Hummingbird Fequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from soft bodied insects like aphids, gnats, small spiders, and fruit flies. But require nectar from flowers and sugar water from feeders to provide the energy for their metabolism. Bob Sargent, an authority on hummingbirds, says 'Hummers need nectar to power the bug eating machine that they are."

Feeding hummers is a commitment. Feeders should be cleaned frequently. When over 80F, the nectar can go bad in 3-4 days, and in 2-3 days when the temperature is over 90F.

A feeder should be easy to clean - all inside surfaces can be reached and cleaned with a bottle brush. Use hot water, no soap, and scrub well. a 10% bleach solution can be used to kill any mold or fungus. Rinse well, and refill with fresh nectar.

Make your own nectar.
1 part white sugar to 4 parts water. You do not have to boil the water (the bacteria off the first hummer's tongue will be more than is in your tap water). Hot water does make the sugar disolve quicker.... be sure to COOL the water before filling the feeder.

Hummingbird authorities do not recommend the commercial hummingbird food, it's more expensive than plain sugar and contains a lot of things hummingbirds do not need.

Also, NO red dye, artificial sweeteners, or honey.






Other site of interest:

www.hummingbirdsplus.org

www.hummingbirds.net

http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/hummingbird
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