the need to use hot water to dissolve the sugar, just heat filtered water in the microwave.
* This mixture will last up to two weeks in the fridge.
* Do not make it sweeter as it may harm the birds.
* There is no need to boil the water! It is best to use a water filter (such as Brita or Pure) to filter your tap water or use bottled water. (Unless you have had your water tested recently, I highly recommend using filtered or bottled water. Even municipal water may have lead, chlorine or fluoride in it. Old private or municipal systems may have lead in the pipes which can be activated by hot water.)
* I repeat, use only room temperature filtered water or cold tap water (using hot tap water may activate contaminants). Dissolve the sugar by stirring or add it directly to the bottle (see my *SSuper easy bottle recipe below) and shake well. If you feel the need to use hot water to dissolve the sugar, just heat filtered water in the microwave.
* This mixture will last up to two weeks in the fridge.
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HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN NECTAR
Lasts 2 weeks in the fridge!
*Sandy's SSuper easy bottle recipe:
EASY NECTAR RECIPE - STEP #1
Using an Ocean Spray or Similar Sized Bottle
Take off label and thoroughly rinse empty bottle with clean, filtered water. Use a funnel and put 1½ cups of plain white granulated sugar into bottle. * You can use plain white cane sugar or beet sugar. Beet sugar looks and tastes the same, but is less expensive. I've been using it for years. DO NOT USE ANY OTHER KIND OF SWEETENERS!
EASY NECTAR RECIPE - STEP #2
Using an Ocean Spray Bottle
Fill the bottle with room temperature filtered water to the top of the blue Ocean Spray logo. (Or measure 4 parts water to 1 part granulated sugar in another type of plastic bottle). Put the top on and shake the sugar and water until dissolved. (It will look cloudy at first.) And you are done! This nectar mixture can be refrigerated for up to two weeks! (Although around here it rarely lasts a day.)
My Supplies for Making Nectar
The Sugar Water - Nectar Assembly Line
Some Tips And Tricks
Keeping up with so many hungry hummers is a challenge and a joy. Here's some photos of my Hummingbird Nectar Operation. The first photo shows my supplies and empty Ocean Spray juice bottles. I now prefer them over soda bottles because they are heavier weight plastic, (#2) which is recyclable here, while most soda pop and water bottles are not - (#4 or no number). The squarish bottles fit nicely in the fridge and I love their new cranberry juice products! Since I have over a dozen feeders, it does take some time to clean and refill them everyday. See how nice the bottles (3 gallons worth) fit in my rather small refrigerator. The nectar will stay for up to two weeks there. And I'll give testimony to how much the gang loves a fresh cold drink on a hot summer day!
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Bottles Save Space
See the HB supplies and feeders I recommend on Amazon.
* Birds like to perch and survey their territory.
* A flat feeder allows for greater visibility producing less anxiety.
* Sitting and resting during feeding saves precious energy.
* Perching helps young birds to socialize.
* Flat feeders are MUCH easier to clean.
* Yellow flowers on feeders are unnecessary.
* Birds like to perch and survey their territory.
* A flat feeder allows for greater visibility producing less anxiety.
* Sitting and resting during feeding saves precious energy.
* Perching helps young birds to socialize.
* Flat feeders are MUCH easier to clean.
* Yellow flowers on feeders are unnecessary.
* They are said to attract ants.
* They make the feeder much harder to clean.
I don't like the idea of a disposable feeders, commercial premixed nectars or any other gimmicks that companies come up with just to make money! If you don't have time to clean out your feeders, just hang seasonal flowers that the hummingbirds will enjoy. See the list below.
If you are serious about attracting your own little band of buddies, it's important to be vigilant about the filling and cleaning of several feeders right from the beginning. If you aren't, they'll just come on down to my place! ☻ I put out several feeders as soon as I see activity, because hummers are so territorial that if you only have one or two out, some will just move on if the competition is too tough. Read this entire page to find out all the details of hummer happiness. If you have any questions, be sure to email me! I'd love to hear from you!
* They make the feeder much harder to clean.
I don't like the idea of a disposable feeders, commercial premixed nectars or any other gimmicks that companies come up with just to make money! If you don't have time to clean out your feeders, just hang seasonal flowers that the hummingbirds will enjoy. See the list below.
If you are serious about attracting your own little band of buddies, it's important to be vigilant about the filling and cleaning of several feeders right from the beginning. If you aren't, they'll just come on down to my place! ☻ I put out several feeders as soon as I see activity, because hummers are so territorial that if you only have one or two out, some will just move on if the competition is too tough. Read this entire page to find out all the details of hummer happiness. If you have any questions, be sure to email me! I'd love to hear from you!
Hummingbird Feeders I Recommend
Aspects Brand are the best and most durable hummingbird feeders I've tried. They are a little more expensive than some, but in the long run, you get what you pay for!! These also make wonderful thoughtful gifts that are as practical as they are attractive.
Aspects Hummingbird Hummzinger Feeders
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, at no added cost to you, thank you.”
Please Read
• FEEDER RECALL! •
From facebook - 5-12-18 - "This
is an alert to remove this feeder from your property or stores. There
is a flaw in the manufacturing and the hummers are getting their
beaks and tongues stuck. I personally found a hummer stuck and when
removed, his/her tongue was left stuck in the feeder. I also found a
beak broken off in one of the flowers. To check your feeders for safety:
remove the flower, look at the little insert, usually yellow, in the
flower. If there are slits on this piece, stop using the feeder. If no
slits, you are fine. My husband and I love our hummers, this upset us so
much. The store I bought this feeder from has removed them from their
shelves and they are, as well as myself, contacting the manufacturer."
I personally would not use this feeder or any like it, ever! Who's to say that the crack might appear with age, change in temperature, etc....
3. Hummingbird Feeder Location
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| Hummingbirds ~ Symbols of Joy |
Location is Key!
* The north side is most desirable. - It's in shade most of the day.
* The south side is least desirable. - It's in direct sun most of the day.
* Placing feeders under trees provides cover and eliminates direct sunlight. However, don't hang them directly from trees or objects where cats or other animals may gain access.
* Pole hangers or shepherd's hooks are the safest and most versatile for hanging feeders.
* They can easily be moved to ideal locations.
* This keeps feeders a safe distance off ground - away from predators.
* Position feeders near trees and plant cover.
* Hang feeders near windows so you can enjoy the hummingbirds' company.
* To be on the safe side, put decals and or sun catchers on windows near feeders to avoid collisions.
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* Ant moats filled with clean water are a great deterrent and are available for purchase in many styles. Make sure you get ant moats, not ant guards. Ant moats are filled with water, ant guards contain pesticides!
* Or you can make your own ant moat. My husband made mine in my favorite color. Be sure to keep them clean, because small birds like finches and sparrows like to drink from them.
These, my husband made, out of spray paint caps.
He used stainless steel bolts, gaskets and washers.
* Do not spray PAM or use any type of oil on your poles as there is always a chance that the oil could drip or come into contact with birds which can be deadly for them.
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4. Hummingbird Feeder Maintenance
The return is well worth the effort.
* Maintaining your feeders is a commitment. ~ Your hummers will become dependent on your care.
* Be prepared to continue with the upkeep.
Or just plant a hummingbird garden, instead.
* Hummingbirds will starve rather than consume spoiled sugar water. ~ They will simply move on.
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* Discard any unconsumed or spoiled solution after a couple of days time, or if the water becomes cloudy.
* Each time, visually inspect the entire feeder for black mold every time you fill it! I use a bucket and several different size brushes and clean mine outside, so I don't track sugar water trail through the house. If you scrub them with clean water and a brush every time you fill them, you will not get a build up of slime, tiny bugs or mold.
* If the birds are not emptying your feeder between fillings, clean and just partially fill it next time.
* If the sugar solution in your feeder turns cloudy, it's spoiled and needs to be replaced.
* If you get a lot of rain and the mixture gets diluted, you need to change it.
* If you see bugs in the water, you need to change it.
* When the temperature is over 80 degrees (F), clean and refill every day or at least every other day.
* Over 90°F, it will spoil in one day, so in hot, humid weather, discard unused nectar and clean daily.
If you've done all this and your feeders are looking dirty, it is time for **a cleaning!
A bleach soak easily removes the black stuff (bugs, mold and debris) that can build up in the nooks and crannies, but if a thorough inspection and cleaning is done each time you fill your feeders, you probably will not need to do this step at all.
* Soak for 1/2 hour, then clean with a kitchen, bottle or feeder brush. Rinse well under running water and allow to dry thoroughly in the sun before refilling.
* If the
mold and or bug debris will not come off with plain water and a good brushing, it is
easily removed with a bleach soak. A bleach soak can be done on a regular basis, monthly or as needed.
** For a bleach soak, clean the feeder thoroughly with a solution of 1/4 cup bleach to two - three gallons of water.
* Soak for 1/2 hour, then clean with a kitchen, bottle or feeder brush. Rinse well under running water and allow to dry thoroughly in the sun before refilling.
* I repeat, Rinse WELL with running water and dry the feeder thoroughly in the sun before refilling.
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Perfect Brushes for Hummingbird Feeders
Little Brushes for Little Places
I love these and always keep several around.
5. Hummingbird Environments
Make your yard hummer friendly
* Plant vegetation that attracts hummingbirds ~ to provide natural nectar and attract the insects they feed on.
* A hummer garden is also a great way to attract customers to your feeders!
* Don't use pesticides around hummingbird plants.
* Pesticides will also eliminate the small insects hummingbirds rely upon for protein.
* Ingesting nectar or bugs from sprayed flowers could sicken or kill the birds.
* Some Common Plants to Attract and Feed Hummingbirds ~
Trees and Shrubs ~ * Azalea * Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) * Cape Honeysuckle * Mt. Laurel * Mimosa
Vines ~ * Coral Honeysuckle * Cypress Vine * Morning Glory * Trumpet Creeper
Flowers ~ * Bee Balm (Monarda) * Canna * Cardinal Flower * Columbine * Foxglove * Hosta * Yucca * Fuchsia * Impatiens * Petunia * Various Salvia species
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BEWARE of the Praying Mantis!
September - 2019 - We
still have a lot of hummingbirds here, but we also have attracted some
unwanted predators to our feeders. BEWARE of the Asian Praying Mantis! This
is the 2nd one in two days! I have found several young
hummingbirds dead with a mysterious hole in its head. I have also seen evidence of butterfly kills on my Butterfly Bushes. These killers blend in very well on the bushes. I now know what is to blame Hummingbird lovers keep an eye out for these killers
on your bushes, trees, plants and feeders! Destroy them and their egg clusters! Try to place hummingbird feeders away from bushes and trees. Mantises are very good at disguising
themselves so that they can sneak up more effectively on their prey,
hence why many are shaped like twigs and leaves. See more about the subject here.
This is an invasive species from Asia. I have not seen any native Praying
Mantis in years here. The Native Praying Mantis, the Carolina Mantis
(Stagmomantis carolina) is found (or used to be) across North America
and is particularly abundant south from New Jersey to Florida. The one
on my hummingbird feeder here is huge (about 6" in length), and an invasive species from Asia
that is harmful to our native species (only about 3" in length) and to hummingbirds, butterflies,
and other small birds. You can read more about the invasive species here: https://www.brandywine.org/.../blog/invasive-mantis-species
Feel free to email me at: Sandy@SandySandy.com
with any questions or feedback you may have!
  
Wishing You Joy and Hummingbird Happiness,
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And My Little Sugar Sand Sweeties
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