Hi,
At the moment I have 5 hummingbirds feeders out and lots of hummers have been visiting them. I am spending a fortune on food.
Is it possible to do my own hummingbird food? If so, does anyone have the recipe?
What can I do to keep ants off the feeders?
Thank you.:o)
2 questions about hummingbird food
I use 4 cups water to 1 cup sugar.
The best way to keep the ants away is with a moat. Here's the feeder I have and it works well:
http://www.hummzinger.biz/hummzinger.htm
Wild Birds Unlimited carries a red ant cup that you fill with water, then attach any feeder to the hook at the bottom. A bonus is that the small birds will come to drink the water at the top.
I would never use a commercial hummer food. They are a waste of your money! All of them (the ones I've seen on the store shelves anyway) contain food coloring which is potentially harmful to the birds. This may be debatable, but why take the chance? We are trying to help them through migration, not hurt them.
I usually make 2 cups at a time. Boil the 2 cups of water, add 1/2 cup sugar and stir until the water is clear. Let cool. Any leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator. Of course, you can make a greater quantity if you are going to use it all within maybe a week. Happy Humming!
I make my own too, for the same reason Shotsilk does plus it's a lot cheaper. I have dozens of hummers at my feeders all day long and go through 5 pounds of sugar per week. I'd have to take a loan to buy enough of the mix they sell in stores!
The Hummzinger feeders with ant moats are by far the best. But don't dispose of your current feeders, just add an ant moat to them. This site has the Hummzinger feeders and also separate moats. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pet_supplies.cfm?c=9089+11047
I have made my own with the tops of spray cans by drilling a hole and using hot glue to seal the hanger in place; then fill with water. Won't work if it gets hot like TX does, and empty. Also, don't add the red color to the water, it is not necessary and may be harmful some say.
Hi everyone,
what a knowledgeable bunch!!! :o)
I got the sugar so will be making some food tonight.
I am going to check all the links. Thank you very much!
I remember while growing up my mum used to feed the hummers with sugar and water. i moved away to England where there are no hummers and, when I come back i read that commercial food is better and more healthy than the old way.
I don't agree with that anymore. I awalys wondered about the red dye being bad for them as well.
Thank you everyone!
That's 4 parts water to one part sugar, BTW. I just found my feeder outside on the ground. The coons must have gotten to it last night. They broke the bottom part trying to get the sugar water in it. The antics of that family of 5 coons is getting really old! I can't wait until the babies are old enough to relocate them. It hasn't even been two weeks since I bought the feeder.
This message was edited Aug 11, 2008 10:38 AM
Linda, I am sorry to hear about the broken feeder.
Racoons are sooo cute though, especially babies.
Well...if you lived closer, I'd be right over with the family of five that are driving me up the wall! LOL!
Hi Linda,
I have never seen a racoon here but I used to be visited by a family when I lived in Atlanta.
I could always give you some opossums in exchange!!!;o)
hey yall,
i too use the 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. i too use at least 5 pounds of sugar a week sometimes more. i have to refill all feeder every day lately. some days it lasts 2 days but most of the time it is every day. i have tons of hummers. i love to watch them when it is raining very lightly they love that. i would never use the red dye either. enjoy your hummers and we love to coons too to watch only when they start getting into stuff i dont like them much. have fun with the hummers, tina