Tips on Choosing a Hummingbird Feeder

Tips on how to choose a good hummingbird feeder from the owner of a birding nature store

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Pets & Animals

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• hummingbird
• hummingbirds
• feeder
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[not2vu]

It's a myth that red nectar is bad....Google it.

[TheFatFinch]

@not2vu There is evidence that hummingbirds exposed to red dyed nectar have developed tumors of the bill and liver. There is no evidence to indicate that dye is safe for hummingbirds, so it's best not to take a chance. The red dye is totally unnecessary as most hummingbird feeders have red parts and that is enough to attract the birds without having to add dye to the nectar.

[TZ2OurLittleDogToo]

Nature First feeders are the very best. Wide mouth, easy to clean quart bottles with snap apart dripless feeding trays with eight ANGLED feeding ports and no yellow on them to draw bees or wasps. If you want your feeders filled with sitting happy hummies, get a Nature First feeder.  We feed swarms of hummies - I have used all kinds of feeders - none compare. (I don't sell them.)

[Kennedale01]

@not2vu It has not been determined yet if the red coloring is harmful or not. If the human studies are any indication, it may indeed be harmful. Companies like Perky Pet sell both dyed liquid and undyed powder, but which is the consumer likely to purchase? The liquid, of course, becuase it takes the least effort from store shelf to feeder. At one time, Perky Pet offered $100 to anyone who could produce a scientific study against the use of red dye. None of them met THEIR "criteria", of course...

[TheCinderella29]

I only use the saucer feeders like the hummzinger. It is superior and easy to clean.

Do not use the bottle type feeders, they are difficult if not impossible to clean. Only use the saucer type. Hummzinger.....

Use one part real sugar to 4 parts water and stir. Do not waste money on red dyes or pre-made nectar. Use real cane sugar... They love it!

CLEAN YOUR FEEDER.!! This cannot be expressed enough and rinse very well with water. Change the sugar water at least 3 times per week.!!!!

[lawndaisies]

This is good information. I would like to add that one should never buy that nectar in the store that has red dye and preservatives. It's easy to make your own nectar, and Audubon's website has a good recipe.

[fivecatseatmoose]

Thank you very much for sharing your experience.

[nitrolane11]

i have the six port hummzinger