Having a hummingbird feeder in your yard during the summertime can add a thrilling touch to your outdoor space. These vibrant and acrobatic little fliers rely heavily on natural nectar from flowers to fuel their incredibly high metabolism. While flowers should be their primary food source, you can supplement their calories by providing them with a sugar water feeder. Here’s how you can maintain a hummingbird feeder that is entertaining for you and beneficial for the hummers.
Hummingbird feeders are a kind gesture towards your local hummingbirds, especially during times when there is a shortage of flowers. However, since these tiny birds are attracted to feeders, it is crucial to keep them clean and safe. Hummingbirds consume liquid food at an astonishing speed by lapping it up with their long, flexible tongues that retract in a coil around their eyes. They are particularly drawn to the color red as they associate it with higher-nutrient nectar. Many sugar water feeders have red plastic parts for the hummers to sip from, although red food coloring, which was once believed to attract hummingbirds, should be avoided.
Unfortunately, hummingbird feeders provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Microbial communities are present everywhere, and sugar water feeders attract similar types of bacteria found in flowers, along with a few additional varieties. A study published in 2019 found that the microbial communities in sugar water had few disease-causing species, but a small fraction of them were associated with a deadly fungal infection called candidiasis. This infection causes the hummingbird’s tongue to swell, making it impossible for them to eat. To prevent the spread of this disease through your hummingbird feeders, it is necessary to clean them regularly using a non-toxic cleaning solution like weak vinegar, away from areas used for food preparation. Cleaning the feeders every three to five days, and more frequently during hot summer weather, is recommended. Most feeders can be taken apart for thorough cleaning, and it is important to avoid using soap or detergent as they can leave harmful residue.
When it comes to the hummingbird food itself, the feeder should only contain a homemade mixture of four parts water to one part refined white sugar. The water should be boiled and cooled before adding it to the feeder. Regular tap water, well water, or bottled spring water are all suitable options.
While hummingbird feeders are safe and beneficial for the birds, there is also a lot of misinformation out there. Here are some things you should avoid doing with your hummingbird feeder: Always place clean feeders in a shaded spot, preferably in front of a window where you can enjoy watching them safely!
Although hummingbirds are known for their nectar consumption, they also eat bugs to meet their nutritional needs. They sometimes pick insects off leaves or catch tiny insects while flying.
Remember to follow these guidelines to provide a healthy and enjoyable environment for the hummingbirds in your yard.