Are You Practicing Safe Feeding Every Time? Satisfying Your Hummingbird Properly and Carefully

The hummingbird is an amazing creature that dazzles the human senses with its excited chirps, flying acrobatic maneuvers and territorial nature. These tiny creatures have the moxie of a bear and the swiftness of a cheetah, but a body smaller than many insects. These traits are why so many adore the little flying aces and provide feeders to attract them. Some are better than others are in their appeal , and the price can range from a couple dollars to well over fifty. I can tell you now; Perky-Pet makes the best feeders as far as attracting hummingbirds.

The Perky-Pet Feeder
In fact, the one we have used over the years after trial and error on many others is Perky-Pet's model 203CP. The "P" means it has perches for the birds to rest their wings as they get a nice sip of sugar water. The price is under $10 most places. What attracts them to this particular feeder? The color red is the main reason. These little juggernauts find food based on sight, so this is a major reason why this particular model is a winner when it comes to attracting the little avian beauties.

Now, your glass bottle container is clear and the faux-nectar is too; the homemade recipe is below, handed down through the generations - well, I will teach my son. The distinctive red coloring is found on the feeder's top, base and perches and the imitation red flowers have a yellow, removable, plastic center. These are more than just for decorative purposes, these stubby cylinders have holes based on the weave of plastic pieces that prevents other critters, such as undesirable insects, from eating up the product.

Please Spare These Smaller Than Sparrows
There are some responsibilities one must own in order to make a positive influence on the hummingbirds' very existence, at least the ones near your feeder. Most importantly, you must have the appropriate mixture in your feeder and the proper ingredients. White, cane sugar is what you need and it should be mixed four parts water to one part sugar. You do not want more as rumors abound that this may damage the poor bird's health. Too little included in your solution may mean your feathery friend is burning more calories than it is taking in from the stingy brew you have made. That certainly cannot continue indefinitely.

However, your new yard-mate will only allow this to be a supplement to its diet, as it will also find natural sources of nectar. Do not be tempted to buy artificial nectar or add red food coloring to your concoction. The diminutive stature of these graceful flyers lends them to be susceptible to disease from even the slightest bit of chemicals they do not commonly ingest. Sugar and water, C₁₂ H₂₂ O₁₁ and high quality H₂O (tap Water is actually recommended - no need for boiling). Never mind that my photos show I am not practicing what I preach at the moment - gasp - red, pretend nectar that came with the feeder. I just found out about it, together, with you. We are bonding...

Cleanliness
Here, you have a little leeway. The reason being, if you neglect your feeder and the solution is not potable, the hummers will snub their noses beaks and look in your neighbor's yard or the flowerbed. I read that they will actually starve themselves rather than eat tainted rations you have neglected. Wait until PETA hears about this... Every couple of days to twice a week, take the feeder down and replenish its stock. While doing so, rinse everything with hot water and wipe away mold or other unsightly messes with a paper towel, or a regular towel to be more Eco-friendly.

Once a month, give it a vigorous cleaning, still no use of soap, but you may use bleach as long as you rinse it thoroughly. Only use this if there is a build-up that will not come off with hot water and a towel. These finicky, over-sized bees do not like the taste of soap one bit and may abandon your clean, freshly made, simple sugar solution because they are not glad you use Dial.

Sit Back and Enjoy
The charming, long-beaked couple that "own" my feeder seem to notice when I have removed it and are anxious to see if it will return. Undoubtedly, there is an inspection flyby within minutes of replacement. They have yet to send it back to the chef, so I assume they are pleased with my efforts of waiting on them. You might add a 15% gratuity on their bill since I have yet to receive the first tip. I hope you will get one, assuming you are between feeders at present, and experience the world of the only bird that can fly backwards on purpose and appreciate the fact the Americas are the only places you will find them. Their migration timing for your locale is but a few clicks away on the Internet so you know when to place your feeder out in the spring and when Elvis has left the building in the winter. Here in Florida, we have their beauty year-round. I wish happy hummingbird watching to all!