HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR RECIPE
We love hummingbirds and love to watch them throughout the day, especially after a long day, relaxing in our backyard nature retreat.
We have 4 feeders that are strategically located throughout our gardens. The red, hummingbird nectar feeders ( red attracts hummingbirds) are placed in areas that are naturally defined "territories" ( as you know, hummingbirds are very territorial) which helps cut down on the fighting.
Our recipe is derived from the old standard recipe, but please be aware that a lot of research has gone into making sure that we are providing the most beneficial source of hummingbird food replacement.
Our recipe starts with cane sugar. As you know, there are two sources of sugar: cane sugar and beet sugar, of which 70% of the world's supply comes from cane sugar. Both are chemically "sucrose" and fall into the carbohydrate family. Carbohydrates are easily digested and provide the immediate "energy boost" that hummingbirds need to sustain their incredibly high metabolism. (Comment: I guess if we humans had that kind of metabolism we wouldn't be facing our obesity crisis! Wow?what a concept ?more exercise ?increased metabolic rate ?burn more calories ?less fat).
Sorry! Back to the topic?the second constituent our hummingbird food recipe is water. Ever thought about the type of water you use for your hummingbird food? We have. The hummingbird's source water comes from the naturally occurring water sources available: dew, rain water and deposits of rain water, people provided (bird baths), and finally that provided in the hummingbird's diet.
We use our tap water which is supplied from our well. The water's chemical composition is generally hard ( contains calcium and magnesium) but has a TDS ( Total Dissolved Solids) of 275 ppm with no measurable concentrations of lead or arsenic. Its safe for us to drink so the hummers get the benefits of some added minerals. We feel its better than using distilled or purified water in our hummingbird recipe.
Now, if you're a city dweller, you may have chlorine or flouride added to your water. I'd recommend boiling that water to flash off the chlorine or flouride, 5 minutes of boiling should be sufficient.
Next ingredient ?.RED COLORING?.No way!
Lets look at it from a hummingbird's perspective. They like red and are attracted to the color due to genetics and environmental stimuli ? flowers. If your hummingbird feeder is red? why do you need more?
Naturally occurring nectar is clear and odorless ( Hummingbirds are not attracted by scent). So why buy these colored or scented mixes?
The red coloring (Red #40) has been banned in countries due to its mutagenic properties ( can cause cancer). Why would you want to introduce chemicals into the hummingbird's diet that are foreign to their digestive system?
Several experienced, licensed wildlife rehabilitators have reported seeing disturbing damage in hummers that were known to use dyed syrup, including tumors of the bill and liver.
Here is our researched hummingbird food recipe:
1 part cane sugar/ 4 parts water ( no chlorine or fluoride) Measure and add sugar, at the rate of 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of water. Let cool and store excess in refrigerator until ready to use.
Fill one-third of the container and be sure to change the mixture twice a week. You will need to clean your feeder every few days, with hot water and a mild (10%) bleach solution to inhibit bacteria/mold. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with water syrup.
Hope you enjoyed the article!
George Steiner
www.hum-ming-bird.com
George and wife Judy are empty nesters (ah ha no wonder the affinity for birds!)who enjoy the outdoors, stained glass and eagerly awaiting for the truckloads of laundry that their two college daughters bring home. Of recent, the internet has played an integral part in George's lengthening "To Do" list and Judy's search for a internet rehabilitation center.
Is your concrete or asphalt driveway an eyesore? Do you... Read More
If you live in an apartment or town home, you... Read More
Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of... Read More
Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More
Many people have asked us over the years "Should I... Read More
Wildlife require water just as humans do. Water is essential... Read More
Container vegetable gardens are a great alternative for those that... Read More
There are many varied definitions of what each color of... Read More
Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like... Read More
A few years ago I made the decision to create... Read More
In the previous article I discussed design for your new... Read More
Our flower garden in August can be brimming with activities... Read More
Today there are sprays, scented candles, plug-ins, and even discs... Read More
Just like humans need food, water and shelter to survive,... Read More
Called the "herb of happiness," Origanum majorana, commonly known as... Read More
Gardening is fun and rewarding and may be considered a... Read More
Do you love to sit outdoors and swing for hours... Read More
When hot, sticky days hit, try to use all your... Read More
You know that brown patchy debris in a lawn that... Read More
One of the long standing myths that I still hear... Read More
Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a... Read More
Putting in a flower garden or any garden for that... Read More
Tropical flowers make an exciting change from the more traditional... Read More
Notice any fish disappearing lately? While herons are present year-round,... Read More
The world's tallest unsupported flagpole is located in Amman, Jordan.... Read More
Having an outdoor patio offers the opportunity and place to... Read More
No dig gardens essentially strive to be their own ecosystem.... Read More
Swallowtail butterflies are some of the most beautiful butterflies found... Read More
Roses are one of natures most beautiful and splendid gifts.... Read More
The bright yellow flowers of the marsh marigold (Caltha palustris)... Read More
Most of us regard a sundial as an attractive ornament... Read More
Perhaps you were browsing the pages of a catalog and... Read More
An important addition to any British back garden, greenhouses are... Read More
How often you mow your lawn will depend on a... Read More
Unless you have access to a greenhouse, or something like... Read More
Having a beautiful and functional landscape is every homeowners dream.... Read More
Purchased corn, whether on the cob or in a can... Read More
When planting a garden there are many questions which you... Read More
Scents from the rose garden filling the air as you... Read More
For centuries, it has been known that teak has qualities... Read More
Having a gazebo in the backyard is an excellent way... Read More
My first introductions to Hostas were four small green and... Read More
To keep wood garden sheds, arbors, or trellises looking their... Read More
Compost, made from decomposed grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and branches,... Read More
Asparagus is a perennial plant with erect, edible stems and... Read More
Roses are the traditional gift given on Valentines Day, but... Read More
Imagine starting your morning with a saunter out the back... Read More
The shade garden can be exploding with color and texture.... Read More
Do you have a knack for being with moths? Most... Read More
Decorative Birdhouses are active garden ornamentation --the presence and movement... Read More
Every spring the United States and Canada are blessed with... Read More
In days gone by, outdoor furniture was cast from iron.... Read More
One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is finding... Read More
Noted English clergyman Sydney Smith (1771-1845) is quoted as saying,... Read More
Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part... Read More
Many of us flip through garden magazines, all the while... Read More
Spring is coming, and now is the time to get... Read More
Whether you call them Hydrangea Macrophylla, House Hydrangea, French Hydrangea,,... Read More
Before planting, the plants must be prepared. The following suggestions... Read More
Traditionally, preformed ponds are large shells, which are extremely burdensome... Read More
Dried plants and dried flowers are midway for people who... Read More
One winter evening I was working on the computer when... Read More
Whenever you decide to look for a butterfly house for... Read More
When selecting plants for the landscape, is important to select... Read More
If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of... Read More
Love flowers, but don't have the space -- or the... Read More
Landscaping & Gardening |