1: A clean feeder. Because they can die from contaminants including fungus
2: That you (empty and) clean, thoroughly no less often than 7 to 10 days. Because (see #1)
3: That you fill with a mixture of 1 part of granular white sugar to 4 parts water. No flavors. No colors. Because they’re used to nectar and plain sugar water is as close as you can get.
4: That you keep replacing until the hummies leave for the season. Because if they’ve come to depend on it, it would be beyond mean to take it away.
I make my own. One part sugar to four parts water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Then let it cool to room temp. No honey or artificial sweeteners.
The powers that be (In this case the game commission & Audubon) have asked us to put the bird feeders away. There’s a songbird die-off that was announced in W.Va. & Ohio and has now spread here to PA.
The last that I heard they still don’t know what’s causing it.
Concretionist over 3 years ago
IF you wish to feed hummies please use
1: A clean feeder. Because they can die from contaminants including fungus
2: That you (empty and) clean, thoroughly no less often than 7 to 10 days. Because (see #1)
3: That you fill with a mixture of 1 part of granular white sugar to 4 parts water. No flavors. No colors. Because they’re used to nectar and plain sugar water is as close as you can get.
4: That you keep replacing until the hummies leave for the season. Because if they’ve come to depend on it, it would be beyond mean to take it away.
STEPUP over 3 years ago
They like the color red, so that’s why the feeder and the syrup are that color.
MS72 over 3 years ago
Red dye #2 got banned.
Triss49 Premium Member over 3 years ago
The color of the food doesn’t matter and the dyes can hurt the hummies.
DebUSNRet over 3 years ago
I get my feeder liquid at wallyworld by Pennington. It has natural red coloring.
e.groves over 3 years ago
I make my own. One part sugar to four parts water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Then let it cool to room temp. No honey or artificial sweeteners.
joegee over 3 years ago
The powers that be (In this case the game commission & Audubon) have asked us to put the bird feeders away. There’s a songbird die-off that was announced in W.Va. & Ohio and has now spread here to PA.
The last that I heard they still don’t know what’s causing it.
Zebrastripes over 3 years ago
I took all feeders down because of the sickness going around America
raybarb44 over 3 years ago
picky, picky……
WCraft Premium Member over 3 years ago
Our 2 sons were allergic to red dye as children. We found that out the hard way after a few birthday parties where red Kool-Aid was served!