|
The humming birds love this and I have to fill the feeders all the time.
Regardless, clear (sucrose/sugar) only is there choice so we are sticking to that.We used this Opus product a couple times as it was combined in a special sale of feeders we picked up. I don't know if we're killing them with kindness by feeding them straight sugars [.].) ie: do hummingbirds metabolize sugar in the same manner as humans. We did a side-by-side test of mixes and found that only on occasion did any birds feed on the Red Perky Pets mix (sucrose, dextrose and Red dye 40 - toxic to birds). No different than sugar, so we've returned to that. hmmm.Found a nice page ([.].) about this topic while posting this note (did a quick search on red dye and what do you know this is an article about hummingbirds).PS: the cost of regular sugar is a fraction of these "special" mixes, but another question is whether cane, beet, or some other sugar source is best for the birds. 90% of our hummingbirds (of various types) feed on the clear stuff. Maybe they are smarter than us in the US, or maybe they didn't like the dextrose.
If you're having issues attracting hummingbirds then try a red colored feeder with a good perch or even adjusting the feeder you have now. For a convenience mix this one is decent. hummingbird central. I had trouble with one of mine until I put red fabric flowers on the ports, then poof. It's 100% sucrose, no red dye, and mixes quickly without boiling. Of the clear mixes I've tried my local hummingbirds prefer this one.Please do not use convenience mixes or homemade mixes with red dye, it's absolutely unnecessary and could be harmful to the hummingbirds.
It is the best, bar none, for both ease of use and for attracting hummingbirds. We have been using this brand of hummingbird food for nearly ten years.
Clean and then fill your feeders. Allow to cool. Donate the money you save to the Audubon Society, or put it toward another feeder. The producers of these products are running a major scam - they are selling you SUGAR at a huge profit margin.Mix one cup of sugar to four cups of water. Heat to boiling.
|
