Frequently Asked Questions

Is the red dye used in commercial hummingbird food dangerous for birds? If so, how can we make our own hummingbird food?

Categories: Bird Feeders

It’s better not to add any colouring, including food colouring, to hummingbird food. Colouring is unnecessary and only serves to introduce chemicals into the bird’s diet. It’s actually the red dispenser of the feeder that attracts hummingbirds. Once hummingbirds know where the feeder is, they’ll have no problem finding it.

To make your own hummingbird food, boil one part white sugar to four parts water for five minutes. You can use the solution once it has cooled, storing any excess in the refrigerator. Do not use honey in the mix, since it can make hummingbirds sick. Artificial sweeteners are also harmful; they provide no sustenance for birds.

Fill one-third of the container and be sure to change the mixture twice a week. If the weather is very hot you should change it more often (every second day). When you change the mixture, clean the feeder with hot water to remove bacteria.

Hummingbirds can become dependent on feeders — be sure to maintain your feeder continually or phase it out gradually.

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