This will be my first year to make up nectar mix and I'm really confused over the differant methods of making it.Some say boil then let cool,some say no need to boil,some say 3to1 early to really attract them,some say 4to1.
What do you guys think?I'm going to start hanging them out this week and want to see what's worked the best for you all.
Don
New Port Richey Florida
Hummer poll-Boil or No Boil,4to1 3to1 pros or cons
Don,
I know the frustration. I have premade packages of hummingbird food that you just add water to. These have been doing just fine. I purchased them at Target. When these packages run out, I am going to have to decide between boiled food or nonboiled food.
I have had two species of hummingbirds so far this year. From what I understand only three species use Southwestern Riverside County as their home.
Good luck,
Chuck
No boil 4:1 mix. If I'm in a hurry, I'll use warm water to make the mix, so the sugar melts faster.
This is quoted from a hummingbird site trochilids.com:
To boil or not to boil? Many people were taught to boil their sugar solution "to retard spoilage." Some still believe this is important. I remain in the camp of the unconverted. Boiling certainly helps the sugar dissolve a bit faster, but unless you sterilize the feeder, too, the "retard spoilage" thing is nullified as soon as the nectar hits the unsterilized feeder reservoir. And think about the very first hummingbird that puts its dirty bill into the nectar... Some also claim that boiling helps to evaporate the chlorine in the water. But chemically, the chlorine is neutralized upon contact with the sugars. So boil if you want to, but don't feel its a required step. In fact, you SHOULD STILL change the nectar and wash your feeders in hot water every 3-4 days whether you boil or not. Do it sooner if the solution begins to get cloudy or discolored. Too many people think that just because they boiled their solution, it won't sour as fast. To avoid that false sense of security, folks might consider NOT boiling their nectar!
Here is the site link to the site http://www.trochilids.com/faq.html
According to many articles that I've read - {for folks that are on 'city water systems'} - it is considered best to boil the water to remove the chemicals (and smells) such as chlorine, etc. .. that are used to 'treat' the water for human consumption.
With our present water supply (natural spring) .. I still heat the water a bit, to hasten the sugar to dissolving. One can also prepare a larger batch and keep in the fridge, such as in a clean gallon milk jug. < I do this quite a bit, during the heat of the summer time. The hummers really appreciate their 'cool aid', also!
My wee ol feeble mind is getting more cantankerous .. but, I do b'leeve I usually lean toward the 4:1 ratio .. until there's such an influx of the lil flying jewels! That's when it seems they're so much more intent to seek to challenge one another, with their kamakazi attacks and 'demolition-derbies' .. (hence, 'spraying' so much all over the place) - I usually lighten it up a bit, to 5:1. I figger they're getting ample 'energy' to tussle - they (rather *I*) can afford a wee lil 'cut-back'.
The lil boogers ...
- Magpye
This message was edited Feb 26, 2006 10:47 PM
I usually boil the water in my teakettle, then put it in a measuring cup and add the sugar. 4:1 always. I put any leftovers in the fridge. Our water has a lot of chlorine, you can smell it sometimes, so I really like to boil it. Becky
The only time I boil mine is when I am not watching the pot carefully enough. Lol The water just needs to be hot enough so that all of the sugar is saturated.
I just put the sugar in a quart jar and add hot water and invert it a time or two (shaking may cause hot sugary water to spew out if the lid isn't on really tight). It melts the sugar and I let it cool down. Whatever I do, I still have to wash the feeder from time to time.
I have been feeding hummers for over twenty years. I have never boiled the water! I DO wash the feeders with each change/refill but nothing special in between. I have in the years located at least 5 hummer nests within 100 feet of my house (and that's without looking too hard), which tells me I'm doing something right. I start in the early spring with a little stronger mix, for the early comers to help them through til more flowers are in bloom, then back to the 4 to 1 mix through the summer. In the late summer I add more sugar to give them a boost for the fall migration flight. I have never used bought "mix" (plain sugar is cheaper).
There are lots of instructions out there - just start with the basic 4 to 1 and over time play around with it and come up with what works best for you.
A small warning here - my brother tried to keep all the hummers happy one summer and the result was 14 feeders that he refilled *every day*!!! He was afraid the "revenoors" were going to raid his house because of the amount of sugar he was buying to support about 200 hummers! He didn't find any more nests than I did. I have only 3 feeders and have plenty of entertainment. The hummers will sort out amoung themselves who gets what.
Remember the sugarwater is just a sweet treat "boost" to them, not really a total life support. They, and their babies, need the insects and real nectar to live happily. So, rather than rely on feeders, plant flowers!! Put a few feeders where you can watch and enjoy them and plant lots of flowers that you *and* the hummers can all enjoy! Another joy is to offer a misting watering system. I have as much fun watching the birds flying through the mist as I do the feeders. And not just hummers. Cardinals, wrens, sparrows, whatever, love water. A bath, a sprinkler, a pool, a fountain, whatever - they love them!
Sorry about the lenght of this - but I hope it helps.
ginni
edited to add one note - I don't use large feeders because the mix may stay in there too long and go bad. I prefer the smaller sizes or don't fill them all the way. It isn't hard to wash out and refill three feeders every 5 or so days ( I have extras to rotate). Also get feeders with large filler openings for easier cleaning (many can be put in the dishwasher!). Remember - what you offer will be more for your enjoyment than their need. Offer some for your pleasure and they will fill in the blanks!
This message was edited Mar 8, 2006 1:04 PM