Guest guest Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 Linda T. Collins [ltcollins_1] Hummingbird Information The hummingbirds are starting their fall migration. I'm seeing more and more birds each day. Many of the ruby throats come through Rockport on their migration across the Gulf to the Yucatan, Mexico. Since we have been in such a drought this year, I thought that many of you might be interested in putting out some feeders to help the little guys get across the Gulf. Feeders can be easily purchased just about anywhere. Glass feeders last longer and are more easily cleaned. You should never add red dye to the solution because it can make the birds sick. The red color of the feeder is enough to attract the birds. The solution for the feeders is 1 part sugar to 4 parts of water. Boil the water and then add the sugar and stir to dissolve. Let it cool before placing it in the feeders. While extra solution can be kept in the refrigerator for two weeks, it is best to make smaller amounts more often. The feeders should be cleaned with hot water (no soap) every three days in hot weather. The feeder should be placed in an open, shady spot where the hummers will have easy access. Every now and then when the feeders get really dirty, clean them with a bleach water mixture of one part bleach to ten parts water and let soak, rinse with lots of fresh water and let dry thoroughly before refilling. And the most important thing is to keep your feeders clean. In Texas, where it is so hot, do not allow your solution to be in the feeder for more than two days. A fungus will start to grow in the solution which causes for the hummers to get a chronic respiratory infection. The hummers do not know that the fungus is in the solution and will continue to feed from it. So make sure you keep your feeders clean. Since you need to change your feeders every other day, just add small amounts of the solution to the feeders. That way the solution is not being wasted. This is a good website for hummingbirds <http://www.hummingbirds.net/> http://www.hummingbirds.net/. I'm sorry if some of you received this twice. Linda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.