8 Hummingbird Feeder Mistakes You Should Never Make:-When it comes to feeding hummingbirds, there are a few mistakes that should be avoided, such as adding blue or brown sugar or red dye. Educate yourself on the reasons why hummingbirds might not be visiting your feeders. All of the products that we feature are selected by our editors and specialists by hand. On the basis of your purchases, we might receive a commission.
8 Hummingbird Feeder Mistakes You Should Never Make
It is possible to find sugar water in a reddish hue on store shelves during the spring and summer months. Don’t put your money into it! (And by the same token, you shouldn’t make it yourself by adding food coloring to it either.) Due to the fact that hummingbirds are drawn to the color red, it may be tempting to turn sugar water crimson; however, the possible risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
The birds can be harmed by the artificial components that are found in red dye. Ensure that the sugar water in your bird bath is as clear as the water in your bird bath in order to maintain the happiness and health of your backyard hummers. This is the one and only recipe for hummingbird nectar that you will ever require.
Including Any Substances Except Pure White Sugar
If you add more sweet components to your hummingbird mixture, such as honey, brown sugar, or fruit juice, you could think that you are benefiting the hummingbirds. Sadly, that assumption is false.
Also see :- 10 Super Cute Hummingbird Moments and StoriesÂ
Both honey and brown sugar have the potential to be quite sticky; also, the high iron concentration in brown sugar’s molasses can kill hummingbirds. A lot of fruit juice mixes contain artificial sweeteners, which are bad for your flying jewels. Feed only sugar water at your feeder and keep things simple: One part white sugar (not powdered!) to four parts water.
Absence of an Ant Moat
You should install an ant moat on your hummingbird feeder if this is the first you’ve heard of doing so. Ant moats fasten to the feeder’s hanging mechanism. Ants are prevented from entering the hummers’ food supply by filling the cup with water, which also preserves your delicious sugar water.
(There may already be ants in your feeder. It’s important to make sure because some, like the feeder seen above, have them integrated right in.) Ant moats are also visually appealing; some are quite intricate. However, you can also purchase a standard bronze cup if that’s what you’d prefer.
Keeping Your Hummingbird Feeder Uncleaned
If you neglect to clean your hummingbird feeders, mold, bacteria, or pathogens that collect from droppings or ill birds could injure your garden companions. Make sure your hummingbirds continue to hum by giving your feeders a once-weekly cleaning.
Next, add fresh sugar water to your clean feeder. Hummingbird feeder cleaning is simple; all you have to do is empty the feeder and give it a good scrub down with hot water or a bleach solution. Your feeder can even be cleaned in a dishwasher! You can get into all the cracks and crevices with the aid of these little cleaning brushes.
Putting Out Feeders at the Incorrect Time
It should go without saying, but you must put out your feeder while hummingbirds are in the area if you want to attract them. Furthermore, that isn’t always obvious because hummers arrive at various times across the nation.
Find out when your hummingbirds return in the spring by doing some research, and then make sure you leave your feeders up for any hummingbirds that arrive late in the fall to migrate. Certain species, like the Anna’s hummingbirds (above), frequently don’t leave at all in some states!
Not Installing the Feeder Properly
Make sure the hummingbird feeder is elevated enough off the ground when you install it. Aside from making sure that other backyard animals like squirrels and raccoons can’t get to the sugar water, it should be out of the reach of hummingbird predators like cats.
On warmer days, think about setting the feeder in the shade to prevent algae formation and prolong the freshness of the nectar. Additionally, make sure the feeder is located in a visible and enjoyable area! This will enable you to keep a close eye on it when it needs to be cleaned and filled.
Having Just One Hummingbird Feeder Available
It goes without saying that hummingbirds have a strong territorial streak. A lone bully hummingbird may end up taking over the entire sugar water feeder if you only lay out one.
The other hummers in your backyard will then have to find somewhere else to eat. It becomes more difficult for the hostile hummingbird to “defend” both food sources when you set out numerous feeders…. the others will be grateful!
Not Putting Up the Correct Flowers
Although this isn’t really a feeder error, it’s still important to know if you want to draw hummingbirds. If you grow flowers that hummers appreciate in addition to providing a feeder, they are more likely to visit your yard.
They are drawn to red, and nectar from flowers is a great source of sustenance for them. Planting perennials, such as the bee balm (above), will eliminate the need for annual replanting. However, there are also lots of excellent annuals for hummingbirds. If your porch or balcony is small, consider these potted flowers.
