Homemade 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 homemade hummingbird nectar 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 fluoride added to your water. I’d recommend boiling that water
to flash off the chlorine or fluoride, 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.
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.
Article Source:
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hummingbird nectar.
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