Feeding Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are attracted to the color red, which is why most hummingbird feeders have red on them. The liquid they drink does not need to be red, however. Some studies have shown that some commercially available red-colored hummingbird foods may cause problems and perhaps even lead to death of the birds. Since regular sugar is all you need and usually less expensive than these commercial foods, I recommend you make your own. Use the money you save on buying another feeder to help with cleanliness.

Hummingbird feeders must be kept scrupulously clean. Sugar-water is a great place to breed bacteria and fungi which could make the birds ill, perhaps even kill them. It's best if you can get two feeders and alternate each week. Take one down and wash it and put the replacement up. Rinse the feeders well, leftover soap can cause problems.

When feeding hummingbirds, you should never use sugar substitutes - the birds really do need the energy! They don't need to go on diets. Also don't use honey or other substitutes.

Placing more than one hummingbird feeder in an area might seem like a good idea, but placing only two or three in an average backyard can spell some trouble. Hummingbirds are very very territorial and males will generally drive off any other males in his territory.

If you do want to have more than one feeder, place them either as far apart as you can, or out of sight of each other. Putting one on each side of a house might work just fine.

As with other feeders, the birds don't care whether the feeder is elaborate or simple. Please yourself with the design of the feeder.