Hummingbirds are fantastic to see in our yards! However, as we time gracefully marches onward, it’s easy to overlook the details that may be harming our little friends. Let’s look at some common feeder mistakes that may be hurting our hummingbirds sick.
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Check Price1. Using Dirty Feeders
Mold and bacteria that can be dangerous to hummingbirds can form on dirty feeders. Cleaning your feeder with hot water and a little soap every few days will keep those nasty things from growing. When you clean your feeders all of the time, you provide a safe place for your precious visitors to eat.
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2. Incorrect Sugar Water Ratio
Incorrect sugar water ratios will turn off and even make hummingbirds sick. The correct mixture should be four parts water and one part sugar. Never use honey or synthetic sweeteners since these could cause fungus and harm the birds. Using this method will ensure the birds stay healthy.
3. Using Food Coloring
You might think it's a good idea to add food coloring to your hummingbird nectar, but that's actually not a good idea. Food coloring could hurt the tiny birds. The bright red color in the feeder is already enough to attract the hummingbirds. Keeping your nectar natural also keeps the tiny birds safe from harmful chemicals.
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4. Not Changing Nectar Regularly
Old nectar can start to rot in the heat, becoming a place for bacteria and mold to grow. It is best to replace the sugar solution regularly to keep it clean and your visiting hummingbirds healthy!
5. Sunlight and Feeders
Generally, sunlight can make feeders more visible to birds; however, direct sunlight will cause the nectar to spoil faster due to fermentation. Placing your feeder in shady areas will slow fermentation and keep nectar fresh for longer. Shady feeders will also provide cooler feeding areas for the hummingbirds.
6. Ignoring Ant and Bee Problems
Ants and bees are pests that invade hummingbird feeders and keep the birds from coming. Using bee guards and ant moats will stop these bugs from getting to the nectar. These issues can easily be resolved so that the feeders continue to be a safe spot for the birds.
7. Using Metal Feeders
Over time, metal feeders can start to leach toxic substances into the nectar that can harm hummingbirds. To avoid this, select plastic or glass feeders with non-metal parts. This way, you know that your feeders will be safe and effective for years to come.
8. Using Different Feeders Located Too Close Together
Hummingbirds can be very territorial. When feeders are placed too close to each other, this may cause fights between them. If you space your feeders out, it will minimize conflict as well as promote more harmonious feeding. In addition, this will attract more hummingbirds of different species to your garden, as each bird will have its own feeding station.
9. Not Monitoring for Mold
If you clean your bird feeders regularly some occurrences of mold are inevitable. Look for signs of black mold near the feeding ports. To prevent the spores from causing problems you should do a deep clean of the feeders. An occasional vinegar soak will help keep your feeders bugs free.
